How to Prepare for a Mobile Notary Appointment
Save time and ensure smooth notarization by following these simple steps before your appointment.
When life gets busy, a mobile notary can make things much easier — bringing certified notarization services straight to your home, office, or chosen location.
Whether you’re signing real estate documents, a power of attorney, or estate planning paperwork, being prepared helps the process go smoothly and avoids costly delays.
Here’s everything you should do before your notary arrives to make the most of your appointment.
1️⃣ Gather All Required Documents
Make sure you have all the documents ready before your appointment begins.
If possible, review them in advance to confirm that all pages are complete — except for the signature lines.
Important Tip:
Do not sign or date any documents until you’re in the presence of the notary. The notary must witness your signature to make it legally valid.
Common documents we notarize include:
Power of Attorney
Deeds and Real Estate Transfers
Loan Closing Packages
Wills and Living Trusts
Affidavits and Oaths
Business Agreements
2️⃣ Prepare Valid Identification
A notary’s job is to verify your identity. Bring a current, government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your documents.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
Driver’s License or State ID
U.S. Passport
Military ID
Permanent Resident Card
Government Employee ID
Expired IDs usually cannot be accepted under Florida notary law, so double-check the expiration date before your appointment.
3️⃣ Ensure All Signers Are Present
All individuals whose signatures must be notarized must be present and have valid identification.
If multiple signers are involved (for example, both spouses or business partners), schedule a time when everyone can meet together.
If a required signer isn’t available, the notary legally cannot complete the notarization — and a return trip fee may apply.
4️⃣ Have Witnesses Ready (If Required)
Some documents, such as wills or powers of attorney, require one or two witnesses in addition to the notary.
If witnesses are needed, you can:
Provide your own witnesses (must be 18 or older, not named in the document).
Request witnesses from the notary service (additional fee may apply).
At VIP Notaries, we can help coordinate witnesses upon request — just let us know ahead of time so we can prepare.
5️⃣ Choose a Suitable Location
Select a quiet, well-lit area where everyone can comfortably review and sign documents.
Mobile notaries can meet you at:
Your home or office
Coffee shops or libraries
Hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities
Real estate offices or title companies
If the appointment is remote (online notarization), make sure your internet connection is stable and that your webcam and microphone are working properly.
6️⃣ Review the Document for Accuracy
While notaries can’t give legal advice or explain terms, you should still read through the document carefully before the signing.
Make sure all names, dates, and pages are correct — and that you fully understand what you’re signing.
If you have questions about the content, consult an attorney or document preparer before the notary arrives.
7️⃣ Be On Time and Ready to Sign
Mobile notaries often have multiple appointments per day. Being punctual ensures your session runs smoothly and helps you avoid extra fees for waiting time.
Have your ID and documents neatly organized and ready to go — that’s the easiest way to make your signing fast, stress-free, and professional.
Bonus: What to Expect During the Appointment
During your notarization, your notary will:
Verify your identity using your ID.
Confirm that you understand and are signing voluntarily.
Watch you sign the document.
Complete the notarial certificate, affix their seal, and record the details in their journal.
The entire process typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on the number of documents.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is key to a successful notarization. By having your documents, ID, and witnesses ready, you’ll save time and avoid the stress of rescheduling.
At VIP Notaries & Legal Solutions, we pride ourselves on making the process seamless, convenient, and professional — whether in person or online.
Ready to Schedule?
We offer mobile, remote, and same-day notary appointments across Florida.
Your time matters — and your documents deserve the VIP touch.
Book your appointment today.