5-Step Document Notarization

Tips for a successful and streamlined notarization appointment: How to prepare, What to expect, and Payment options.

Michelle Smart

2/7/20242 min read

How to prepare:

Gather your document(s). Review the documents to make sure that any fill-in-the-blank lines are completed. A notary cannot notarize an incomplete document.

Verify your government-issued ID is valid and not expired. The notary will need to verify the identity of all persons party to the document. All persons need to be present with the notary at the time of the notarization.

  • If a current ID cannot be found, the signer may use a credible witness as their form of identity verification*. Each state has guidelines for credible witnesses. In the state of Arizona, the credible witness must personally know the signer, present valid ID, be placed under oath or affirmation, and attest to the signer's identity under penalty of perjury. The credible witness will have to sign an Identity Affidavit form and the notary's journal.

Wait until you are in the presence of the notary before signing the document(s). Some documents require a signature in the presence of the notary while others do not.

  • Forms using an acknowledgment for the signer's signature do not require a signature in the presence of a notary. The notary will still need to compare the document's signature with the signer's ID signature and the signature the signer places in the notary's journal. An oath or affirmation must be signed in the presence of the notary. It is best practice to wait to sign documents while in the presence of the notary.

What to expect:

The process of a notary appointment is fairly straight forward.

  1. The notary will first scan the document(s) for completeness.

    Please be aware, notaries are not authorized to give advice, legal or otherwise, about the contents of a document or how to fill one out. Notaries are public servants authorized by the Secretary of State to act as impartial witnesses for signatures on important documents, deterring fraud by certifying authenticity.

  2. The notary will then collect signer(s)/witness(s) ID(s) and fill in the notary journal with the appropriate information. The signer(s)/witness(s) sign the notary journal. The notary compares signature(s) in the journal with signature(s) on ID(s).

  3. The notary begins the signing process by asking the signer(s) if they are signing on their own free will and if they understand the document they are about to sign. If the answers are satisfactory, the notary proceeds to explain the types of signatures required, administering oaths/affirmations if necessary, and collects signatures.

  4. The notary collects payment.

  5. The notary notarizes the document(s). This completes the notarization process.

Payment Options:

Venmo

Paypal

Zelle

Cash

Payment via credit or debit card in person

Payment through website mobonoto.com

Major Credit Cards accepted:

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB

Needing a document notarized can be a stressful time. MoboNoto LLC understands this and aims to make the process simple and affordable for you. Our experienced team of notaries is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and successful notarization experience. We value your time and convenience, which is why we offer flexible appointment scheduling options to accommodate your busy schedule. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through the necessary requirements and provide clear explanations, ensuring that your document is properly notarized. With MoboNoto LLC, you can have peace of mind knowing that your important documents are in good hands. Trust us to handle your notarization needs efficiently and with the utmost professionalism. Whether it's for personal or business purposes, we are here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today for a stress-free notarization process.

*Credible witnesses are allowed on a state by state basis. Contact me to learn more about your state's guidelines.