On the _______day of ______ in the year_____, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared. Services include witnessing the signing of important documents, taking affidavits and depositions and giving oaths.This article and video will show Notaries to fill out each part of a notarial certificate, and common mistakes to avoid. Step 1: Require personal appearance. Almost every state requires the signer to personally appear before you during the notarization. When notarizing an affidavit, make sure the signer appears before you in person.