What to Bring to Your General Notary Appointment

A notary appointment is simple when you arrive prepared. Most signings take fifteen to twenty minutes once we're in the room together, and the few things that cause delays are almost always avoidable. Here's what to bring and why each piece matters.

Your photo ID

Bring one current, government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. We need to see the original; photocopies, expired cards, and phone screenshots aren't accepted under Ohio notary rules. If your primary ID is worn or recently renewed and the photo is hard to read, bring a backup.

Addresses on the ID don't have to match the document. What has to match is the name. If your ID reads "Robert" and your document reads "Bob," call us before the appointment — there are usually clean ways to handle name differences, but we need to know in advance.

Your document — completed but unsigned

Fill in every blank you can before we arrive, but do not sign anything until we're watching. The whole point of notarization is the notary witnessing the signature in the moment. If you sign ahead of time, we have to reschedule.

Every signer, in person

If two people are signing, both have to be present with their own valid ID. We can't notarize a signature for someone who isn't in the room with us.

Witnesses, if your form requires them

Some documents — wills, certain healthcare forms, a handful of out-of-state real estate packets — need one or two disinterested witnesses in addition to the notary. A disinterested witness is someone who has nothing to gain from the document. Neighbors and friends usually qualify; spouses, beneficiaries, and people named in the document do not. Tell us when you book if you're unsure, and we'll help coordinate.

Common documents we handle

— Affidavits and sworn statements — Power of Attorney (financial and healthcare) — Deeds and other real estate forms — School, medical, and travel consent letters — Trust certifications and small estate affidavits

A few notes from experience

Have a plan for where we'll meet — your home, your office, a hospital room, or a quiet public spot all work. If you're meeting us at a coffee shop or library, pick a table with enough room to spread the document out. And if a question comes up the morning of the signing, call. We'd rather sort it out before we arrive than reschedule on the spot.