How to Avoid Common Notary Mistakes
Getting a document notarized might seem simple, but small mistakes can cause big headaches. At Trusted Identity Partners (TIP), we help clients every day make sure their notarizations go smoothly and are legally valid. Whether you’re signing a power of attorney, a loan document, or any other important form, knowing what to do (and what not to do) can save you time, stress, and even money.
Here’s a guide to help you avoid the most common notary mistakes when visiting a notary public.
1. Bring Proper Identification
The most common reason a notarization gets delayed—or can’t happen at all—is because the signer doesn’t have the right ID. Notaries are required to verify your identity, and without proper identification, they can’t legally notarize your documents.
Tips for success:
Bring a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
Make sure your ID is current and not expired.
Double-check that the name on your ID matches the name on the document.
Bringing the right ID from the start saves a lot of time and frustration.
2. Don’t Sign Your Document Early
A lot of people make the mistake of signing documents before they meet the notary. Notaries need to witness you signing the document to make it legally valid.
Tips for success:
Wait until you are sitting with the notary to sign.
Make sure all pages are present and correct before signing.
Signing in advance can invalidate the notarization, which could create delays or legal issues.
3. Make Sure You Understand the Document
Notaries aren’t allowed to give legal advice, but it’s still your responsibility to understand what you’re signing. If you sign something you don’t understand, it could have serious consequences.
Tips for success:
Read the entire document carefully before your appointment.
Ask a lawyer if you have questions about what it means.
Let the notary know if something looks off—they can’t give legal advice, but they can make sure everything is signed properly.
Being informed helps you avoid mistakes that could cost you later.
4. Be Honest About Your Situation
Notaries need to ensure that you are signing voluntarily and are mentally capable of doing so. Lying about your identity, signing under pressure, or pretending someone else is signing can cause serious legal problems.
Tips for success:
Be truthful about who you are and your relationship to the document.
Don’t let anyone pressure you into signing.
If you feel uncomfortable, ask the notary for guidance or to delay the signing.
Your honesty ensures the notarization is valid and protects you from legal complications.
5. Don’t Forget Witnesses If Required
Some documents require witnesses in addition to notarization. Forgetting this detail can delay your process or make the document invalid.
Tips for success:
Check your document ahead of time to see if witnesses are needed.
Bring the correct number of witnesses who can also provide valid identification.
Planning ahead avoids last-minute scrambling and ensures your document is properly executed.
6. Know the Fees Ahead of Time
Notaries may charge a fee for their services, and fees vary by state. Surprising fees can create unnecessary stress.
Tips for success:
Ask in advance what the notarization will cost.
Bring cash or another accepted form of payment.
Avoid being overcharged—know your state’s maximum notary fees.
Transparent preparation makes your visit smooth and stress-free.
7. Double-Check Your Documents
Small errors, like missing signatures, blank spaces, or incorrect dates, are surprisingly common and can prevent a notarization from being accepted.
Tips for success:
Make sure all fields are filled in except the signature(s) that will be notarized.
Confirm all dates, names, and information are correct.
If you’re unsure, ask the notary to review the document before signing.
Taking a few minutes to double-check saves hours of frustration later.
Conclusion
At TIP, we want your notarization process to be fast, easy, and hassle-free. By following these simple tips—bringing proper ID, waiting to sign, understanding your documents, being honest, checking for witnesses, knowing the fees, and double-checking your paperwork—you can avoid common mistakes that slow things down.
Notarizations are an important step in protecting your legal and financial matters. Taking a little extra time to prepare ensures that everything goes smoothly, leaving you confident that your documents are properly executed.
