If you’ve never had a document notarized before, the process can feel more mysterious than it needs to be. At its core, a notarization is simple: a licensed notary confirms your identity, watches you sign, and applies their seal to certify the moment happened.

What to bring

You’ll need a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Bring the unsigned document itself; most notaries won’t accept a document you’ve already signed at home, since they need to witness the signature. If anyone else needs to sign, they’ll need to be present too, with their own ID.

A typical appointment takes 10 to 15 minutes once everyone is in the room and the paperwork is in order. Delays almost always come down to missing ID or a signer who isn’t present, so double-checking both before you book saves everyone time.

Whether you come into one of our offices or book a mobile notary to meet you, the process is the same. We’re just making sure it happens on your schedule instead of the notary’s.