A little preparation can make your notary appointment quick and straightforward. Before your mobile notary arrives, take a moment to make sure you have everything you may need.

Your document

Have the document that needs to be notarized ready for your appointment. The document should be complete and ready for notarization. If you’re unsure whether you should sign beforehand, it’s perfectly fine to wait until your appointment.

A notary cannot provide legal advice or complete legal portions of a document for you.

Acceptable identification

For acknowledgments and jurats, the notary must establish the signer’s identity using satisfactory evidence that meets California requirements.

Common examples may include a qualifying:

California law has specific requirements for each category, so if you’re unsure whether the ID you have will work, ask before your appointment.

Everyone whose signature needs notarization

Each person whose signature is being notarized must personally appear before the notary for the notarial act. If several people need signatures notarized, let Lisa know when scheduling so enough time can be reserved.

A few minutes of preparation can help

Before your appointment, it’s helpful to have:

If you’re not sure whether you have the basic items needed for the notarization, contact Lisa’s Notary Co. before the appointment.

General information only. This page is intended to help clients prepare for a notary appointment and is not legal advice. California notary requirements can change; information was reviewed against the California Secretary of State’s 2026 Notary Public Handbook.

Need a mobile notary?

Contact Lisa’s Notary Co. with your location, document type, number of signers, and preferred appointment time.