What to Bring to a Notary Appointment Checklist


First time going to a notary in Beverly Hills? Have no fear – this simple notary appointment checklist has everything you need to know for a successful notarization appointment. Whether you choose to go to a notary office or opt for mobile notary service, there are a few key items that you must bring with you. 

List of Contents

BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT 

Know the Type of Notarization You Need. 

  • Copy Certifications. A copy certification confirms that a copy of an original document is complete, true, and an accurate transcription of reproduction of the original. Copy certifications are often needed for documents such as diplomas, driver’s licenses, leases, contracts, vehicle titles, Social Security cards, medical records and bills of sale.
  • Jurats. A jurat affirms that the contents of the document are true and verifiable. Lying under oath can result in prosecution for perjury. 
  • Acknowledgements. The purpose of an Acknowledgement is to acknowledge that you have signed the document, that you are the correct signer with a valid ID, and that you signed the document with full awareness and understanding. Documents dealing with valuable assets such as deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust may require acknowledgments. 

Ensure the Name on the Document Matches Your Real ID

If you have recently changed your name following a marriage, divorce, transition, or any other reason, make sure that the identification you bring matches your name as written on the document. Discrepancies may halt the notarization process.

NOTARY APPOINTMENT CHECKLIST 

The Document. Make sure that the document is full, complete, and without large blank spaces. Bring the original copy or the most updated version of the document. 

Notary Payment. Pricing will vary depending on the type of notary you visit. Look up pricing beforehand and arrive with the proper amount. 

Valid Identification. You must provide a real, valid, and unexpired ID to meet with a Notary in Beverly Hills. Appropriate identification documents include a state-issued driver’s license or ID, a U.S. military identification card, a green card, or a U.S. passport. Some forms of identification are NOT accepted, including Social Security cards, birth or marriage certificates, credit cards, school IDs, library cards and temporary driver’s licenses.

All Parties Involved. Some documents require multiple signatures. In cases like this, you must bring all parties involved to the notarization appointment. It is possible, but not cost-effective or efficient, to have each signature notarized separately, even by separate notaries. 

Face Mask. Unfortunately, we are still living through a global pandemic. Working with a notary, mobile or otherwise, often requires close contact. A face mask will help protect both you and the notary you are working with from viruses. 

There you have it! Visiting a notary doesn’t have to be stressful at all – in fact, it can be easy when you know what you need to do and bring. After reading this checklist, you are equipped with everything you need to know to get your documents notarized!

Get Your Documents Notarized Today

Mail Boxes Times is the best Notary in Beverly Hills. We offer notarization from our Los Angeles mobile notary team and in our office for in-person notarization. Give us a call at (310) 276-5076 or email us at info@mailboxestimes.com to learn more about what we can do for you.