Notary 101: What Do I Need to Bring to My Appointment?

So you've scheduled your notary appointment, awesome! Whether you're signing a power of attorney, a real estate document, or something for work, you're probably wondering what you actually need to bring with you.

Here's the thing: showing up unprepared to a notary appointment is kind of like showing up to the airport without your passport. You're not going anywhere. And nobody wants to reschedule because they forgot their ID or accidentally signed the document at the kitchen table the night before.

Don't worry, I've got you covered. Let's break down exactly what you need to bring so your appointment goes smoothly and you can check that notarization off your to-do list.

The Big Three: What You Absolutely Need

Let's start with the essentials. These are the non-negotiables, the must-haves, the "please don't leave home without these" items.

1. A Valid, Government-Issued Photo ID

This is the big one. As a notary, my job is to verify that you are who you say you are. I can't just take your word for it (no offense, I'm sure you're lovely). I need to see proper identification.

What counts as acceptable ID?

• State-issued driver's license

• State-issued ID card

• U.S. passport or passport card

• U.S. military ID

• Other government-issued identification with a photo and signature

Here's what your ID needs to have:

• Your photo (and it should actually look like you, no decade-old pictures, please)

• Your signature

• A current expiration date (expired IDs are a no-go)

• Your name matching what's on the document you're signing

That last point trips people up more than you'd think. If your driver's license says "Jennifer Smith" but your document says "Jennifer A. Smith," we might have a problem. Double-check that the names match before your appointment.

A quick note for Alaska folks: Alaska follows standard ID requirements for notarizations, but we do have the option for credible identifying witnesses in certain situations if you don't have proper ID. That said, it's way easier for everyone if you just bring your ID. Trust me on this one.

2. Your Unsigned Document

This is where people mess up the most, so pay attention.

Do not sign your document before your appointment.

I know, I know, it feels natural to sign something before you bring it somewhere official. But notarization doesn't work that way. The whole point is that I need to witness you signing the document. If you've already signed it at home, I can't notarize it in most cases.

Think of it this way: my job is to be your witness. I'm certifying that I saw you sign this document, that you knew what you were signing, and that you did it willingly. If you signed it yesterday while watching TV, I missed the whole thing.

"But what about acknowledgments?"

Okay, you got me, there's a slight exception. An acknowledgment is a type of notarization where you can sign beforehand and then "acknowledge" to the notary that it's your signature. However, here's my advice: just wait and sign in front of me anyway. It's simpler, it avoids any confusion, and it covers all your bases regardless of what type of notarization your document requires.

When in doubt, don't sign. Bring it blank, and we'll handle it together.

3. The Complete Document (All Pages!)

Bring the entire document. Every single page. Not just the signature page.

Why does this matter? Because I need to see what you're signing. If you hand me page 47 of 47 and ask me to notarize your signature, I have no idea what's on pages 1 through 46. For all I know, you could be signing away your house, your car, and your beloved dog named Moose.

Also, documents can have specific notarial certificates attached or embedded in them. I need to see those to know exactly what type of notarization is required. So print out the whole thing, bring it all, and we'll go from there.

Other Things to Consider Bringing

Beyond the big three, here are a few more items that might be relevant depending on your situation.

Other Signers

Does your document require multiple signatures? Everyone who needs to sign must be present at the appointment with their own valid ID. I can't notarize your spouse's signature if your spouse isn't there. Each signer needs to appear before me personally.

This comes up a lot with powers of attorney and real estate documents. Make sure everyone involved knows when and where to show up.

Witnesses (If Required)

Some documents require witnesses in addition to notarization. This is common for certain legal documents and can vary by state and document type. If your document specifically calls for witnesses, you'll need to bring them along, and yes, they need their IDs too.

Not sure if you need witnesses? Check your document or ask whoever gave it to you. I can't serve as a witness on a document I'm notarizing (that would be a conflict of interest), so plan ahead.

Payment

Know the notary fees ahead of time and have payment ready. In Alaska, notary fees are set by state law, so you won't encounter any surprise charges. Ask your notary what forms of payment they accept, some take cash only, while others (like me) can accept electronic payments.

A Pen (Just in Case)

I always have pens available, but it doesn't hurt to bring your own. Stick with blue or black ink, those are the standard colors for legal documents. Save the purple glitter gel pen for your journal.

Quick Checklist Before You Head Out

Let's make this easy. Before you leave for your notary appointment, run through this list:

• ✅ Valid, government-issued photo ID (not expired!)

• ✅ Name on ID matches name on document

• ✅ Complete document (all pages)

• ✅ Document is unsigned

• ✅ All signers present with their own IDs

• ✅ Witnesses present if required (with their IDs)

• ✅ Payment ready

If you can check all those boxes, you're golden.

What Happens If You Forget Something?

Look, life happens. If you show up without proper ID or with a document that's already signed, I'm not going to yell at you. But I also can't complete the notarization. We'll have to reschedule, which is a bummer for both of us.

That's why I always recommend double-checking everything the night before. A little preparation goes a long way.

Need a Mobile Notary in Interior Alaska?

If dragging yourself to an office sounds like a hassle, I get it. That's why Arctic Trekking, LLC offers mobile notary services throughout Interior Alaska, including Fort Greely and Delta Junction. I come to you, whether that's your home, your office, or somewhere in between.

Flexible scheduling, same-day appointments when available, and after-hours options for busy folks. Just make sure you have your ID and unsigned documents ready when I arrive!

Have questions about what to bring or want to book an appointment? Reach out anytime. I'm happy to help you get your documents squared away without the stress.

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Disclaimer: I am not an attorney licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. If you have questions about the content of your document or its legal implications, please consult with a qualified attorney before your notary appointment.