Posted February 3, 2026

Most notarization issues don't happen because something is complicated - they happen because something was overlooked.

As a San Diego County mobile notary, I see the same preparation mistakes come up again and again. The good news? Nearly all of them are easy to avoid once you know what to expect.

Here are the most common notarization mistakes - and how to make your appointment go smoothly from start to finish.

Mistake #1: Signing the Document Before the Notary Arrives

In most cases, signers should wait to sign until the notary is present - but in California, there are a few nuances.

If the notarial certificate is an acknowledgment, the notarization can usually still proceed as long as the signer personally appears and verbally confirms that the signature is theirs and was willingly made.

If the certificate is a jurat, the signer must sign in the notary's presence after taking an oath or affirmation. If the document was signed too early, the signer may be able to re-sign the document in front of the notary at the time of the appointment.

One important exception is loan signings. If all documents have already been signed and there is no clean set available, the notarization often cannot move forward. These guidelines apply specifically to California notarizations, as rules vary by state.

Mistake #2: Forgetting Valid, Acceptable Identification

A notary's primary role is to verify identity. Without proper ID, the notarization cannot move forward.

Your ID must be:

Government-issued
Current (not expired)
Include a photo, physical description, signature and serial number

How to avoid it:

Double-check your ID before the appointment. If your ID is expired or missing, ask ahead of time whether a credible witness may be an option.

Mistake #3: Leaving Blank Spaces in the Document

Incomplete documents can create legal and ethical issues, and notaries are not allowed to notarize documents with obvious blank spaces that could later be altered.

How to avoid it:

Review your document carefully before the appointment. If something doesn't apply, ask the document preparer how it should be handled.

Mistake #4: Expecting the Notary to Explain or Advise on the Document

California notaries cannot provide legal advice, explain what a document means, or tell you whether you should sign it. This includes advising whether a document "needs" to be notarized.

How to avoid it:

If you have questions about the content of your document, reach out to the attorney, agency, or professional who prepared it before your appointment.

Mistake #5: Not Having All Required Signers Present

If more than one person needs to sign, each signer must:

Be physically present
Have valid identification
Sign in front of the notary

Missing signers often result in multiple appointments.

How to avoid it:

Confirm in advance who needs to sign and schedule a time when everyone can be present together.

Mistake #6: Waiting Until the Last Minute

Many notarizations are time-sensitive - especially for legal, insurance, or business documents. Last minute scheduling can add unnecessary stress.

How to avoid it:

Schedule your notary appointment as soon as you know it's needed. Mobile notary services offer flexibility, but planning ahead always helps.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

When you know what to expect, notarization doesn't have to be stressful or confusing.

Preparation helps ensure your appointment is quick, accurate, and hassle-free.

As a mobile notary serving North County San Diego, I help clients prepare for smooth signings - whether at home, in the office, or at a care facility.

If you're unsure how to prepare, I'm always happy to answer questions about the process and help you get ready.