Be prepared to sign your documents:
Bring a valid, PHYSICAL (not a copy or image), government-issued photo ID with you when you visit for notary services. Must be government-issued and include a photo. Acceptable identification includes state-issued driver's licenses, State identification cards, passports, or military identification cards. Identification cannot be expired for more than 3 years in Washington State for the notary to use as valid identification. However, verifying your documents does not require the notary to document a current, unexpired identification.
Be sure to bring all of the documents that need to be notarized with you.
Be sure the documents are complete and ready for signature. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney. The notary public is prohibited from helping you to prepare, complete, or understand legal documents.
Some documents may require signature witnesses in addition to notarization.
Make sure you arrange to have additional witnesses available with valid identification if your document requires them. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities typically don't allow their employees to be witnesses due to legal liability or laws that prohibit them from assisting.