How to Prepare for a Mobile Notary Appointment in California

Notary Preparation

Hiring a mobile notary offers convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind—especially when you're dealing with important legal documents. Whether you're signing a Power of Attorney, an Advance Health Care Directive, loan documents, or other paperwork, being prepared helps your appointment go smoothly and efficiently.

Here’s everything you need to know before your mobile notary arrives:

1. Have a Valid, Government-Issued Photo ID

In California, notaries are required to verify the identity of the signer using an acceptable form of identification. Make sure your ID is:

• Current or issued within the last 5 years

• Government-issued

• Includes a photo, physical description, and signature

✅ Acceptable forms include a California driver’s license, U.S. passport, or state-issued ID card.🚫 Expired IDs or photocopies will not be accepted.

2. Do Not Sign the Document in Advance

To properly notarize your document, you must sign in front of the notary. Signing ahead of time could invalidate the notarization.

If your document requires a jurat (where you swear the contents are true), you’ll also need to take an oath or affirmation during the appointment.

3. Make Sure the Document is Complete

California notaries cannot notarize incomplete documents.Before the appointment:

• Review your paperwork

• Fill in all blanks (unless instructed otherwise)

• Make sure all required pages are included

The notary is not allowed to provide legal advice or draft documents, so have everything prepared ahead of time.

3. Make Sure the Document is Complete

California notaries cannot notarize incomplete documents.Before the appointment:

• Review your paperwork

• Fill in all blanks (unless instructed otherwise)

• Make sure all required pages are included

The notary is not allowed to provide legal advice or draft documents, so have everything prepared ahead of time.

5. Have Any Required Witnesses Ready

Some documents—especially estate planning forms—may require one or more witnesses. If your document requires witnesses:

• Confirm how many are needed

• Ensure they bring valid photo ID

• Witnesses must be unbiased and not named in the document

Notaries are typically not allowed to serve as a witness and notary on the same document, so be sure to plan accordingly.

6. Prepare a Quiet, Well-Lit Signing Area

To ensure a smooth appointment, set up a clean table or flat surface with good lighting. This helps the notary verify your ID and complete their journal and notarial certificate properly.

If you’re in a hospital, care facility, or other setting, let staff know a notary will be visiting so they can help with access or accommodations.

7. Understand the Travel and Notarization Fees

Mobile notaries in California may charge:

• A $15 notarization fee per signature (as allowed by law)

• A reasonable travel fee, which should be agreed upon in advance

💡 Tip: Ask for a quote before the appointment so there are no surprises.

Final Thoughts

Being prepared helps your mobile notary appointment go quickly and efficiently—saving you time and reducing stress. Whether you're in San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, or surrounding areas, I’m here to make your notarization process smooth, professional, and convenient.

Need to schedule a mobile notary appointment?📲 Book Now

Serving the following areas:

Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Daly City, Foster City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose, and more!