Bring the instructions for the transaction

A deed, lender form or business agreement may have requirements beyond notarization. Obtain the completed document and signing instructions from the lender, title company, attorney or receiving business. Explain whether you need a single act or an appointment involving multiple documents.

A general notary visit does not automatically include a complete loan closing, document preparation, package printing, funding coordination or courier delivery. Confirm any requested additional work before booking.

For real estate or loan documents

• Identify the document or package and who is directing the transaction.
• Confirm which people must sign and whether witnesses are required.
• Have all pages, attachments and any supplied notarial certificates ready.
• Clarify deadlines and who is responsible for returning or recording the documents.
• Ask for the applicable notarial fees and any other agreed charges to be itemized.

NJ publishes particular fees for specified acts involving grantors in a real-estate transfer and mortgagors in a financing transaction. They are not universal prices for a closing package. See the fee distinctions →

For business and representative signatures

Explain whether a person is signing individually or for a company, trust or another person. The representative should confirm their authority and the required signing format with the recipient or legal adviser. The acknowledgment and certificate must reflect the act actually performed.

Arrange a meeting when each participating signer can pause work, establish identity and complete the act. Multiple people named in an agreement do not necessarily all need the same notarization; follow the recipient’s instructions.

Resolve substantive questions before signing

The notary cannot draft a deed, interpret loan terms, recommend ownership arrangements or determine whether an agreement protects your interests. Ask the appropriate professional those questions before the visit. Notarization does not guarantee recording, funding or acceptance.

Appointment checklist · NJ notary requirements