Getting something notarized for the first time can feel a little bit like your first day at a new job. You know it’s important, you want to get it right, but you’re not quite sure what the "unspoken rules" are. Whether you’re finalizing a will or trust, signing off on a new home, or getting an apostille for international travel, the process is actually very straightforward once you know what to expect.
At Delaware Mobile Signings, we believe that notarization shouldn’t be a source of stress. Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible by coming directly to you: whether you’re in Dover, Lewes, or Rehoboth Beach.
To help you feel like a pro before your notary even arrives, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to prepare for your first appointment. Grab a coffee, and let’s walk through the checklist!
If there is only one thing you remember from this entire blog post, let it be this: Do not sign your document before you are in the presence of the notary.
It’s a natural instinct. You have the paperwork, you want to be efficient, so you sign it at your kitchen table before the appointment. Unfortunately, if you do this, the notary cannot legally notarize that signature. A notary’s primary job is to witness you signing the document in person to ensure that you are who you say you are and that you are signing of your own free will.
If you’ve already signed it, don’t panic! You’ll just have to sign it again (often right next to or above the original signature) while the notary watches. But to keep your documents looking clean and professional, just wait for us to arrive.
The most common reason a notary appointment gets delayed is an issue with identification. Notaries are required by law to verify your identity using specific types of government-issued photo ID.
In general, your ID needs to be current (unexpired) and include a photo, a physical description, and your signature. The most commonly accepted forms include:
In many states, including Delaware, your ID must either be current or have been issued within the last five years. If your license expired six years ago, it won't work for a notarization. Double-check those expiration dates a few days before your appointment!
Some legal documents require more than just a notary; they require "disinterested witnesses." This means people who are not named in the document and have no financial interest in whatever is being signed.
Common documents that require witnesses include:
Usually, a witness must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. It’s often best to ask a neighbor or a friend rather than a family member, as family members are often mentioned in the documents (even if they aren't the primary signers).
If you are homebound or don't have anyone available to witness, let us know when you book your appointment at Delaware Mobile Signings. While we can't always provide witnesses, we can often give you tips on where to find them or how to coordinate the timing.
While you shouldn't sign the document, you should fill out all the other information. A notary cannot notarize a document that has blank spaces in the body of the text.
Why? Because a blank space is an opportunity for someone to change the terms of the agreement after it has been notarized. Before your appointment:
Having the document ready to go ensures that the notary can focus on the legal verification process, making the appointment quick and efficient.
Depending on what you’re signing, there might be extra steps. For example, if you are handling international business, you might need an Apostille. This is a specialized certificate issued by the Secretary of State that verifies the notary’s authority for use in foreign countries.
If you're not sure if you need an apostille, check out our guide on choosing apostille services. We handle the legwork for these specialized documents so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy yourself.
To make things easy, here is a quick checklist you can pull up on your phone on the day of your appointment:
If it's your first time, the last thing you want to do is drive around Lincoln or Dover looking for a bank that has a notary on staff: only to find out they are at lunch or don't notarize the specific document you have.
The mobile advantage is all about comfort and confidence. When a notary from Delaware Mobile Signings comes to your home, you are in your own environment. You have all your files nearby in case you need to look something up, and you can take your time without a line of people waiting behind you at a bank teller window.
We are available 24/7, which means we work around your schedule, not the other way around. Whether it’s 8:00 AM on a Monday or 10:00 PM on a Saturday, we’re here to help.
Your first notary appointment doesn't have to be a mystery. By having your ID ready, keeping your pen away from the signature line until we arrive, and ensuring your document is fully filled out, you’re already 90% of the way there.
Ready to schedule? Whether you need a simple signature verification, help with estate planning, or professional fingerprint card services, we’ve got you covered.
Contact Delaware Mobile Signings today to book your appointment. We bring the office to you!