Getting something notarized sounds simple: bring your document, show your ID, sign, and get the stamp. But in practice, a lot of people walk in unprepared—and walk out either frustrated or empty-handed. It’s not always their fault. Notary rules can feel technical, and every type of document has its own quirks.
Whether it’s for a power of attorney, a real estate form, or a simple affidavit, avoiding common notary mistakes can save you time, hassle, and even legal headaches. Here are five things people often get wrong before seeing a notary—and how you can avoid doing the same.
1. Signing the Document Before the Appointment
This is probably the most common mistake. People show up with a document that’s already signed, thinking they’re saving time. But notaries are required to witness the signature in real time. If it’s already signed, they might have to refuse service—even if everything else looks fine.
To avoid this, bring your unsigned document and only sign it when the notary tells you to. That’s part of their job: watching you sign and confirming you’re doing so willingly and knowingly.
2. Forgetting Valid Identification
A notary can’t just take your word for it—you need to prove who you are. And that means bringing proper ID. The problem is, not all forms of ID are accepted. Expired IDs, student cards, or library cards won’t cut it.
In most states, you’ll need a government-issued ID that’s current and includes your photo and signature—like a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. And make sure it’s not expired. Even being one day out of date can cause the notary to turn you away.
If you’re notarizing for someone else (like an elderly parent), make sure they have their ID too. You can’t sign for them unless you have legal authority, and even then, rules apply.
3. Not Knowing What Type of Notarization You Need
There isn’t just one kind of notarization. There’s a jurat (where you swear the content is true), an acknowledgment (where you confirm you signed willingly), and several others depending on the situation. Some notaries can guide you, but many are not allowed to advise you—especially on anything that could be considered legal interpretation.
If your document doesn’t clearly say what kind of notarization it needs, call ahead or ask the party who gave it to you. Don’t expect the notary to guess. It’s safer (and faster) to get that info in advance.
4. Bringing Incomplete or Altered Documents
Notaries can’t stamp documents that are blank in important sections or appear to have been tampered with. If you cross something out, write over a part, or leave entire sections empty, the notary may refuse to proceed.
Make sure your document is complete and clean. No missing pages, no scribbled corrections, no spaces left blank unless the form says it’s okay. If you need to correct something, it’s usually best to reprint the document and start fresh.
Also, print your document clearly. Faded ink, hard-to-read copies, or messy scans can raise red flags—even if the content is correct.
5. Not Checking If Witnesses Are Required
Some documents require witnesses in addition to a notary. And no, the notary can’t always act as a witness. If you show up alone when two witnesses are required, you might be out of luck—especially if you’re at a mobile or after-hours appointment with no one else around.
This happens a lot with wills, living trusts, and advanced healthcare directives. Before your appointment, check the document instructions. If it says “must be witnessed by two unrelated adults,” you’ll need to bring them with you—or arrange for them to be there at the time of signing.
Notarizing a document isn’t complicated—but it does require a little prep. The five mistakes above can turn a 10-minute appointment into a reschedule, a refund request, or worse—a legal delay.
Avoiding these issues is easy: don’t sign early, bring proper ID, know what type of notarization is needed, ensure your paperwork is complete, and check for witness requirements.
That way, your appointment is quick, smooth, and stress-free—just the way it should be.