# What is a reasonable amount of time to have documents before signing? **URL:** \ **Category:** Beginner's Questions\ **Created:** [May 13, 2021, 6:13pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/what-is-a-reasonable-amount-of-time-to-have-documents-before-signing/21305 "2021-05-13T18:13:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pcarolas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/pcarolas/32/17718_2.png) [@pcarolas](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/pcarolas)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2021, 6:13pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/what-is-a-reasonable-amount-of-time-to-have-documents-before-signing/21305/1 "2021-05-13T18:13:13Z")
I am fairly new to this world. So far so good , been getting requests quite a bit but only have landed 2. On my second one now I agreed to signing 3 days ago and was thinking I will have plenty of time to review documents and really not rush. I am now 3 hours before I need to leave for signing and still no documents. What is a reasonable amount of time to allow for documents to be sent over? ---
**Author:** ![tami.baker.nsa](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/tami.baker.nsa/32/10672_2.png) [@tami.baker.nsa](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/tami.baker.nsa)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2021, 6:37pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/what-is-a-reasonable-amount-of-time-to-have-documents-before-signing/21305/2 "2021-05-13T18:37:51Z")
I prefer to have them the day before, but I just did a closing yesterday where I got docs 1 hour before I needed to leave for the appointment. The company called me about it the evening before saying they were waiting on something from the lender, and I made it work but it was very tight. If I were you, I would call them to let them know you have not received docs and let them know your timeline. They may have to reschedule with the signer. ---
**Author:** ![pcarolas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/pcarolas/32/17718_2.png) [@pcarolas](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/pcarolas)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2021, 6:44pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/what-is-a-reasonable-amount-of-time-to-have-documents-before-signing/21305/3 "2021-05-13T18:44:39Z")
Thank you for your insight. I understand that they may be waiting on things as well, but in my understanding it is best to at least let me know that… right ? I plan next week to get fully set up with mobile printing and scanning so this type of thing will not inhibit my ability to take other signings. But as I am not quite there yet I am kinda tied to my desk and reject other potentially good opportunities. ---
**Author:** ![crisjones](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/crisjones/32/37214_2.png) [@crisjones](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/crisjones)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2021, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/what-is-a-reasonable-amount-of-time-to-have-documents-before-signing/21305/4 "2021-05-13T18:49:46Z")
24hrs atleast due to it could be discrepancies of the spelling of the name of borrowers and that is confirmed over the phone while confirming Signing Appointment. Title company I serve has made this mistake several times so I learned after accepting assignment I call and confirm signing appointment then confirm spelling of borrowers names to be sure. ---
**Author:** ![Arichter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/arichter/32/35077_2.png) [@Arichter](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/Arichter)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2021, 7:58pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/what-is-a-reasonable-amount-of-time-to-have-documents-before-signing/21305/5 "2021-05-13T19:58:52Z")
The ‘standard minimum’ is just 2 hours. So, whenever you get one where you’re worried about time constraints (even if it’s just a logistical problem for you–not enough time between appointments to return home & print), let them know right away that you’ll need docs XX hours before. They usually are very cooperative when they’ve received enough notice. Also, give 'em a ‘drop dead’ time, if necessary. Do not let one batch of late docs screw up your whole day! ---
**Author:** ![pcarolas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/pcarolas/32/17718_2.png) [@pcarolas](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/pcarolas)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2021, 8:11pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/what-is-a-reasonable-amount-of-time-to-have-documents-before-signing/21305/6 "2021-05-13T20:11:05Z")
Thanks We are now past that point. I finally got a response from issuing company after no returned email or phone call earlier in day. I gave them a “drop dead” time of 4:30. Since this is still very new to me I just wanted to allow enough time to make sure I properly review documents before i have to leave.