Missing ID, incomplete documents, or signing too early can all delay the process.
If you take a few minutes to prepare, many appointments are quick. Here’s exactly how to do it right.
What to bring to your notary appointment
Preparation starts with having the right items in hand. Without these, a notary may have to refuse service.
A valid, government-issued ID
This is non-negotiable. Your ID must be:
- Current (not expired)
- Issued by a federal, state, or tribal government agency
- Have a photo of your face and either your signature or a physical description
Examples include a driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
If your ID is expired, a North Carolina notary can’t accept it. Call us before your appointment to talk through the options, such as a credible witness.
The complete document
Bring the full document, not just the signature page. The notary needs to:
- Review the notarial section
- Ensure the document is complete
- Confirm there are no obvious blanks
Missing pages can stop the process entirely.
All required signers
Everyone who needs a signature notarized must appear before the notary in person. (North Carolina’s temporary video notarization law allows limited exceptions.)
The notary cannot:
- Notarize signatures for someone who isn’t there
- Notarize a sworn statement you signed before the appointment
If multiple people are involved, coordinate ahead of time.
What not to do before you arrive
This is where most mistakes happen.
Don’t sign the document early
Wait until you are in front of the notary. If you sign beforehand, the notary may have to:
- Ask you to sign again in front of the notary
- Refuse the notarization
For an acknowledgment, you can tell the notary in person that a signature already on the document is yours. For a sworn statement (jurat), plan to sign in front of the notary.
Some documents, like sworn statements, require signing in front of the notary.
Don’t leave blanks
Incomplete documents are a red flag. Before your appointment:
- Fill in all required fields
- Strike through anything that doesn’t apply
A notary may decline to notarize a document with missing information.
Don’t assume the notary will explain everything
A notary verifies identity and process. They don’t:
- Interpret legal terms
- Advise you on what to sign
If you have questions, ask an attorney before your appointment.
Double-check the notarial section
Look for the part of the document that says:
- “Subscribed and sworn to before me…”
- “Acknowledged before me…”
This tells the notary what type of notarization is required.
If this section is missing or incorrect, it can delay things. In some cases, you may need to contact the document issuer for clarification.
Special situations to plan for
Some appointments require extra preparation.
If someone cannot sign normally
For example:
- Physical limitations
- Medical conditions
Ask the notary in advance what options are available. North Carolina has specific rules for alternative signing methods, such as signing by mark, or having a disinterested person sign for you in front of the notary and two witnesses.
If you need multiple copies notarized
Bring each copy printed and ready. Notaries typically:
- Charge per notarized signature (up to $10 each in North Carolina)
- Require each document to be signed individually
If you’re using a mobile notary
Book ahead; we prefer 24 hours’ notice. Travel is charged as actual mileage at the IRS rate (76¢ a mile), only with your written agreement before we travel.
Prepare your space:
- Quiet, well-lit area
- All documents organized
- IDs ready for review
This keeps the appointment efficient.
A quick pre-appointment checklist
Before you meet with the notary, run through this:
- Valid ID (not expired)
- Complete, unsigned documents
- All signers present
- No blank spaces in the document
- You understand what you’re signing
If you can check all five, you’re in good shape.
Final thoughts
A notary appointment shouldn’t be stressful. Most issues come down to small oversights that are easy to fix ahead of time.
Show up prepared, don’t rush the process, and know what the notary can and can’t do. That’s all it takes to make the appointment smooth and quick.
If you’re dealing with something important, a little preparation goes a long way.
Book a notary appointment
We work by appointment, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, at our Shelby office or your location in Shelby, Kings Mountain and nearby. Please give us 24 hours’ notice when you can. Call +1 (980) 870-0911 or book an appointment.
General information, not legal advice. Notary fees in North Carolina are set by G.S. 10B-31.