Whether you’re signing loan documents, finalizing a will or trust, or getting a power of attorney notarized, a mobile notary appointment is one of the most efficient services you can use. A notary comes directly to you, at your home, office, hospital, or care facility, and the entire process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes.
But like any appointment, a little preparation goes a long way. When clients come ready, signings run smoothly, documents get completed correctly, and everyone leaves with peace of mind.
Here are the 7 things you should have ready before your mobile notary arrives.
1. A Valid, Government-Issued Photo ID
This is the single most important thing to have ready. Washington State requires notaries to verify the identity of every signer before notarizing any document. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Driver’s license (Washington State or another U.S. state)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- State-issued ID card
Your ID should be current and not expired. However, if your ID expired within the last 3 years, it can still be accepted by a WA notary (per RCW 42.45.050).
Pro tip: review how your name appears on the documents to ensure that it matches the name on your ID. For example; if the document includes your middle name or a generational identifier then your ID must support that.
2. All Document Pages – In Order, Unaltered
Bring the complete document package. Do not remove pages, sign anything in advance, or fill in blanks unless specifically instructed by the requesting party (such as your title company or attorney).
For loan signings, your signing package will typically be sent ahead of time by the title or escrow company and most often your notary will bring a printed copy to the appointment. For personal documents like wills, powers of attorney, or healthcare directives, make sure you have the full, final version, not a draft.
Why this matters: A notary cannot notarize an incomplete document or a document with missing signature lines. Getting it right the first time saves everyone time and stress.
3. Know Which Pages You Need to Sign
Especially in loan signings, document packages can be 100–200 pages long. You won’t sign every page, but you’ll sign more than you expect. Your notary will guide you through the package, but it helps if you’ve had a chance to review the documents in advance.
For estate planning documents, your attorney may have marked or flagged the signature lines. If you’re unsure, ask your attorney or the requesting party before the appointment.
4. Witness Requirements (If Applicable)
Some documents in Washington State require one or more witnesses in addition to notarization. Wills and certain healthcare directives are common examples.
If your document requires witnesses:
- Arrange for the appropriate number of adult witnesses to be present at the time of signing, with their photo ID
- Witnesses generally cannot be named beneficiaries in the document or immediate family
- Your notary can advise whether witnesses are needed based on how the document has been prepared, but cannot serve as a witness for documents they are also notarizing
Ask in advance so you’re not scrambling at appointment time.
5. A Hard, Flat Surface and Good Lighting
This sounds simple, but it matters more than you’d think. Notarizations require clear, legible signatures and initials, sometimes across many pages. A kitchen table, desk, or dining room table works perfectly.
If you’re in a hospital room, care facility, or an unusual location, your notary will work with whatever space is available, but letting them know ahead of time allows them to come prepared.
6. Payment Ready (If You Haven’t Prepaid)
If payment hasn’t already been arranged through a signing service or title company, have your payment method ready at the time of the appointment. Precision Notary accepts cash, check, credit/debit, Venmo payment methods. Just confirm in advance if you have questions.
7. Any Special Instructions from Your Attorney, Lender, or Title Company
If your document signing was arranged by an attorney, escrow officer, or lender, they may have specific instructions about how the signing should go – such as which copies to keep, where to return documents, or how to handle corrections. Additionally, they may require that you provide items to the notary to be included with the signed documents, for example: copies of ID, cashier’s check for funds due, copies of a POA etc.
Review those instructions before your appointment and let your notary know if there’s anything specific to be aware of.
Ready to Schedule Your Mobile Notary Appointment in Kitsap County?
Precision Notary provides professional mobile notary services throughout Kitsap County, including Silverdale, Bremerton, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, Kingston, and surrounding areas. We come to your home, office, hospital, care facility, or wherever is most convenient for you.
We specialize in:
- Loan signings with same-day and next-day availability
- Wills, trusts, and estate planning documents
- Powers of attorney and healthcare directives
- Hospital and care facility signings
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) — sign from anywhere!
Call or text: (360) 865-4654
Online scheduling: koalendar.com/e/appointment-with-precision-notary
Precision Notary is a professional mobile notary and loan signing service based in Silverdale, WA, serving all of Kitsap County. Licensed, bonded, and NNA certified.
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