How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment

Make Your Appointment Quick, Smooth, and Stress-Free

Preparing for your notary appointment takes just a few minutes, but it can help prevent delays and ensure your documents are completed correctly the first time. Whether we’re meeting at your home, office, hospital, care facility, or another location, here’s what you should have ready before your appointment.

At Bennett Mobile Notary, my goal is to make the notarization process simple and convenient. Before every appointment, I provide clear instructions and answer any questions you may have so you know exactly what to expect. Reviewing the information below will help your appointment go smoothly and ensure your documents are completed efficiently.

🪪 Have Valid ID Ready

Every signer must present an acceptable, government-issued photo ID before any document can be notarized.

Examples include:

• California Driver License
• California Identification Card
• U.S. Passport
• Foreign Passport (when permitted by California law)
• Military Identification Card

Important: California law requires the notary to verify each signer’s identity before notarizing any document. If you have questions about whether your identification is acceptable, please contact me before your appointment.

📄 Review Your Documents

Before your appointment, take a few moments to review your documents to ensure they are complete and ready for notarization. Verify that you have all pages of the document, and complete any required information except for the signature(s) unless you have been instructed otherwise. Documents should be signed only in the presence of the notary. If you’re unsure whether your document is ready or have questions before your appointment, feel free to contact me—I’m happy to help you prepare.

Helpful Tip: While it’s not required, many clients choose to email or text their documents before their appointment. Reviewing them in advance can help identify missing pages, determine whether witnesses may be needed, and answer general questions about the notarization process before we meet.

👥 Make Sure All Signers Are Present

Every person whose signature will be notarized must be physically present at the time of the appointment. California law requires all signers to personally appear before the notary and present valid identification before their signature can be notarized. Signers cannot be identified or acknowledge their signature by telephone, FaceTime, Zoom, or any other video or audio call.

✍️ Know What You’re Signing

If possible, take a few minutes to review your documents before your appointment so you understand what you are signing. If you have questions about the contents of your documents, please contact the attorney, agency, or individual who prepared them. As a California Notary Public, I cannot provide legal advice or explain the legal effect of your documents, but I’m always happy to answer questions about the notarization process and help you know what to expect during your appointment.

Helpful Tip: It’s perfectly normal to have questions before your appointment. If you’re unsure about the notarization process or what to expect, feel free to contact me beforehand. I’m always happy to explain the process and help you prepare for a smooth appointment.

💳 Have Your Payment Ready

try to make payment as convenient as possible for my clients. To make the payment process simple and flexible, I accept the following forms of payment:

• 💵 Cash
• 💳 Credit & Debit Cards (3% processing fee applies)
• 📱 Zelle
• 📱 Venmo
• 📱 Apple Pay
• 📱 Cash App
• 📝 Business Checks (or approved clients only)

Payment is due at the time services are rendered unless prior arrangements have been made. Business and personal checks are accepted only from approved clients or established business accounts.

🤝 Confirm Witness Requirements

Some documents require one or more witnesses in addition to notarization. Before your appointment, please review your documents or contact the attorney, agency, or individual who prepared them to determine whether witnesses are required. If your documents require witnesses and you are unable to provide your own, please let me know when scheduling your appointment. I can often arrange for qualified witnesses for an additional fee with advance notice.

Witnesses are commonly requested for estate planning documents, advance health care directives, and certain real estate documents.

📞 Questions Before Your Appointment?

Have questions before your appointment? I’m happy to help. Whether you’re unsure about the identification requirements, witnesses, document preparation, or the notarization process, feel free to contact me before your appointment. My goal is to make your notarization as smooth, convenient, and stress-free as possible.