How Long Does Notarization Take?
Most notarizations take 5 to 30 minutes. The time depends on the document and on how ready everyone is when we meet. I’m Stephanie with A1 Mobile Notary in Lake Charles. After more than 24 years of notarizing, I can tell you the paperwork is rarely the slow part. Preparation is.
Google says: 5 to 30 minutes for signing, 30 to 60 minutes in total
Google’s answer is: “A typical notarization session takes 5 to 30 minutes for the actual signing and sealing, while the total process (including travel, waiting, or identity verification) usually ranges from 30 to 60 minutes.”
That matches what I see. The range is wide because “notarization” covers very different documents. Here is what I’ve found in my own appointments.
How long different documents usually take
These times assume everyone has everything ready.
| Type of document | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Simple affidavit or form with one signature | About 5 minutes |
| Vehicle title | About 10 minutes |
| Documents involving land | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Power of attorney | 30 minutes or more |
A power of attorney takes longer because of the conversation. Some signers have a lot of questions, and some need more explanation. We take the time the signer needs.
Payment adds a few minutes to any appointment.
Why land documents take longer
For a document that involves land, I prepare one more paper. It is a short release for the signers to sign. It states that the notary is released from filing the document at the courthouse. I give the document back to the signers and keep the release on record. Filing at the courthouse, or anything else the document needs, is then the signers’ responsibility.
Louisiana law generally puts a duty on the notary to record certain acts affecting land, such as sales, donations and mortgages. R.S. 35:199 allows the parties to direct otherwise in writing. This is general information, not legal advice.
What slows an appointment down
- Information not filled in. The document should be completed before we meet, except for the signature and the date. Signers are usually swearing that the information is true and correct or confirming it, so it has to be filled in. A notary can’t notarize a blank document.
- Running late. My schedule is tight, and a late start affects the rest of the day.
- Missing witnesses. If a document needs witnesses and no one knew, that is the biggest delay of all. I always go over this when we set the appointment.
- ID in the car. Someone has to go and get it, and that always delays a few minutes.
Our appointment policy
We tell everyone ahead of time that identification, witnesses and the witnesses’ identification must be ready at the appointment. If something is missing, the appointment fee still applies. A new appointment means an additional fee. I’m sorry to be firm about this, but I keep a full schedule and I want to be fair to everyone on it.
Three quick checks before we meet
- Everyone has their ID. Please check with every signer and every witness.
- The name on the ID matches the document.
- Everyone can read and speak English and talk directly with the notary. If interpretation is needed, we arrange a qualified interpreter in advance. The appointment can’t use a friend, relative or translation app.
More preparation tips are in Do I Need an Appointment for a Notary? For a list of documents that need notarizing, see What Documents Need Notarization?
If your document involves land, see our Real Estate Document Notary page.
Need a notary right now? For immediate availability or to schedule an appointment, Text or Call 337-540-6521 with your name, city and type of document. SAVE IT IN YOUR CELL.
