How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment: Everything You Need to Know 

How to Prepare for a Notary Appointment in Sarasota: Whether you’re visiting our Sarasota office or scheduling a mobile notary to come to you, being prepared makes the process faster and stress-free. This simple guide covers everything you need to know — from what to bring to what to expect — so your notary appointment goes smoothly from start to finish.

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1. How to Identify Your Document Before Your Notary Appointment in Sarasota

Whether you’re coming into our Sarasota office or scheduling a mobile notary to come to you, it helps to know exactly what to expect. Before your appointment, take a moment to check what the document is called — even if you’re not sure exactly what it does. When you provide the document name while scheduling or calling about walk-in service, it helps the notary understand what you’re bringing. Based on their experience, the notary can often tell if your document may require witnesses or has other special requirements, saving time and helping everything go smoothly.

2. Bring Valid Photo ID

We can’t notarize your document unless we can verify who you are. You’ll need to bring a current, government-issued photo ID, such as:

  • Driver’s license

  • Passport

  • State-issued ID card

  • Military ID

Your ID must be unexpired and must include both a photo and a signature.

3. Don’t Sign Anything Ahead of Time

We know it’s tempting to fill everything out early, but please don’t sign your document until you’re in front of the notary. It’s part of the official process!
👉 You can fill out all other sections ahead of time — just leave the signature and date blank until your appointment.

4. Will You Need Witnesses?

Some documents (like a will or power of attorney) need witnesses in addition to a notary. Here’s how we help:

  • We can provide up to 2 witnesses for you

  • Witnesses are available Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM

  • Just let us know in advance so we can reserve them for your appointment

Want to bring your own witnesses? That’s perfectly fine too — they just need to be over 18 and bring valid ID.

5. Double Check Your Documents

Before your appointment:

  • Make sure you have every page, not just the one with the signature

  • Bring any supporting documents mentioned

  • If you need multiple copies notarized, bring those too

Need help figuring out what to bring? Just give us a call or send a quick message — we’re happy to help.

 6. How Long Does a Notary Appointment Take?

The length of your appointment depends on a few factors, such as the number of documents, whether witnesses are needed, and whether you’re meeting on-site or through our mobile notary service. That said, most notary appointments are quick and efficient.

Walk-In Notary Appointments

At our Bee Ridge Rd office in Sarasota, most walk-in appointments take 15 to 30 minutes. If you only have one or two documents and everything is in order, you may be done in even less time.

Mobile Notary Appointments

For mobile appointments, please allow 30 to 45 minutes, especially if we are bringing witnesses or traveling to a hospital, care facility, or gated location. We’ll confirm the estimated time when you schedule.

Longer Appointments

Appointments may take longer if:

    • You have multiple documents

    • Witnesses are required and need to be coordinated

    • The document is missing pages or incomplete

    • The signer has questions or accessibility needs

✅ Tip:

To help keep your appointment efficient, have your ID ready, review your document beforehand, and let us know in advance if you’ll need witnesses or additional support.

Helpful Tips

  • Running late? Just let us know — we’re flexible!

  • Not sure if something needs to be notarized? Send it to us ahead of time for a quick review.

  • If the signer has disabilities, vision issues, or speaks another language, let us know. We may be able to accommodate or suggest what’s needed to stay compliant with Florida notary law.

Ready for Your Appointment?

We’re here to make notarization simple and stress-free. Whether you’re visiting our Bee Ridge Road office in Sarasota or having a mobile notary come to you, this quick checklist will ensure everything goes smoothly.

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For additional tips, visit the http://www.nationalnotary.org/resources-for/public/how-to-prepare-for-notarization on how to prepare for notarization.