How to Prep for a Notary Appointment in NYC Without the Stress

3/27/20252 min read

person holding passport
person holding passport

Getting Something Notarized? Here’s What to Know (and What to Bring)

Here’s a quick, no-fluff guide to help you prepare for a smooth notarization appointment—no surprises, no stress.

Understanding the Notarization Process

Notarization is an essential step in validating your documents—whether for legal, financial, or personal reasons. In New York State, knowing how to prepare can save you time and help avoid last-minute issues.

A notary public acts as an official witness to your signature and confirms your identity, helping ensure your document is legitimate and fraud-free.

Gather Required Documents

Before your appointment, make sure you have the document that needs notarizing on hand. This could be anything from a power of attorney to a lease agreement or travel consent form.

You’ll also need a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. This is how we verify your identity—so no photos or screenshots of your ID, please. Originals only!

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Don’t sign the document beforehand. Most notarizations require you to sign in front of the notary.

Select Your Notary

Make sure the notary you choose is registered in New York State (like us!) and authorized to notarize the type of documents you have.

Not all notaries offer the same level of service. If you're looking for flexibility, convenience, and someone who’ll meet you where you are—literally—a mobile notary is a great option. We serve Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond, and also offer Remote Online Notarization (RON) if you’d rather handle it over video.

💬 Need a quote or want to double-check that your document qualifies? Request an appointment and tell us about your document, or text us at 917-740-9471.

Be Prepared for the Appointment

Whether we’re meeting in person or online, here’s what to expect:

  • We’ll review your ID and the document(s)

  • You’ll sign in our presence (physically or via video)

  • We’ll apply our official notary seal

  • You’ll pay $2 per signature/seal, as required by New York State law

That’s it—you’re good to go!

Some documents may require witnesses or additional steps afterward (like filing with a specific agency), so feel free to ask if you're unsure.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a notarization doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you know what to expect and work with a mobile notary who meets you where you are, the process becomes quick, smooth, and stress-free.

Whether you’re handling paperwork for a big life change or just checking something off your to-do list—we’re here to help.

📱Text us at 917-740-9471 with any questions, or book your appointment here.