What to Bring to a Notary Appointment (Checklist)

The quick checklist

The complete document: every page, not just the signature page Left unsigned: wait until the notary is watching A valid photo ID for each signer: current, or issued within the last 5 years Every signer, in person: or on the video call, for online notarization Witnesses, if your document needs them: tell us ahead of time No blank spaces: fill them in or write "N/A" Any instructions from the lender, court, school or agency that asked for it

Which IDs work in Florida?

Florida law lists the IDs a notary can accept. The most common:

Florida driver's license or ID card
Driver's license from another U.S. state
U.S. passport
U.S. military ID
Foreign passport (call ahead, some rules apply)
Certain other government-issued IDs

The ID needs a photo, a description of the person and a signature, and it has to be current or issued within the past five years. The name should match the name on the document. If it doesn't (say, a maiden name), call us first.

No acceptable ID? Florida sometimes allows credible witnesses instead: people who know you personally and have their own valid ID. This comes up a lot with elderly family members. Call us and we'll talk through it.

Why you shouldn't sign ahead

For many notarizations, the law requires the notary to watch you sign. If it's already signed, you may need a fresh copy. Some documents, like acknowledgments, can sometimes be signed beforehand, but you'd have to confirm in front of the notary that the signature is yours. When in doubt, wait. It's the safest way.

What about witnesses?

Some Florida documents need one or two witnesses in addition to the notary, such as deeds, wills and certain powers of attorney. Witnesses need to watch the signing and sign themselves. Tell us when you book. We can provide witnesses for your appointment.

Things a notary can't do

Tell you which form you need or what to write. That's legal advice.
Notarize for someone who isn't present
Notarize if the signer seems confused, pressured or unwilling
Notarize a document with blank spaces

That's not us being difficult. It protects you and keeps your document valid.

What happens at the appointment

We'll look over the notary section, check each signer's ID, watch everyone sign, then complete the certificate, stamp it and record it in our journal. For a simple document, that usually takes 10–15 minutes. Loan packages take longer. We go page by page and never rush you.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Notaries in Florida can't give legal advice. Rules and fees change, so check with the office or agency that will receive your document. Last reviewed October 2026.