Should You Sign Before Meeting the Notary?

1. An acknowledgment may allow an existing signature

In an acknowledgment, you confirm that you signed the document for the purpose it states. The Illinois Secretary of State explains that a document for an acknowledgment may already be signed, provided you appear before the notary and confirm the signature is yours. The notary still needs to identify you. Dropping off a signed document or sending someone else with it does not take the place of your appearance.

The document preparer or receiving organization may also give you specific signing instructions. For example, if an organization tells you to sign only at the appointment, follow that instruction or ask the organization to clarify it before you sign.

2. A sworn statement or witnessed signature works differently

A jurat is a notarization that includes an oath or affirmation. You sign before the notary and swear or affirm that the statement is true. You may see certificate wording like “signed and sworn” on an affidavit. A signature the notary must witness or attest also needs to be made before the notary, even when there is no oath.

Look at the notarial certificate, the part meant for the notary to complete. Phrases such as “acknowledged before me” and “signed and sworn” can help you spot the difference. If the certificate is missing or the wording is unclear, ask the document preparer, receiving organization, or your attorney which act is required. Avoid choosing a certificate based only on the title of the document.

3. If you already signed, pause before making changes

Don’t cross out a signature, add a second one, or change the date on your own. Let the notary know it’s already signed and have the complete document and any separate signing instructions available. If the instructions require a signature to be made in front of the notary, ask the preparer or recipient whether to bring a fresh unsigned copy or follow another procedure they approve.

If you’re handling a packet with several documents, check each one separately. One may call for an acknowledgment while another needs a signature in front of the notary. Flag anything you’re unsure about so you can get an answer without writing on the paperwork.

4. Confirm three things before the appointment

First, ask whether to leave the document unsigned. Second, confirm who must appear and what identification to bring. Third, keep the preparer’s or recipient’s contact information handy in case instructions are missing. If you’ve already signed, mention that when you request the appointment. A quick check can save you a trip or the trouble of getting a replacement document.