What to Bring to Your Notary Appointment: ID Rules & a Simple Checklist

Getting a document notarized is usually quick and painless — often just a few minutes. The delays almost always come from one thing: showing up missing something. Here's a friendly walkthrough of exactly what to have ready so your appointment goes smoothly, whether we meet at your home, office, or bedside across El Paso and Las Cruces — or online from anywhere in the country.

1. A valid, government-issued photo ID

This is the big one. As your notary, I have to confirm you are who you say you are, and that means a current, government-issued photo identification. Commonly accepted IDs include a state driver's license or state ID card, a U.S. or foreign passport, a military ID, or a permanent resident (green) card. The name on your ID should reasonably match the name on the document you're signing. If you've recently changed your name — through marriage, for example — bring an ID that reflects the name you'll be signing, or let me know ahead of time so we can plan for it.

2. The complete document — every page

Bring the full document you need notarized, with all pages, and leave the signature line blank. It's best not to sign ahead of time: for many notarizations you'll need to sign in front of me, and for a jurat you'll sign while making a formal statement that the contents are true. If you're not sure whether to sign first, don't — just wait until we're together.

3. Any additional signers or witnesses

If your document requires more than one signer, everyone signing needs to be present with their own valid photo ID. Some documents also call for one or two witnesses. Witnesses generally must be adults who aren't named in the document and don't benefit from it. If you're not sure whether you need witnesses, let me know what you're signing and I'll help you figure out how many to line up before we meet.

4. Know how the signing works (and what I can't do)

I'm here to verify identity, confirm you're signing willingly and knowingly, and complete the notarial certificate — not to tell you what the document means or whether you should sign it. I am not an attorney and cannot give legal advice. If you have questions about the content or legal effect of your document, those are best answered by the attorney or agency who prepared it. Come ready to sign, and we'll handle the notarization quickly and correctly.

5. Getting notarized online? Here's what's different

For Remote Online Notarization (RON), you don't need to bring anything physical — but you will need a device with a camera and microphone (a phone, tablet, or computer), a stable internet connection, and your government-issued photo ID on hand for the identity-verification step. You'll upload your document ahead of time, answer a few identity questions, and we'll meet over secure video. RON is legal and available in all 50 states, seven days a week.

Your quick pre-appointment checklist

• Valid, unexpired government photo ID (for every signer)
• The complete, unsigned document — all pages
• Any required witnesses lined up
• Questions about content? Ask the document's preparer, not the notary
• For online notarization: a camera-equipped device, internet, and your ID

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I am not an attorney and cannot give legal advice. I can verify your identity and notarize your documents, but I cannot explain their contents or advise you on your legal options.