How to Prepare for a Notary Appointment

Home › Notary Guide › Appointment Checklist

By the notaries at Mar Vista Cheap Mobile Notary, commissioned by the California Secretary of State · Updated October 26, 2026 · Sources: California Notary Public Handbook (Secretary of State, 2026), Civil Code § 1185, Government Code § 8205, Government Code § 8206

• Every notary NNA certified
• $100,000+ E&O insurance per notary, plus the $15,000 state bond
• 4.9★ on Google, 115 reviews
• 12,000+ documents notarized

The checklist

• ID for every signer. Original, on the California list, current or issued within five years. No photocopies or photos.
• The document, printed. On paper, every page, single-sided unless the original is double-sided. We can’t notarize from a phone or tablet screen.
• Every blank filled in. Write the information in, or mark “N/A.” A notary must refuse an incomplete document.
• Unsigned (to be safe). Acknowledgments may be signed in advance; jurats must be signed in front of the notary. If unsure, wait.
• All signers present, or separate appointments arranged for those in other places.
• Witnesses, if needed. For documents that require them (wills, some health care directives, signature by mark) or for credible witnesses if a signer has no ID.
• Know what the recipient wants. Acknowledgment or jurat? Number of originals? Apostille needed? Ask the bank, agency, court or attorney ahead of time.
• Payment ready. We confirm the total before the appointment.

Tell us in advance if…

• A signer doesn’t have acceptable ID
• A signer can’t write their name, or has trouble signing
• The appointment is at a hospital, care facility or jail (visiting hours, check-in rules and the patient’s condition matter)
• The document is in a language other than English, or the signer isn’t comfortable in English
• The document is for use in another country
• There are many documents or signers (for example, a full estate plan or a loan package)

For deeds and powers of attorney

Expect to leave a thumbprint in the notary’s journal; it’s required by law (here’s why). If the right thumb is injured or bandaged, another finger will be used.

For hospital and care facility visits

• Check that the signer will be awake and alert at the appointment time; morning is often better, and some medications affect alertness.
• Confirm visitor rules and where we should check in.
• Have the signer’s ID at the bedside. Hospital wristbands aren’t ID.
• If the signer can’t talk with the notary and show they understand and want to sign, the notarization can’t go forward. More in hospital notary service.

At the appointment

1. The notary checks each signer’s ID and scans the document for completeness and the notarial wording.
2. For a jurat, the notary gives the oath; signers sign in front of the notary. For an acknowledgment, signers confirm their signature.
3. Signers sign the journal (and thumbprint where required).
4. The notary completes and seals the certificate(s). Review names and page counts before we leave.

Common questions

Should I sign my document before the notary comes?

Only if it needs an acknowledgment. Documents with a jurat must be signed in front of the notary. When in doubt, wait.

Can I bring the document on my phone?

No. It needs to be printed. If you send it to us ahead of time, we can print it for you.

How long does a notary appointment take?

A single document with one signer often takes 10 to 15 minutes. Loan packages and multiple signers take longer; we’ll estimate when you book.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. We’re a mobile service and come to you by appointment, 24/7.