Notary Appointments: What to Bring and What to Expect

What a notary does

A notary public is an official commissioned by a state to witness signatures and verify the identity of signers, among other duties. A notary does not check whether a document is legally correct or give legal advice (unless they are also a lawyer). Each state sets its own notary laws, ID rules and fees.

Finding a notary

Notaries work at many banks and credit unions (often for their customers), shipping and office-supply stores, law offices and some government offices. Call ahead or book online — not every location has a notary on duty at all times. Some states allow remote online notarization by video; check whether your state and the receiving organization accept it.

Appear in person, with valid ID

State guidance consistently requires the signer to appear before the notary and prove their identity. For example, the Texas Secretary of State says a signer may bring a document they’ve already signed but must still appear in person at the notarization and prove their identity. Accepted IDs vary by state; Texas lists IDs such as a state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport, permanent resident card or military ID that contains a photo and signature and is not expired. California and New York publish their own requirements.

If you have no acceptable ID, some states allow alternatives such as credible witnesses — check your state’s rules and ask the notary in advance.

Should you sign before you go?

It depends on the type of notarization:

• An acknowledgment confirms you signed the document. California’s notary handbook says the document can be signed before it is brought to the notary.
• A jurat involves an oath; California says the signer must appear, take an oath and sign in front of the notary.

If you aren’t sure which applies, don’t sign in advance — bring the document unsigned and ask the notary.

What to bring

1. The complete document, with all pages, and any blank spaces filled in or marked as not applicable.
2. Current government photo ID that meets your state’s rules.
3. All signers — everyone who needs to sign must usually be present with their own ID.
4. Any witnesses the document itself requires (for example some wills or real-estate documents).
5. A payment method if the notary charges a fee.

At the appointment

The notary checks your ID, may record details in a journal (required in some states), watches you sign if needed, then completes the notarial certificate with their signature and seal. Check that names and dates are correct before you leave.