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What to bring to your notary appointment

Bring the unsigned document, current government-issued photo ID for every signer, any witnesses the document requires, and facility access details for hospital, nursing home, or jail appointments. Do not sign the document before the notary arrives.

Steps

1. Bring the unsigned document that needs notarization.
2. Bring current government-issued photo ID for every signer.
3. Confirm whether witnesses are required and have them present if needed.
4. Share parking, facility access, or special appointment details before the notary arrives.
5. Sign only after the notary confirms the document and signer identity.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as valid photo ID for a notarization in Ohio?

A current driver license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID are generally accepted. Expired IDs are not accepted for most notarizations.

Does the document need to be printed before the notary arrives?

Yes. The document must be printed and complete before the appointment. The notary does not print documents on-site.

What if I accidentally signed the document before the notary arrived?

In most cases a pre-signed document cannot be notarized. Contact the issuing agency or the attorney who prepared the document about re-executing it with the correct signature process.

Related services

• Mobile notary appointments
• Witness coordination service