10/31/2026
What Every Notary Public Needs to Know
Essential Daily Reminders
✔️ Verify Identification Always examine current, acceptable government-issued photo identification before performing any notarization. Follow your state's identification requirements.
✔️ Keep a Notary Journal Maintain accurate, complete records of every notarization. Even if your state does not require a journal, it is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your commission.
✔️ Confirm Appointments Contact your signer before the appointment to verify:
- Date and time
- Meeting location
- They have their documents
- They have acceptable, unexpired identification
- Any required witnesses are present (if applicable)
🖋️ Essential Gear Check
✔️ Official Seal or Stamp Ensure your seal is clean, legible, and complies with your state's current notary requirements.
✔️ Pens Carry multiple blue and black ink pens. Some documents specify the required ink color.
✔️ Loose Notarial Certificates Keep acknowledgment and jurat certificates available for documents that are missing proper notarial wording, when permitted by your state's laws.
✔️ Spare Supplies Carry extra journal pages (if applicable), thumbprint pad (where appropriate), paper clips, binder clips, and a charged phone or tablet.
⭐ Professional Reminder
A notary's responsibility is to verify identity, witness signatures when required, and complete the notarial act—not to provide legal advice or prepare legal documents unless otherwise authorized by law.
Making Footprints 👣 in the Ink™️
