If you’ve never worked with a notary before, you might wonder what actually happens during a notarization. The process is simple — but each step matters. Whether you’re signing a real estate document, power of attorney, or business contract, knowing what to expect can help you feel confident and prepared.
Here’s a quick walkthrough of what happens from start to finish when you meet a notary public.
1. Greeting and Document Review
When you arrive (in person or online), your notary will first greet you and review your document. They’ll check that:
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It’s complete (no blank spaces).
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It’s the correct document you intend to sign.
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It’s ready to be signed in their presence.
Tip: Never sign the document beforehand — the notary must witness your signature.
2. Identity Verification
Next, the notary confirms that you are who you say you are. This step prevents fraud and unauthorized signing.
You’ll need to show a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as:
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A driver’s license
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Passport
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State identification card
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Military ID
The notary checks that the name on your ID matches the name on your document and ensures the ID is current and unexpired.
3. Willingness and Awareness Check
Before proceeding, the notary will ask a few simple questions to confirm:
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You’re signing voluntarily, not under pressure.
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You understand what you’re signing.
If the notary believes you don’t fully understand the document or are being coerced, they are legally required to refuse the notarization.
4. Signing the Document
Once your identity is verified, it’s time to sign. The notary will direct you where and how to sign and may ask you to initial certain sections.
If witnesses are required, they’ll sign as well — usually in the notary’s presence.
For Remote Online Notarization (RON), you’ll sign electronically during a secure video session, and the entire process is recorded for verification.
5. The Notary’s Seal and Certificate
After you sign, the notary will complete their notarial certificate — this is the section that includes:
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The notary’s signature
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Commission details (state, expiration date)
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Date and location of notarization
They will then apply their official seal or stamp, which makes the notarization legally valid.
6. Journal Entry (Recordkeeping)
Most states require notaries to keep a journal entry for each transaction. This record includes:
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The date and type of document notarized
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Your name and signature
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The type of ID you presented
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Any witness information
This protects both the signer and the notary by maintaining a legal record of the event.
7. Payment and Final Steps
At the end, you’ll pay the notary fee — typically based on state-regulated rates or mobile service charges. You’ll then receive your completed, notarized document, ready for submission or filing.
Before you leave, the notary may remind you to make copies or keep the document in a safe place.
Conclusion
Notarization is more than just a stamp — it’s a trusted process that protects the authenticity of your signature and the integrity of your document.
By knowing what to expect, you can arrive prepared, confident, and ready for a smooth experience.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we make every step simple, transparent, and professional — whether you meet us in person or online.
