Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile Public Notary – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Services

1. What is a mobile notary?
A mobile notary is a commissioned public notary who travels to your home, office, hospital, care facility, or another agreed‑upon location to notarize documents in person.

2. What types of documents can you notarize?
Common documents include:

  • Power of Attorney
  • Wills and estate documents (non‑legal advice only)
  • Trusts
  • Deeds and real estate forms
  • Vehicle title transfers
  • Affidavits
  • Loan signing packages
  • Medical authorization forms
  • School and travel consent forms

3. Do you prepare legal documents?
No. A notary verifies identity and witnesses signatures but does NOT draft, explain, or give legal advice about documents.

4. Are you available after hours or weekends?
Yes. Mobile notaries typically offer evening, weekend, and emergency appointments for convenience.

Identification Requirements

5. What ID do I need?
A current, government‑issued photo ID such as:

  • Driver license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
  • Military ID (if permitted by state law)

The ID must be unexpired and match the name on the document.

6. Can you notarize an expired ID?
No. State law requires valid identification. Expired IDs cannot be accepted.

7. What if someone has no ID?
Credible witnesses may be allowed depending on state law. They must personally know the signer and provide valid identification themselves.

The Signing Process

8. Does everyone need to be present?
Yes. Each signer must personally appear before the notary at the time of notarization.

9. Can you notarize a document already signed?
Sometimes. The signer must still appear and acknowledge they signed it willingly.

10. Do you provide witnesses?
Some notaries can arrange witnesses for an additional fee if requested in advance.

11. Can you notarize for someone who is ill or elderly?
Yes, as long as the signer is aware, willing, and able to communicate understanding of the document.

12. What if the signer cannot communicate clearly?
The notary must refuse if the signer appears confused, coerced, medicated beyond awareness, or unable to understand the transaction.

Travel & Appointments

13. Where do you travel?
Homes, offices, hospitals, nursing homes, coffee shops, correctional facilities, and other public locations by appointment.

14. How soon can I get an appointment?
Same‑day appointments are often available depending on location and schedule.

15. How long does an appointment take?
Most notarizations take 5–20 minutes. Loan signings may take 30–90 minutes.

Fees & Payment

16. How much does notarization cost?
Fees include:

  • State‑regulated notarization fee per signature
  • Travel fee based on distance
  • After‑hours or emergency fee (if applicable)

17. What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, or Venmo.

18. Is the travel fee refundable?
Generally no, once the notary has arrived, even if signing cannot be completed due to missing ID or unwilling signer.

Special Situations

19. Can you notarize in a hospital or hospice?
Yes, provided the signer is alert, coherent, and willing.

20. Can you notarize for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s?
Only if the person clearly understands what they are signing at the time of notarization.

21. Can a family member translate?
No. An impartial translator may be required if the signer does not understand the language of the document.

22. Can you notarize a will?
Yes, but only the signatures — not the content or legality of the will.

Remote & Electronic Notarization

23. Do you offer remote online notarization (RON)?
No. At this time remote online notarization is not offered. All notarizations must be completed in person.

24. What do I need for online notarization?

  • Computer or smartphone with camera
  • Internet connection
  • Valid ID
  • Ability to answer identity verification questions

What a Notary Cannot Do

A notary is prohibited from:

  • Giving legal advice
  • Choosing notarial certificates for you (unless directed)
  • Backdating or postdating documents
  • Notarizing without the signer present
  • Notarizing incomplete documents

Tips for a Smooth Appointment

  • Do not sign until instructed
  • Have valid ID ready
  • Ensure all pages are present
  • Know which signatures require notarization
  • Have witnesses available if required

For scheduling or questions, please contact your mobile notary directly.