How to Get a Document Notarized: Step-by-Step | Asal

Getting a document notarized is quick — usually just a few minutes — once you know what to bring and the one mistake to avoid. This guide walks through the whole process step by step, explains why each step exists, and covers what to do if you do not have ID or all the signers cannot be there.

Before you go: get the document ready

A little prep saves a return trip. Before heading to the notary, make sure your document is complete but unsigned, and that the notarial wording — the acknowledgment or jurat block — is already printed on it. A notary cannot decide for you which notarial act you need, so if the block is missing, ask whoever requested the document.

Then gather a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID for every signer, and confirm that everyone who must sign can be physically present (or is eligible for online notarization). Missing signers and blank documents are the top reasons people get turned away.

The 5 steps to a notarized document

Bring a valid photo ID. Each signer needs a current, government-issued photo ID — a driver license, state ID, U.S. passport, or in many cases a foreign passport. The notary must be reasonably certain who you are.
Do not pre-sign. Leave the signature line blank. For most notarizations you have to sign while the notary watches, so signing at home means starting over with a fresh copy.
Bring all signers. Everyone whose signature is being notarized must be there in person so the notary can identify and witness each one.
Sign in front of the notary. The notary checks each ID, confirms everyone is signing willingly and understands the act, and then you sign while they watch.
Pay the fee and get the seal. The notary completes the notarial certificate, adds their official signature and seal (and may log the act in a journal), and collects the fee. You are done.

Why you can't sign beforehand

It feels efficient to sign at home and just drop by for the stamp — but for most acts that defeats the purpose. The notary is certifying that they personally witnessed you sign. If the signature is already on the page, they cannot truthfully attest to that. The fix is simple: bring a clean, unsigned copy and sign at the counter.

What it costs

Ohio sets a maximum notary fee per notarial act by statute — a small, per-signature amount. Because that figure can change, we will not quote an exact dollar amount; verify the current statutory maximum with the Ohio Secretary of State. Mobile, after-hours, or online notarization may add a separate travel or convenience charge on top of the per-act fee. To keep costs down, group documents into one visit and bring everything you need so nothing has to be redone.

When a notary has to say no

A notary must refuse when a signer has no acceptable ID, is not present, appears confused or pressured, or when a document is already signed and an in-person signature is required. This is not the notary being difficult — it protects you and everyone who relies on the notarization later. A quick checklist before you leave the house avoids almost all of these.

Need a notary today in Columbus?

Asal Multi Services welcomes walk-ins for notary public services across the Columbus area — affidavits, powers of attorney, title transfers, immigration declarations, and more. Bring your ID and the unsigned document. We speak Somali, Arabic, and English.

Notary Public Services Ask a Question

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring to get something notarized?

Bring three things: a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID; the complete but unsigned document (including its notarial certificate block); and every person who needs to sign. Also bring payment for the notary fee. If a signer is missing or the ID is expired, the notary will not be able to proceed.

Should I sign the document before I arrive?

No — this is the single most common mistake. For most notarizations you must sign in front of the notary so they can witness the act. If you sign at home, the notary usually cannot notarize it, and you will have to start over with a fresh copy. Leave the signature line blank until the notary tells you to sign.

Do all signers have to be present?

Yes. The notary must personally identify and witness each person whose signature is being notarized. Everyone signing needs to be physically present at the same appointment (or use online/remote notarization where it is allowed). You cannot bring a document already signed by an absent party and have that signature notarized.

How long does a notarization take?

A single-signature notarization usually takes only a few minutes once you are at the notary with the right ID and an unsigned document. Documents with multiple signers or multiple notarial acts take a bit longer. Calling ahead for large document sets helps the office prepare.

What does it cost to get a document notarized?

Ohio sets a maximum notary fee per notarial act by statute — a small per-signature amount. Because the figure can change, verify the current statutory maximum with the Ohio Secretary of State. Mobile, after-hours, or online notarization may add a separate travel or convenience charge on top of the per-act fee.

Can I get a document notarized the same day?

Usually, yes. Many document-service offices and banks notarize on a walk-in basis, and most single-signature documents are finished on the spot. For time-sensitive filings — immigration deadlines, court documents — it is still smart to confirm hours and bring everything you need so nothing has to be redone.

Asal Multi Services is a non-attorney document service. A notary public verifies identity and witnesses signatures and cannot give legal advice. This guide is general information; verify current rules with the Ohio Secretary of State.

How to Get a Document Notarized (Step by Step)