The rules that apply to almost every appointment
Identification: each signer needs acceptable photo ID, and the name should match the document. Bring the actual card, not a photo of it. Signers: everyone who must sign should be present, because a notary cannot notarize for someone who is not there. Unsigned document: bring it unsigned unless the requester says otherwise, because for many acts the notary has to see you sign.
Blanks: fill in what you can before the appointment, because a notary may decline to complete a certificate on a document with empty spaces. If a line truly does not apply, ask the requester how they want it handled. A notary cannot choose entries for you. Witnesses: if the form asks for them, arrange them in advance. Our guides What ID do you need to get something notarized? and Why Notaries Question Blanks on a Document go deeper.
Affidavits and sworn statements
Read the statement and make sure every sentence is true and in your words. A notary cannot write it for you or judge it. Bring any attachments the statement mentions. Keep it unsigned, because the usual notarial act has you swear to it in front of the notary.
Check whether the office wants special wording. If the form already has a notary block, bring it as is. A separate guide on this site walks through a typical affidavit visit from start to finish.
Power of attorney documents
The person giving the power is normally the signer who appears before the notary. Bring the full document, every page, and the names of any agents spelled as on their ID. Ask the person who prepared it, or an attorney, whether anyone else must sign or witness.
A notary does not explain the powers, say whether they suit your situation or advise on whom to name. See our guide Signing a Durable Power of Attorney: Notary Steps for the appointment itself.
Vehicle paperwork
Bring the title or the form from the motor vehicle agency, plus the vehicle details and the ID of every person who must sign. Ask the agency which signatures need a notary and which do not, since the requirements differ by form. Do not sign over the title or fill in the buyer's section ahead of time unless the agency tells you to.
Gather lien release paperwork if there was a loan. See Vehicle Title Transfer in a Private Sale: Notary Role for more.
School, travel and business forms
For school and travel forms, ask the school, airline, consulate or other requester which form and which signers they need. A notary cannot tell you whether both parents or only one must sign. Bring ID, and any trip or enrollment details the form asks you to fill in, such as dates and destinations. Read What a Child Travel Consent Letter Should Include and School Enrollment Residency Affidavit Notarization. If a child's passport application needs a parent's consent, ask the issuing agency which forms apply.
For business documents, bring the exact legal name of the business and the title of the person signing. If the signer acts for a company, the requester may want proof that the person may sign, such as a resolution or authority document. A notary does not decide whether a person has that authority. Everyone who must sign should be available at the same time, or arrange separate appointments. See Notarizing a Business Contract: What the Notary Does.
Last checks before the visit
Call the requester if anything on the form is unclear. Put ID, documents and any witnesses by the door. Confirm the time, address and who will meet the notary. If the signer is in a hospital or care home, check visiting rules. MCC Solutions will confirm these with you when you book.
Remember that the notary completes the act you ask for and cannot give legal advice. Ask an attorney if you need help with a legal question.
Common questions
Should I sign my document before the notary arrives?
Usually not. Many notarial acts require the signer to sign in front of the notary, so bring the document unsigned unless the requester or notary tells you otherwise.
What if one of the signers cannot attend?
The notary cannot notarize for a person who is not present. Arrange another time for that signer, and ask the requester whether the signings can be on separate days.
Can the notary fill in the blanks for me?
No. Complete the blanks before the visit or ask the requester how to handle lines that do not apply.
More notary guides
- Signing a Durable Power of Attorney: Notary Steps
- Using an Interpreter at a Notarization: Rules and Tips
- Which Documents Can Be Apostilled? Types and Examples
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation.