Notary Resources & Appointment Guide
Everything you need to understand the notarization process, prepare for your appointment, and know what to expect.
Whether you're scheduling a mobile notary visit or meeting online, these resources will help you prepare with confidence.
Already know what you need? You can book your appointment anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled online anytime using the booking page.
If you don't see a time that works, text 907-671-0087 with your name, location, and what you need notarized. I'll do my best to help based on availability.
Appointments requested within 3 hours or outside available booking times may include a $40 urgent scheduling fee. Availability is not guaranteed.
If you call and I'm unable to answer, I'm likely with another client. Please leave a voicemail or send a text with your name and what you need. Text is often the fastest way for me to follow up.
Can you travel to homes, offices, hospitals, or care facilities?
Yes. Mobile Notary appointments are available throughout Wasilla, Palmer, and the Mat-Su Valley.
I can meet you at your home, business, hospital, care facility, or another appropriate location.
Anchorage appointments may also be available depending on scheduling and travel availability.
What if I live in a rural or remote area?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) may allow you to complete an eligible notarization online without traveling to meet a notary in person.
This can be especially helpful for people in Alaska's villages and remote communities, as well as Alaskans traveling outside the state.
Some documents or receiving organizations may require in-person notarization. If you're unsure whether RON will work for your document, I can help you determine the appropriate option.
What should I have ready for my appointment?
For most appointments, please have:
Your current government-issued photo identification
Your complete document
Any additional signers required for the document
Any required witnesses
Unless you've been instructed otherwise, wait to sign until your appointment.
You'll find more detailed preparation information below.
Can you explain my document?
I can explain the notarization process and identify the portions of your document related to the notarial act.
However, I cannot interpret the legal meaning of your document, advise you about what you should sign, choose forms for you, complete documents for you, or provide legal advice.
Questions about a document's legal effect or what information should be entered should be directed to the person, organization, or attorney who provided it.
Start Your Notary Appointment
Your 60-Second Appointment Checklist
Most notarizations go smoothly when a few things are prepared ahead of time.
Before your appointment, please confirm:
Each signer has current government-issued photo identification available.
Your document is complete and ready for notarization.
Unless instructed otherwise, you will wait to sign until your appointment.
All required signers will be available.
Any required witnesses are arranged, or you've contacted me about possible witness assistance.
If you're unsure about any of these items, you can still book an appointment. I'll help you determine what you need before we complete the notarization.
Understanding the Notarization Process
What Does a Notary Do?
A notary public is commissioned by the State of Alaska to perform authorized notarial acts and help deter fraud.
During a notarization, my role includes:
Verifying the signer's identity
Confirming the signer is participating willingly
Completing the appropriate notarial certificate
Recording the notarization in my notary journal
My role is to guide you through the notarization process while following Alaska's notarial requirements.
I cannot interpret the legal meaning of your document, choose forms for you, complete documents for you, or provide legal advice.
Common Documents That May Require Notarization
Many different documents may require or include notarization.
Common examples include:
Powers of Attorney (POA)
Real estate and loan documents
Wills and sworn affidavits
Travel authorization letters for minors
Vehicle title documents
Health care and care-planning documents
Whether a particular document requires notarization is generally determined by the document itself or the person or organization receiving it.
If you're unsure, the organization, agency, or attorney who provided the document can usually tell you what is required.
Once your document is ready, you can schedule your notarization.
Preparing for an In-Person Appointment
Identity Verification
Identity verification is an important part of the notarization process.
For most in-person appointments, each signer should have current government-issued photo identification ready.
Common forms of identification may include:
Driver's license
State identification card
U.S. passport
Military identification
Tribal identification
For an in-person appointment, please bring your physical identification rather than a photograph of it on your phone.
If you're unsure whether your identification will work, contact me before your appointment so we can determine the next step.
Document Preparation
Before your notarization, please make sure your document is complete and ready for the signing process.
Check that:
You have all pages of the document.
Required information has been completed where appropriate.
There are no unintended blank spaces.
Unless instructed otherwise, you wait to sign until your appointment.
Some documents must be signed in the notary's presence, while others may have different requirements.
If you're unsure, wait to sign and I'll guide you through the appropriate notarization process.
Do I Need to Send My Document Ahead of Time?
For most mobile appointments, you do not need to send your document ahead of time.
If I need to review something before your appointment, I'll let you know.
For Remote Online Notarization, your document will be uploaded electronically as part of the online process.
If you're unsure whether your document is ready, contact me before your appointment.
Witness Requirements
Some documents require one or more witnesses in addition to the notary.
If your document requires witnesses:
Please arrange for them to be present unless we've discussed witness assistance in advance.
Witnesses must be available during the signing.
Witnesses should have identification available if required for the document or notarization.
If you're unsure whether witnesses are required, check the document instructions or contact the organization, agency, or attorney that provided the document.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Notarization Without the Drive
Remote Online Notarization allows eligible documents to be notarized through a secure live video session.
You can meet with me online from Alaska or while traveling outside the state.
During the online process, you will:
Complete the platform's identity-verification process.
Join me in a secure live video session.
Review and sign your document electronically.
Receive the completed document electronically.
Online notarization can be especially helpful when distance, travel, or scheduling makes an in-person appointment difficult.
Identification for Online Notarization
Common forms of identification used for online identity verification include:
U.S. driver's license
State identification card
U.S. passport
Online identity verification is handled through the secure RON platform and may have different requirements from an in-person appointment.
If you have a different type of identification or aren't sure whether online notarization will work for your situation, contact me before scheduling.
Remote Notary Appointment Checklist
For the smoothest online appointment:
Use a device with a camera and microphone.
Have a stable internet connection.
Choose a quiet, well-lit location.
Have your identification ready.
Enter your information carefully during identity verification.
Have your document available electronically.
A laptop or desktop computer can sometimes make the online process easier, particularly if you experience difficulty completing identity verification on a mobile device or tablet.
BOOK AN ONLINE NOTARY APPOINTMENT
Elder Care, Hospital & Care Facility Appointments
Patient, Respectful Notary Support
Many families contact me when a parent or loved one needs important documents notarized at home, in a hospital, or in a care facility.
These appointments sometimes take place during difficult or sensitive circumstances.
My approach is patient, respectful, and centered on the person signing.
For a notarization to proceed, the signer must be able to communicate directly with me, demonstrate awareness of the document being signed, and indicate that they are signing willingly.
Preparing for an Elder or Hospital Appointment
Helpful preparation includes:
Choose a calm time of day when possible.
Have glasses, hearing aids, or other communication aids available.
Limit unnecessary distractions during the appointment.
Have identification and the complete document available.
Arrange any required witnesses in advance when possible.
Every situation is different. I allow time for a calm, patient signing process while following the requirements of the notarization.
Free Caregiver Document Readiness Guide
If you're helping a parent or loved one prepare important documents, you may find this free guide helpful.
The Caregiver Document Readiness Guide helps families prepare for documents and situations involving:
Powers of Attorney
Health care directives
Care-planning paperwork
The goal is to help you prepare calmly and confidently before scheduling.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE CAREGIVER DOCUMENT READINESS GUIDE
No booking is required to access the guide.
Ready to Schedule?
Whether you need a mobile appointment in the Mat-Su Valley, a scheduled Anchorage visit, or Remote Online Notarization, Forget-Me-Not Notary Services is here to help.
Local. Trusted. Online. Mobile.
If you're ready, schedule your appointment online.
If you're unsure which service you need, call or text 907-671-0087 and I'll help you determine the next step.
Forget-Me-Not Notary Services provides notarial services, not legal advice.