How to prepare for your notary appointment
A notarization is quick and painless when you come prepared. Here's the complete checklist — ID, documents, signers — and a step-by-step of what happens when we meet.
By The Notaryous LLC · Updated July 2026 · ~6 min read
A notarization goes smoothly when you come prepared. Here's the complete checklist of what to bring and what to expect.
The essential checklist
1. Valid photo ID
This is the most important requirement. Acceptable IDs (current, or expired less than 3 years) include a state driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport (not a passport card), a military or tribal ID with photo and signature, or a recognized foreign passport. Not acceptable: temporary licenses, student or employee IDs, credit cards, or any ID lacking both a photo and signature.
2. Your (usually unsigned) document
For jurats and signature witnessing, do not sign ahead of time — you'll sign in front of us. Acknowledgments can usually be pre-signed. Never sign a blank or incomplete document.
3. A complete document
All blanks should be filled in or marked “N/A.” We're required to decline documents with unexplained blank spaces, because they can be altered later.
4. All signers present
Everyone who must sign has to appear (or join via remote online notarization). A spouse can't sign at home and send the document with the other. If someone holds power of attorney, they can sign on another's behalf — bring the signed POA.
5. Awareness of what you're signing
We'll briefly confirm you understand the document, are signing willingly, and have capacity to sign. It's a legal obligation that protects you and prevents fraud.
What to expect during the appointment
- Identification — we examine your ID (2–3 min).
- Document review — we check for blanks and identify the notarization type (2–5 min).
- Willingness & awareness check — a brief conversation (1–2 min).
- Journal entry — you sign our official journal, your receipt and our record (3–5 min).
- The notarial act — acknowledgment, jurat, or witnessing (2–3 min).
- Certificate & seal — we complete and stamp the certificate (2–3 min).
Most single-document notarizations take 15–20 minutes.
Special situations
We can travel to hospitals and care facilities (we may confirm capacity with staff), work with interpreters when there's a language barrier, and handle multiple documents in one visit — just make sure every document is complete and every signer is present.
Need a document notarized?
We come to you across Portland Metro & Clark County, WA — evenings and weekends by appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign the document and bring it to you later?
It depends on the notarization. Acknowledgments can be pre-signed; jurats and signature witnessing must be signed in our presence.
Can you notarize a document I received by email?
Yes — print it and we'll notarize it. True electronic (in-person electronic) notarization requires special technology.
My document has no notary certificate — what do I do?
We can add the appropriate certificate, but we can't tell you which one to use (that's legal advice). The sender or recipient should specify the notarization type.
Can my ID be expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than three years ago and has both a photo and a signature.
What if I don't have ID?
We can't notarize without acceptable ID, but a credible witness who personally knows you and has acceptable ID can sometimes stand in.