Five minutes of prep prevents a failed signing. Here’s everything to have ready when I arrive.
Have these ready
A current, unexpired government photo ID for every signer — driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport. The name on the ID must match the name on the document.
Your document, complete but UNSIGNED. Fill in every blank except the signature line. You sign (or acknowledge your signature) in front of the notary — a document signed beforehand can mean a second trip.
Every signer, in person. Kansas law requires personal appearance for a notarization. Signers can’t send a spouse, a photocopy, or a video call in their place.
Any witnesses your document requires. Some documents need one or two. If you can’t provide your own, mention it when you book and I’ll bring them (+$25 each).
For loan signings: an extra photocopy of each signer’s ID for the lender package — it speeds up your closing.
The trip-ups that cause failed signings
An expired ID — even by one day
A name mismatch (maiden name on the ID, married name on the document, or the reverse)
A document that’s already signed
A signer who isn’t present, or pages missing from the document