What is the cost of a Notary Public?
In California, Notaries charge $15 per signature notarized. Fees vary by state and Notary. Most mobile notaries charge a travel fee in addition to the notarization fee. As a mobile Notary Public located in Ocean Beach San Diego, I offer a local travel fee of only $5 in Ocean Beach and Point Loma. If you have a loan package signing, additional pricing information can be found HERE.
What does a Notary do?
A Notary authenticates the identity of anyone signing a document that needs to be notarized, screens for willingness to sign, and awareness of what is being signed. Depending on the notarial certificate being used (Acknowledgement or Jurat), a notary might ask you to swear or affirm to the truthfulness of a document’s content. Notaries do not draft documents and can not offer legal advice. If you’d like more information on the role of a Notary Public, more information can be found at NNA.
What does a mobile Notary do?
A mobile Notary travels to your location of choice to perform a notarization. I offer print and shipping services as well upon request. I travel anywhere in San Diego county and further if needed.
What is valid ID?
Valid ID is required to complete a notarization. Most common form of Identification is Driver License, State ID, or Passport. For more information on alternative ID’s notaries are allowed to accept in California, reference the Notary Handbook on page 10. It is important that your name on the document being notarized matches your ID. If there is a variation, reach out to your notary for options on how to proceed.
Should I complete the document being notarized before the appointment?
This answer varies. Documents need to be complete in order to perform a notarization. This protects all parties from potential fraud. For Loan Signings, a notary will guide you on how to complete the forms. On single document notarizations, the document typically needs to be complete in advance but a notary will check for completeness before notarizing. Keep in mind a Notary does not offer legal advice so any questions about the “Why” and “How” of a form should be directed to the company issuing the form.
Should I sign a document in advance or wait for my Notary?
This answer also varies. If the notarial certificate is an Acknowledgement, you may sign before a notary arrives. If the notarial certificate is a Jurat, you need to sign in the presence of a Notary. If you send the document/s to your notary before the appointment, they can advise you. If you have questions, wait for your Notary Public to avoid having to print again.