Frequently Asked Questions

Notarization is an official fraud-deterrent process where a commissioned Notary Public verifies the identity of document signers, confirms their willingness to sign, and witnesses the signing. Many legal, financial, and real estate documents require notarization to be considered valid and enforceable.

Common documents include real estate deeds and closings, power of attorney forms, wills and trusts, affidavits, loan documents, medical directives, business contracts, vehicle title transfers, immigration documents, and court filings. If you are unsure whether your document requires notarization, contact us and we will help you determine the requirements.

You can book an appointment through our online scheduling system, by calling any of our office locations, or by submitting a request through our contact form. We offer same-day appointments when available, and our mobile notary service can come directly to your location for maximum convenience.

Please bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), the documents to be notarized (unsigned — you must sign in front of the notary), and any additional signers or witnesses required by the document. Do not sign the documents before your appointment.

No. By law, the notary must witness the actual signing of the document. If a document has already been signed, you may need to obtain a new unsigned copy. In some cases, an acknowledgment can be performed if the signer acknowledges a previously made signature, but this varies by state and document type.

Our standard notarization fee starts at $15 per signature per document, in accordance with state fee schedules. Complex documents, loan signings, and multi-document packages may have different pricing. We provide transparent, upfront quotes before every appointment so there are no surprises.

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), cash, personal checks, business checks, Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Payment is due at the time of service.

Mobile notary services include a travel fee based on distance from our nearest office location. Travel within 15 miles is a flat $25 fee. Beyond 15 miles, there is an additional $1.50 per mile. Weekend and after-hours mobile appointments include a $35 convenience surcharge.

We understand plans change. Appointments cancelled with more than 4 hours notice incur no charge. Cancellations within 4 hours of the scheduled appointment are subject to a $25 cancellation fee. No-shows will be charged the full service fee. Emergency situations are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. We offer volume discounts for businesses, law firms, and organizations that require regular notarization services. Our corporate packages include dedicated scheduling priority, monthly invoicing, and reduced per-signature rates. Contact us for a customized quote.

A standard notarization typically takes 10 to 15 minutes per document. Loan signing packages may take 45 minutes to an hour depending on the number of documents. We recommend arriving 5 minutes early to allow time for identity verification and document review.

Yes, we frequently accommodate same-day appointments based on availability. Our mobile notaries can often reach your location within 1 to 2 hours for urgent requests. Call our office directly for the fastest scheduling, or use our online booking system and select "urgent" priority.

The notary will verify your identity using your government-issued photo ID, confirm that you understand the document you are signing and are doing so willingly, witness your signature, apply the official notary seal and signature, and record the transaction in the notary journal. The entire process is straightforward and professional.

Absolutely. Our mobile notary service regularly visits hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private residences. We handle these appointments with extra care and sensitivity. Additional time may be needed, and we coordinate with facility staff as required.

We offer evening and weekend appointments for an additional convenience fee. Our emergency hotline is available 24/7 for urgent notarization needs such as hospital signings, time-sensitive legal documents, and real estate closings with tight deadlines.

Remote Online Notarization allows you to have documents notarized via a secure video call from anywhere with an internet connection. The process uses identity verification technology, audio-video recording, and digital signatures to complete a legally binding notarization without meeting in person.

You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection (minimum 3 Mbps recommended), a valid government-issued photo ID, and a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). No special software installation is required — everything runs through your browser.

Yes. RON is legally authorized in over 40 states and recognized by federal agencies. Documents notarized via RON carry the same legal weight as those notarized in person. Our platform complies with all state-specific RON regulations and maintains tamper-evident audit trails.

RON is currently authorized in over 40 states including Virginia, Texas, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, and many more. The list continues to grow. Even if your state has not yet adopted permanent RON legislation, many still accept RON documents performed by notaries in authorized states. Contact us for guidance on your specific situation.

Our RON platform uses bank-level 256-bit encryption, multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis of government IDs, and complete audio-video recording of every session. All records are stored securely and retained in compliance with state requirements.

We accept current, unexpired government-issued photo IDs including: state driver's license, state-issued identification card, U.S. passport or passport card, U.S. military ID, and permanent resident card (green card). The ID must contain your photograph, signature, physical description, and serial or identification number.

If you lack a qualifying photo ID, you may still be able to complete notarization through credible witness identification, where one or two people who know you personally and who have valid IDs can vouch for your identity under oath. Requirements vary by state, so contact us in advance to discuss your options.

Yes. We regularly work with international clients. We accept valid, unexpired foreign passports as primary identification. Additional documentation may be required depending on the document type. For RON sessions, international signers may need to complete enhanced identity verification steps.

The name on your ID must substantially match the name on the document being notarized. Minor variations (such as a middle initial vs. full middle name) are generally acceptable. Significant discrepancies may require supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate, court order, or legal name change documentation.

No. We do not retain copies of your documents. The notary records essential transaction details in the official notary journal (date, type of document, type of notarization, signer names, ID information, and fees charged) as required by law, but the content of your documents remains private and confidential.

Notaries are required by law to maintain a sequential journal of all notarial acts performed. This journal serves as an official record and includes the date and time, type of notarization, document type, signer identification details, and the notary fee charged. Journal records are maintained for the period required by state law, typically 7 to 10 years.

We take data security seriously. All digital records are encrypted at rest and in transit. Physical journals are stored in locked, fireproof safes. Our staff undergoes regular training on data handling and privacy compliance. We comply with all applicable privacy laws and never sell or share your personal information with third parties.

No. Notaries are strictly prohibited from providing legal advice, explaining the contents of documents, or recommending specific courses of action unless they are also licensed attorneys. Our role is to verify identity, witness signatures, and apply the official seal. If you need legal guidance, we recommend consulting with a qualified attorney.