Prepare for Your Notary Appointment

Have your current government-issued photo ID

Identification must be current and not expired. The name on the ID should match the name on the document.

• Driver’s license
• State ID card
• Passport
• Military ID

Make sure the document is complete

All pages of the document should be present before the appointment.

• Do not bring documents with missing pages
• Blank spaces should be completed, lined out, or marked “N/A” where appropriate
• Attachments or exhibits should be included if referenced

Incomplete documents cannot be notarized.

Witnesses (if required)

Some documents require one or more witnesses in addition to notarization. We are unable to provide witnesses, so if they are required, please arrange for them in advance. Witnesses must also provide current, valid photo identification.

A witness will be asked to swear an oath that they observed the signing. Witnessing a document does not make the witness responsible for the document, its contents, or commit them to anything else beyond confirming that they witnessed the signing. (See the section below explaining oaths and jurats.)

All signers must be present

Everyone signing the document must appear before the notary, either in person or by video via the online notary platform. It is not acceptable for someone to sign a document and then have another person bring it to the notary.

Signers must be willing and aware

Each signer must understand what they are signing and must be willing to sign.

Notary Type: Acknowledgment vs. Jurat

What is an Acknowledgment?

An acknowledgment confirms the identity of the signer and that the signer voluntarily signed the document. The signer must personally appear before the notary and provide valid identification.

The beginning of an acknowledgment may look like this:

“Acknowledged before me on this ___ day of ______, 20___...”

What is an Oath or Jurat?

A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true.

The document must be signed in the presence of the notary.

The beginning of a jurat might look like this:

“Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me this ___ day of ______, 20___...”

What’s the Difference?

An acknowledgment confirms the identity of the signer and that the document was signed voluntarily. A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true.

The correct notarial certificate is usually printed on the document or specified by the organization requesting the notarization.

A notary public cannot choose the type of notarization for you,
explain the contents of a document, or provide legal advice.

A notary can describe the types of notarial certificates, but you must make the choice. Usually, the choice has already been made and the certificate already appears on the document. If you are unsure which notarization is required, please check with the person or organization that prepared the document, or with an attorney, before the appointment.

Questions before the appointment?

Call or text if you have questions about what to bring or how to prepare.
Please have your documents and identification ready when the notary arrives.