Avoiding Notarization Mistakes: Your Essential Client Guide to a Seamless Signing

Starting a legal process can be stressful enough without worrying about errors. When you need a document notarized, you need it done right the first time. Mistakes can lead to wasted time, rescheduling fees, and—most important—delays in closing a crucial transaction.

As professional mobile signing agents, we see a few common client errors that are easily avoidable. By following this simple guide, you can ensure your next signing session is fast, efficient, and error-free.

1. The Critical First Step: What to Bring to a Notary Session

A successful notarization requires three simple things, and missing any one of them is the most frequent reason sessions get delayed or canceled:

A. Your Valid, Acceptable Photo ID

This is the most critical element. The notary public's primary job is to verify the identity of the person signing the document.

B. The Complete Document

Bring the entire document that requires notarization. Do not print only the signature page. The notary must view the entire context of the document.

C. The Required Fee

Be prepared to pay the notarial fee and any pre-agreed-upon travel fees (you can view our Pricing and Travel Fee Structure here).

2. Mistake #1: The ID Disaster (Acceptable ID for Notary Colorado)

The most common reason a mobile notary must refuse service is improper identification. In Colorado, as in most states, the ID must meet strict criteria. To avoid problems, ensure your ID meets all of the following requirements:

Requirement: Current (Not Expired)

  • What this means: The expiration date cannot be passed. An expired ID is never acceptable.

  • Examples: U.S. State-issued Driver's License or ID card, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card.

Requirement: Government-Issued

  • What this means: It must be issued by a state or federal agency.

  • Examples: Military ID, Foreign passport (stamped by USCIS).

Requirement: Physical Description Match

  • What this means: It must bear the signer’s photograph and signature.

Requirement: Legible and Intact

  • What this means: The ID cannot be cracked, damaged, or severely faded.

Critical Note: A notary cannot accept digital IDs, IDs on your phone, or utility bills for identification. If you are unsure if your ID is valid, call your notary immediately before the appointment.

3. Mistake #2: The Pre-Signing Problem (Notary Document Errors)

This mistake happens when clients try to "save time" by signing or completing sections of the document intended for the notary or other parties.

DO NOT SIGN THE DOCUMENT IN ADVANCE.

The notarial act requires the notary to personally witness the signing or for you to swear (affirm) to the notary that the signature is yours. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot legally complete the certificate unless an acknowledgment or jurat procedure is used. To avoid confusion:

  1. Fill out everything except the signature and notary sections.. Complete all dates, names, and addresses within the document text.

  2. Leave all signature lines blank. Wait for the notary to instruct you when and where to sign.

  3. Leave all dates blank. Sometimes the notary must witness the date being written, or the date is part of the notary's certification.

A Notary Cannot Give Legal Advice: Remember, a notary is a public official who verifies identity and witnesses a signature—we are not attorneys. We cannot tell you what to write, what the document means, or whether you should sign it. If you have questions about the document's content, you must consult an attorney first.

4. Why Mobile Notary Services Minimize Mistakes

Hiring a mobile or traveling notary like Forward Thinking Services often reduces client errors because we come prepared to your location with all the necessary tools and focus solely on the signing process. We ensure:

  • Review on Arrival: We quickly scan the document to spot obvious blanks or pre-signed areas before we even begin.

  • Focus on Identity: We prioritize checking the IDs the moment we start the appointment, so there are no surprises.

We are ready to assist with everything from simple authorizations to complex mortgage documents and, of course, I-9 Authorized Representative Services for remote hires.

Ready for a stress-free signing? Don't let a simple mistake slow down your legal process. Contact us today to schedule your mobile notary appointment in Pueblo, CO, or surrounding areas!