Updated 10-2-23. You’ve just received your Notary commission and you’ve scheduled your first notarization. But do you still feel nervous? If so, you're not alone. Here are 5 tips to help new Notaries from our expert NNA Notary Hotline consultants:
1. Bring your Notary reference books and materials with you.
Having your state Notary handbook or NNA Notary Law Primer handy can mean the difference between a smooth, first notarization and having to reschedule or stop altogether. With information on your state laws and official procedures at your fingertips, you’ll have easy access to the answers to any questions that might come up while notarizing. And if you’re unsure if you are following proper procedure, your reference books can make sure you don’t accidentally forget anything important.
If you're an NNA member, you can also enter the NNA Notary Hotline number in your phone contacts so that if any questions come up during the notarization, you can call one of our consultants for help.
2. Don’t forget your seal and journal.
These are vital tools of your trade — before you set out on your first assignment, be sure you have them with you. If you have an ink seal, be sure that it has enough ink to make a clear seal impression.
3. Bring blank copies of the correct Notary certificate wording for different acts.
If the signer’s document doesn’t have preprinted certificate wording, or it has notarial wording from another state that you aren’t authorized to use, you will need to complete and attach a separate certificate with the correct wording to the document to complete the notarization. Having copies of the correct wording for your state’s notarial acts can save both you and the signer valuable time and avoid the need to postpone or reschedule the notarization.
4. Don’t forget a stapler.
Bringing preprinted notarial wording won’t do you any good if you can’t attach it to the document. In addition to your notarial certificates, be sure to have a portable stapler. Before the appointment, make sure that it has staples.
5. Carry extra pens with you.
You can’t finish the notarization if nobody has a pen, or your pen runs out of ink during the notarization. Always be sure to carry plenty of extra pens in the event a spare is needed. Good luck.
David Thun is the Assistant Managing Editor at the National Notary Association.
Related Articles:
5 steps to a proper notarization
My First Notarization: Notaries share their stories
5 tips for mobile Notaries to always be prepared