Frequently Asked Questions
Notaries
Listed below are some of our most frequent questions regarding our Notary Services:
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Can you help me complete the forms I need notarized correctly?
We are not attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of California and may not give legal advice, draft legal documents, or accept legal fees for legal advice. Additionally, We cannot back date or notarize any documents that are blank or have critical information missing. If you have any questions regarding your documents, please consult an attorney or the individual who provided the documents to you.
How do I know what type of Notary Certification I need?
By law, we cannot advise you as to which Notary Certification you should request. We suggest that you ask a lawyer or the person who gave you the form.
What is a Notary?
A Notary is an official witness who is only there to ensure each party who signs a document has proven their identity by approved forms ordained by the California Secretary of State. A Notary also ensures no one is being forced into the signing and appears to be coherent.
How much do you charge?
We charge $15 per notarized signature and a minimum $25 travel fee depending on where we’re coming and the time of day. FREE & Discounted travel rates are given if you are a Veteran or have multiple signatures.
Do you have an office we can come to?
We provide a mobile office! For customers trying to save on travel fees and would rather come to us. Please schedule an appointment and we will provide a location for us to meet. Once the appointment is confirmed, you must come when you say you’re going to come or you will have to meet us at our next appointment location as we cannot be late for our scheduled travel appointments.
What are your travel rates?
Our minimum travel rate is FREE for customers who have multiple signatures. For those with 4 or less signatures, our minimum travel rate is $25.
Do you do I-9 Verifications?
No. Unfortunately, California prohibits Notaries from doing these. You must contact an Immigration Attorney for these documents.
Can you notarize a document in a different language?
Yes! As long as the signers all understand what they are signing and have the correct ID’s proving their identity and communicate with the Notary that they do understand the document, we can notarize the document. We can only notarize a document that is completely filled out. If the notary section is also in a different language, we will attach an English notary certificate to be notarized according to California requirements.
What’s the difference between a Notary and a Loan-Signing Agent?
A Loan-Signing Agent is a Notary except they have additional training and expertise when it comes to mortgage documents and loan signings such as Refinances, Purchases, Commercial Loans, & Estate Documents. We have Certified Loan-Signing Agents!
What is a Loan-Signing Agent?
A Loan-Signing Agent is trained and certified concerning the proper execution of loan documents. Our Certified Loan-Signing Agents are independent persons hired by mortgage companies, escrow companies, title companies, and signing services to identify loan documents, obtain the necessary signatures, and in some cases deliver the documents to the borrower. As Loan-Signing Agents we are an impartial party to the transaction, and must adhere to the notary laws of State of California.
What is an Apostille Agent?
An Apostille Agent is trained and certified to act on behelf of individuals and/or companies in obtasining the requried government or various embassy/consulate authentication(s) for all types of documents destined to be presented in foreign countries. As a Certified Apostille Agent, I am an independent business person, not a government employee.
Can you notarize a document if an ID is expired?
Yes! If the signer doesn’t have valid ID, you can use two (2) credible witnesses which are two people who must be present during the signing, who do have a valid ID, who can give the name of the signer and willing to sign the notary journal as a witness. These witnesses then become the valid ID for the signer who does not have a valid ID.
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How much is it just for one document?
One document can have multiple signatures requiring a notary stamp or it could have multiple signatures only requiring one notary stamp. You will know if a notary stamp is required because it will have a notary paragraph where our Notaries will sign or there will be instructions for the Notary to attach a form that will be notarized.
Example 1 - if there is only one place for a Notary to sign and stamp but there are four signers, that would be considered 4 notarized signatures.
Example 2 - If there is only one person signing but the Notary has to sign and stamp four different times, that is also considered four notarized signatures.
Just because there is only one document does not necessarily mean it’s only one notarized signature.
My father had a stroke and can’t move his right hand, can you still notarize a document for him?
Yes! He can try to sign with his left hand, it’s okay if it’s not perfect. If he can’t use either hands, we can place the pen in his mouth and have him just move his head enough to make a mark. We will then need two credible witnesses to be present who will witness your father do this and write his name for him on the document and in the notary journal.
Are you really available 24 hours?
Yes! Emergencies happen and we want to be able to be there for you when you need us.
What do we do if we don't have valid IDs that are not expired?
If the signer does not have an acceptable form of ID, he/she can establish his/her identity with two (2) credible witnesses -- that can swear to the signer's identity. The two witnesses must have proper ID, be age 18 or older, know the signer by the name on the document, and not named in the document nor have a financial interest in the transaction described in the document.
Can you notarize a document that is signed with a signature stamp?
California Notary law does not permit a signer to have a stamped signature notarized.
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Does a notarization mean that a document is "true" or "legal"?
No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of documents they notarize. Notaries only certify the identity of signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents.
Are there documents a Notary cannot notarize?
Yes. If a document is recorded with a government agency such as a Secretary of State's Office, a County Clerk or a court, certified copies should be obtained from that agency. Mobile notaries cannot notarize these documents.
Notaries also cannot notarize Vital Records (Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, Divorce Certificates), photographs, faxed or copied signatures, incomplete documents, if the signer is not present (except Proof of Execution by Subscribing Witness), or any signer who does not provide the proper ID or two (2) credible witnesses.