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What to expect at an appointment

When you book a mobile notary appointment with us, we want to make sure you're fully prepared and understand the entire process. Here’s a detailed guide of what to expect during your appointment:

1. We Come to You

No need to leave your home, office, or other location. We will travel to your preferred spot within the service area. Whether you’re at home or at work, we’ll be there at the scheduled time.

2. Review of Documents

Before proceeding, we’ll go over the documents you need notarized to ensure everything is in order. This includes checking for any blank spaces and making sure you understand what you're signing.

3. Verifying Your Identity

As required by Virginia law, we will verify your identification before notarizing any documents. A notary must be completely satisfied with the identity of the person whose signature is being notarized. We’ll make sure your identification is valid, and we will not accept third-party claims regarding your identity.

4. Checking for Conflicts of Interest

We will ensure that no conflicts of interest are present. For example, we cannot notarize our own signatures or those of our spouse, nor can we notarize documents where we or our spouse may benefit.

5. The Notarization Process

Once the documents are reviewed, and identification is verified, we’ll proceed with the notarization. The notary will apply their seal and signature, confirming the document’s authenticity.

6. Understanding the Responsibilities of a Notary

As a Virginia Notary Public, I follow strict guidelines outlined in the Virginia Handbook for Notaries to ensure that all notarizations are performed correctly and legally. Some important things to note:

  • Notaries are public officials appointed by the Governor and must always perform their duties in accordance with Virginia's laws and regulations.

  • A notary cannot notarize documents that benefit them or their spouse, such as a will naming them as a beneficiary.

  • Notaries cannot certify copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates.

  • Notaries cannot perform marriages or practice law.

  • The notary’s seal must be clear, photographically reproducible, and contain specific details (name, commission expiration, and registration number).

7. Fees and Charges

8. Important Information

While notaries are not required to charge a fee for their services, if a fee is charged, it cannot exceed $10.00 per notarial act.

The following items must appear on every notarized document:

  1. The name of the county or city in which the document is signed.

  2. The date the document is signed.

  3. The notarial statement (what is being notarized).

  4. The notary’s signature.

  5. The expiration date of the notary’s commission.

  6. The notary’s registration number.

  7. The notary’s seal.

  8. Notaries are required to keep up-to-date with any changes in notary laws, and we always adhere to current regulations. If you have any concerns or questions during the process, we encourage you to ask, and we’ll ensure everything is handled correctly.

9. After the Appointment

Once the notarization is complete, you’ll receive your properly signed and sealed documents. If your documents are to be filed or used outside of Virginia, they are still valid as long as they were signed and notarized in the state.

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