FAQ
FAQ
Frequency Asked Question
● All signers must physically appear before a Notary Public.
● A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity.
● Bring the document that needs notarization, completed but unsigned (if applicable, depending on the type of notarization).
● You need to sign the document in the notary’s presence, unless otherwise specified
● Payment for the notary fee
We provide mobile notary services and can come to you. Appointments are required and can be booked through our website.
No, notaries are not authorized to give legal advice. Their role is solely to verify identities and witness signatures.
Not just the notarization; for international use, you may need an Apostille or other authentication depending on the destination country.
For the fee schedule of each service offered, please visit our ‘Services’ page.
For legal questions or advice, consult an attorney. A notary can only verify signatures and identities.
Common documents include medical authorizations, living wills, power of attorney for healthcare, consent forms, and advance directives.
A licensed notary public can notarize these documents as long as the signer is present, mentally competent, and able to sign voluntarily.
No, notaries do not interpret or provide legal advice; they only verify identities and witness signatures.
You should be able to communicate effectively in the language of the document or bring a translator. Notaries can’t interpret the document.
No, but each document or signature generally requires a separate acknowledgment and fee.
Yes, you must sign the document in the notary’s presence unless it’s a specific exception (e.g., notarizing a signature by mark with witnesses).
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the signature, capacity, and authority of the person signing the document, ensuring its validity internationally. The Apostille simplifies the process of legalizing documents for international use by eliminating the need for additional diplomatic or consular legalization.
Documents in languages other than English do not require translation for notarization and Apostille, provided that your name and signature can be verified in English. An English notarial certificate will be attached as necessary.
● The birth certificate must be a certified copy issued by the California Department of Public Health, County Recorder’s Office, or the County Registrar-Recorder’s Office. It cannot be a photocopy, even if notarized.
● The birth certificate must have the original signature of the County Registrar or other authorized official.
● While not a strict rule, it’s generally recommended that the birth certificate be relatively recent (within the last few years). This is because the signatures of authorized officials can change over time, and an older document might not be readily recognized.
● The birth certificate should be free of any alterations, erasures, or white-outs. Any changes or corrections must be officially noted by the issuing authority.
Typically, the CA Secretary of State’s Office processes an Apostille within three business weeks as a standard service. To expedite the Apostille process, specialized document handling services are available upon request.
An updated list of countries that currently accede to or will soon join the Apostille Convention is available in the Apostille section of the Hague Conference website.
Yes, notarizations require the signer’s physical presence unless remote online notarization is permitted in your state.
Valid, government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport is required to verify the signer’s identity.
Usually between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number of documents and complexity.
No, notaries cannot advise on loan terms or legal matters. They only authenticate signatures and identities.
You should ask questions; however, notaries cannot give legal advice. For complex or confusing documents, consult your loan agent, lender, title or escrow company.
Yes, but you must be fluent or have a qualified translator to understand and sign the documents properly.
You may request copies; however, the original signed documents are typically sent back to the lender or escrow company. The notary is not authorized to provide the signer with a signed copy.
Contact your lender or signing service immediately to inform them of any changes.