Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment
“Is there a notary near me?” happens to be a major concern among most Americans. Reason? Arranging a heap of paperwork, following up with a reliable notary, and keeping documents secure tend to get overwhelming at times.
Having said that, scheduling a notary appointment is actually simple. Abide by the right steps and key essentialities, and you are good to go. While it’s no rocket science, failing to determine the primary aspects of the procedure can spoil things for you. You should gain as much insight as possible to keep unclear ideas at bay.
Let’s explore the right steps to follow for a seamless transition.
Step 1: Know Your Notarization
First things first, you must learn and understand the type of notarization you need. Each notarization has a specific purpose to serve.
Here’s what you must know.
Acknowledgement:
It ensures that you are confirming your identity and signing the document willingly.
Copy Certification:
A copy certification confirms the authenticity of the copy of the document, ensuring an accurate copy of the original document.
Jurat:
The signer takes an oath and validates the contents of the document as true. It is primarily applicable for depositions, affidavits, etc.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
It is always better to be prepared than repenting later, isn’t it? So, make sure you have the following documents ready.
ID Proof
You must come up with a valid government-issued photo ID proof, preferably a passport, driving license, or a state-issued identification card. Make sure the document you produce is valid and updated as per the laws.
The Primary Document
Make sure the document is complete and ready to be signed by the concerned authority. Notaries require you to sign the document in front of them unless there are exceptions.
Additional/Supporting Documents
Please note that you may need to come up with additional documents in specific circumstances. It is suggested you verify the same with the notary before proceeding.
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Step 3: Read Through the Document
Prior to the appointment, invest some time in reading and understanding the document you are about to sign. If you find any section confusing or in case it requires a special action, feel free to ask the notary for further clarification.
Step 4: Verify Witnesses (if required)
Some notarization may require witnesses to be present during the procedure. If your documents require the same, then make sure you have the witnesses present during the time of the appointment. Verify how many of them are needed to be present and that they are sound-minded, and have proper identification. In some cases, witnesses might be required to sign a separate document/form.
Step 5: Schedule an Appointment
Once the stage is set, get in touch with your notary to book an appointment. It can be in-person, at home or any other preferred location. You should also talk about and verify the payment structure and modes with the notary before everything else.
Step 6: Be Punctual & Prepared
You should not rush through the process. So, arrive on time for a smooth transition. That way, you will get some time to focus, review the documents, and make sure you don’t miss out on anything important. Do not sign the document until you meet the notary. Remember, you are required to sign the document in front of them to ensure validity.
Step 7: Sign the Document & Understand the Notary’s Role
You should present valid ID proof and may have to answer some basic questions. You have to sign the document in front of the notary. In some scenarios, the notary may also have to sign the document and affix their signature/stamp.
Also, you must get the hang of the notary’s roles and responsibilities thoroughly. They are responsible for verifying your identity and witnessing your signature. Remember, they do not provide legal advice, nor do they interpret documents for you. The document to be notarized will be rejected if you fail to provide proper identification or in case you are suspected of not signing it voluntarily.
Step 8: Receive the Notarized Document
Once the notarization process is complete, the notary seals the document as a token of verified certification. The seal/stamp generally includes the state of authorization, commission number, and of course, the notary’s name. So, make sure the person in charge of affixing the stamp is aware of the essentials. The notary will return the document to you after signing it. You must inform them beforehand if you need multiple copies of the document.
Step 9: Pay the Fees & Store the Document Securely
You should pay your notary the fees set by the state laws. However, the payment structure may vary by state. Also, you may have to pay extra if you opt for mobile notaries. Reason? They may charge an extra amount for commutation and after-hours assistance. Have a clear conversation with the notary beforehand to avoid any potential roadblocks down the road.
Once the notarized document is handed over to you, store it in a safe place. You can ask for additional copies too. However, make sure the original document is securely stored.
Special Considerations:
Some states in the United States, such as Illinois, Colorado, Iowa, and Michigan, allow for RON (Remote Online Notarization). Well, if you are using remote notarization services, then make sure to have your ID(s) ready to show virtually via webcam. Also, you need to sign the document digitally. So, make sure you have a stable internet connection.
To End With,
With digitization growing by leaps and bounds, you need not worry about preparing for your notary appointment. Use NotaryNearMe.com to schedule appointments seamlessly, anytime, anywhere. Whether you need mobile assistance or you prefer to visit a nearby office, we have got your back. Simply get in touch with us today.
We partner with some of the top-notch notary scheduling professionals in and around the USA. The platform aims to help you schedule notary appointments fast and flawlessly. It will not only simplify the signing process but also cut down the hassle once and for all.
