How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment: A Checklist

Don't Let a Missing ID Ruin Your Appointment

You've booked the mobile notary. They are on their way. But are you actually ready? Every day, appointments are cancelled or delayed because signers are missing one critical item. Use this checklist to ensure your notarization goes off without a hitch.

1. The Golden Rule: Identification

A notary cannot proceed without valid ID. No exceptions.
Acceptable IDs in CA:
- CA Driver's License or ID Card (current or issued within last 5 years).
- US Passport.
- Foreign Passport (must be stamped by USCIS or valid).
- Driver's License from another US state (current).
- US Military ID (with photo, signature, and ID number).

What doesn't count? Social Security cards, credit cards, birth certificates, or gym memberships. If your ID is expired, tell us immediately before we arrive.

2. The Document State

Do NOT sign the document before we arrive!
For a Jurat (sworn statement), you MUST sign in front of the notary. If you signed it yesterday, we will have to make you sign it again or use a new form.
However, DO fill out the rest of the document. No blank spaces should be left (except the signature/notary sections). A notary cannot notarize a document with incomplete blanks, as it invites fraud.

3. The Signer's State

The signer must be alert, aware, and willing. If the signer is heavily medicated, confused, or being pressured by a family member, we cannot legally proceed. We will ask conversation questions to establish "capacity" before we start.

A little preparation ensures a 15-minute appointment stays 15 minutes.