Notarizing important documents should be a smooth, straightforward process—yet many people run into unnecessary complications due to simple oversights. Whether you’re preparing a will, power of attorney, lease agreement, or any other legal document, avoiding these common pitfalls can save you time, money, and stress. Here are some of the top mistakes people make when using notary services—and how you can steer clear of them.

1. Failing to Complete All Required Fields

One of the most frequent issues occurs when people arrive at their notary appointment with partially completed documents or missing information. While you must not sign the document beforehand, it’s crucial to fill out every required field. Leaving blank sections or skipping pages could invalidate the notarization or require a second appointment.

How to Avoid It:

• Carefully review each page and line of your document.
• Ensure names, addresses, dates, and other vital details are accurate and legible.
• If you’re unsure about any section, consult a lawyer or the relevant authority before meeting with the notary.

2. Using Expired or Invalid Identification

Another frequent mistake involves bringing expired or improper forms of ID to the notary appointment. Notaries must verify your identity with a current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card.

How to Avoid It:

• Double-check that your ID is valid, not expired, and matches the name on your document.
• If you’ve recently changed your name, bring documentation to demonstrate the change (e.g., a marriage certificate).

3. Signing Documents Before the Appointment

A notary’s primary role is to witness signatures, confirming the identity and willingness of each signer. If you sign the document ahead of time, the notary can’t legally verify that they witnessed it.

How to Avoid It:

• Fill out your document entirely but do not sign until you are in front of the notary.
• Wait for the notary’s instructions regarding where and when to sign.

4. Not Having All Signers Present

Some documents—like deeds, loan documents, or partnership agreements—require multiple signatures. Attempting to notarize without every necessary party present can result in partial or invalid notarization.

How to Avoid It:

• Confirm in advance who must sign the document.
• Schedule a time when all parties can be in the same place for the notarization.
• If someone can’t travel, consider a mobile notary service that can meet each signer at different locations (if allowed by your state’s laws).

5. Overlooking Witness Requirements

Certain documents, like wills or advanced directives, may require additional witnesses beyond the notary. Failing to meet witness requirements could render these documents unenforceable.

How to Avoid It:

• Check local regulations or consult with a legal professional to determine if your document needs witnesses.
• Arrange for witnesses to be present—or ask if your notary can help provide them—when scheduling the appointment.

6. Waiting Until the Last Minute

If your document has a strict deadline or is part of a time-sensitive transaction (like a real estate closing), waiting until the last minute to get it notarized can cause unnecessary stress and potentially derail the process if something goes awry.

How to Avoid It:

• Plan ahead and set your notary appointment early in the process.
• If you’re pressed for time, ask about same-day or emergency notary options.

Choose a Reliable Notary Service

Avoiding these common pitfalls starts with choosing a reputable and knowledgeable notary. At JMK Notary and Professional Services, we provide:

• Mobile notary solutions for your convenience.
• Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
• Expertise in notarizing a wide range of documents—from wills and deeds to travel affidavits and more.
• Pro Se Divorce Assistance, Power of Attorney support, Skip Tracing Services, and much more.

We understand the importance of getting your documents right the first time, and we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Contact JMK Notary and Professional Services today to avoid these common mistakes and ensure a smooth, professional notarization experience. We’re here to make the process simple, secure, and tailored to your needs.