What Should I Bring to a Notary Appointment in New Jersey?

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your notary appointment quick and smooth. Most delays happen for the same few reasons: missing identification, a document that was already signed, or confusion about who needs to be present.

Here is what to have ready before your notary arrives or before you head to a notarization appointment in New Jersey.

Bring valid identification

A notary confirms your identity through personal knowledge of you, satisfactory evidence of identity, or the oath of a credible witness who personally knows you. In practice, this almost always means a valid, unexpired government-issued identification with both a photograph and a signature.

• A driver's license or state-issued identification card
• A passport
• Any other current government-issued photo ID with a signature

If your identification is expired, the notary may not be able to proceed. Check the expiration date before your appointment.

Do not sign your document ahead of time

In most cases, you need to sign your document in front of the notary, not before the appointment. If you sign beforehand, the notary may not be able to complete the notarization, and you may need to reschedule. Bring your document complete and filled out, but leave the signature line blank until you are with the notary.

Make sure the right people are present

If more than one person needs to sign the document, confirm ahead of time whether everyone needs to be present at the same time. Each signer will need their own valid identification, and the notary will need to confirm each person's identity individually.

Know what type of notarization you need

Documents often specify whether they require an acknowledgment or a jurat, which are two different types of notarial certificates. If you are not sure which one your document needs, check the document itself or ask the party requesting the notarized document. A notary can confirm the type of certificate on the page but cannot tell you which one your situation legally requires, since that falls outside legal advice.

A pre-appointment checklist

Running through a short checklist the night before your appointment can prevent almost every common delay.

1. Confirm every signer has valid, unexpired, government-issued photo identification
2. Leave the signature line on the document blank
3. Check that no pages are missing and no required blanks are left incomplete
4. Confirm the location, time, and whether a travel fee applies
5. Set aside enough time so no one feels rushed while reviewing and signing

If your name does not match your identification

Sometimes a legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, and the identification on hand does not exactly match the name on the document. Mention this to the notary when you book, since they may ask for supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order to confirm your identity matches the name on the document you are signing.

If a signer has a disability or cannot physically sign

New Jersey law contemplates situations where a signer is physically unable to sign their own name, such as through the use of a mark or a signature by direction. If this applies to your situation, mention it when scheduling so the notary understands what to expect and can explain how they typically handle it during the appointment.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I forget my ID?

Without valid identification, or an acceptable alternative such as a credible witness who personally knows you, the notary will not be able to complete the notarization.

Can someone else sign my document for me?

No. The person named on the document generally must sign it themselves in front of the notary. Speak with an attorney if your situation involves a power of attorney or similar arrangement.

Should I bring extra copies of my document?

It is a good idea to bring an extra copy in case something needs to be redone, though this depends on your specific document and situation.

Do I need to bring anything if the notary is coming to my home?

The same basics apply: valid identification, your unsigned document, and any other signers who need to be present.

What if my legal name has changed and does not match my ID?

Mention this when booking. The notary may ask you to bring supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order, to help confirm your identity.

Ready when you are

With your identification and document ready, your notarization can move quickly and smoothly. Signed By Love Levon Notary Services offers appointments across New Jersey, Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday by request. Reach out through our contact form to schedule your appointment.