The Ultimate Checklist: How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment

The "Oops" Moment

We’ve all been there. You schedule an appointment, the service provider arrives, and suddenly you realize you’re missing the one thing you need to proceed.

In the world of notarization, a missing ID or a pre-signed document isn't just a small hiccup—it often means we legally cannot proceed. That means rescheduled appointments, extra travel fees, and unnecessary stress.

At Wilton Vida Mobile Notary, we want your appointment to be smooth, fast, and flawless. Whether you are meeting us at your office, a coffee shop, or your kitchen table, use this checklist to ensure you are 100% ready when we arrive.

1. The "Who": Identification is King

The primary job of a notary is to screen identity. If we can't prove who you are, we can't stamp the document.

The Golden Rule: All IDs must be current (unexpired), government-issued, and include a photograph and signature.

✅ Acceptable IDs (Florida Standards):

• State Driver’s License (from any US state/territory)

• State-issued ID Card

• US Passport or Passport Card

• Foreign Passport (must be stamped by US Immigration if used for real estate in some contexts, but generally acceptable for identification)

• US Military ID

❌ NOT Acceptable:

• Social Security Cards

• Birth Certificates

• Credit Cards

• Photos or photocopies of IDs

• Expired Driver’s Licenses (even by one day!)

2. The "What": Document Prep

The second most common cause of delays is the condition of the document itself.

✅ Do Not Sign Yet! This is the big one. The notary needs to witness you signing the document. If you sign it before we get there, we may have to ask you to sign it again or, in some cases, start over with a fresh copy.

✅ No Blanks Allowed Notaries cannot notarize a document with incomplete sections (blank lines). This is to protect you from someone altering the document later. Please fill in all non-signature fields (dates, addresses, dollar amounts) before the appointment.

✅ The Right Copies If you need a "Certified Copy" of a document (like a diploma or power of attorney), you must have the original document with you. We cannot certify a copy of a copy.

3. The "Where" & "How": The Environment

Since we are mobile, we can meet anywhere, but a little setup goes a long way.

✅ All Signers Must Be Present If a document lists "John Smith and Jane Doe," both John and Jane must be physically present with their IDs. We cannot notarize for someone who is "on the phone" or "in the other room sleeping."

✅ Witnesses Some documents (especially Wills, Powers of Attorney, and some Real Estate Deeds in Florida) require two witnesses in addition to the notary.

• Check your document instructions. Do you need witnesses?

• Who are they? They generally cannot be related to you or mentioned in the document.

• Need help? If you can't find witnesses, let us know beforehand—we may be able to help arrange them!

✅ Mental Awareness The notary must verify that all signers are aware of what they are signing and are doing so willingly. If a signer is heavily medicated or confused, we are legally required to stop the notarization.

Summary Checklist for the Day Of:

• [ ] ID: Physical, unexpired Government ID is in my hand.

• [ ] Document: Filled out completely, but NOT signed.

• [ ] People: All signers are present in the room.

• [ ] Witnesses: If required, they are present with their IDs.

• [ ] Payment: Payment method is ready (we accept card, cash, & contactless).

Ready to Sign?

Now that you’re prepped and ready, the actual notarization will be a breeze.

Need an appointment? [Book Your Mobile Notary Visit Here] - We come to you, so you can get back to your day.