NOTARY FAQ

Notary Frequently Asked Questions

What is a notary public?

Responsible individuals who can administer oaths or witness signatures on legal documents. A notary public is also sometimes called a loan signing agent or a loan signing notary.

How does mobile notary service work?

We will come to your office, home, nursing home, hospital, or any local area of your choice.

How does remote online notary service work?

The signer submits his or her identification and unsigned documents for notarization. Once received, we will schedule an appointment to connect the signer(s) using audio and video technology. Each signer will have to undergo a security screening.

What states won’t accept a remote notarization?

Each state has its own guidelines for remote notarization and most State rules have been changed to accommodate individuals during the Pandemic.  The biggest States that will not accept an electronic signature but do accept remote notarization are New York and California.

Can I get court documents notarized remotely?

Yes, court documents can be signed electronically and remotely when being submitted to any Florida Court.

How much does it cost to get a document notarized remotely?

Prices vary based on the services the Notary Public provides and the third-party provider the Notary Public uses to electronically sign or record the signer’s document.  Pursuant to Florida Statutes, a Florida Notary Public may charge up to $25.00 per online notarization.  However, that fee does not include the other costs associated with getting a remote online notarization or electronic notarization.

Are there documents that a notary public cannot notarize?

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.

Can I get a document notarized if I am in another country?

Yes. As long as the documents being notarized are for the United State use.

Can a Florida online notary notarize the signature of someone in another?

An online notary public physically located in a state may perform an online notarization regardless of whether the signer or any witnesses are physically located in that state at the time of the online notarization.

May a notary give legal advice or draft legal documents?

All states prohibit non-attorneys from practicing law. A Notary can be held liable for any damages resulting from an incorrectly chosen certificate or notarization.

Can a notary also serve as a witness?

Yes, but must sign as the notary and again separately as a witness.

What forms of identification are acceptable?

Mobile notaries accept a variety of documents. A current driver’s license, passport, non-driver’s license ID, or military ID is always acceptable. Note: Only U.S.-issued identifications are acceptable forms of ID.

What if my driver license is expired?

In the State of Florida, we may accept an expired Driver’s License as a valid form of identification as long as the expiration date does not exceed 5 years from the time of the notarization.

What if I have COVID-19 and need documents notarized?

You may be eligible for remote online notarization.  This will allow you to get documents notarized remotely and not come in physical contact with the notary.

What is a signing agent?

A signing agent is a public notary who is an expert in loan closing documents. A lender, title company, or escrow service may hire a signing agent to handle getting documents delivered, signed, or processed efficiently and on time.

What is a jurat?

When the signer signs the document and takes an oath swearing or affirming the information in the document is true and correct.

What is an acknowledgment?

When the signer acknowledges that they signed the document for the purposes stated within it.

What is an Oath/Affirmation?

A person promises to be an act of faithfully or affirms the truth of a statement. Oath and Affirmations may be spoken or written as needed.

What’s the difference between an Oath/Affirmation and a Jurat?

Jurat requires the signer to sign in front of the notary.