Common Mistakes in Multi-Document Notary Packets

The more documents in a packet, the more places something can go wrong. After working through many large signings in Los Angeles, we see the same handful of problems again and again. The good news is that nearly all of them can be prevented before the notary arrives.

Mistake one: missing pages

A packet that has been printed, copied, stapled and re-stapled is easy to scramble. A notary cannot notarize an incomplete document, so a missing page can stop the signing for that document.

Fix: Count pages against the original before the appointment, and keep the packets together until signing.

Mistake two: blank lines and empty fields

Blank fields invite problems later, and a notary cannot notarize a document with required parts left unfilled in. We also cannot fill them in for you or advise what should go there.

Fix: Have the person who prepared the document, or the requesting party, review every field before the signing day.

Mistake three: signing too early

For most notarial acts, the signer must sign in front of the notary. A document that was already signed may need to be handled differently, or signed again.

Fix: Leave signature lines empty until the notary is present, and tell us in advance if anything was signed already.

Mistake four: the wrong certificate wording

Some documents include a notarial certificate, and some agencies or lenders require specific wording. A notary cannot choose the type of notarial act for a signer and cannot give legal advice about which wording is right.

Fix: Ask the requesting party what wording they need. Requirements vary, and an attorney can help if it is unclear.

Mistake five: ID that does not match

Valid government-issued photo ID is required, and the name on the document should match it as closely as possible.

Fix: Check IDs ahead of time for expiration and name differences, and tell us about concerns before the day.

Mistake six: mixing up signers

In a large packet, it is easy to hand someone the wrong set.

Fix: Label each set by signer and use flags for signature spots.

A simple pre-signing habit

Before the notary arrives, one person should go through every packet with a checklist: pages, fields, names, signature spots, certificates. It is a short step that saves time later.

We come to LA offices, homes and other locations, including overnight and after-hours appointments, evenings, nights and weekends when available, and large-volume signings are one of our core services. Tell us what is in your packet and we will help you plan.

Book now:https://booking.notarylivescanca.com/widget/bookings/nlca-appointments   or call 310-919-0135.