Frequently Asked Questions

A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to witness signatures, administer oaths, and verify the identity of signers on important documents. Notaries help prevent fraud by ensuring that signers are who they claim to be and are signing documents willingly and knowingly.

Most documents can be notarized, including real estate deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts, loan documents, wills, trusts, healthcare directives, business agreements, and more. However, certain documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and court documents cannot be notarized.

You need to bring: (1) A valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), (2) The unsigned document (do not sign before meeting the notary), and (3) Any additional signers who need to be present. All signers must appear in person with valid identification.

No. You must sign the document in the presence of the notary. If a document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. This is a legal requirement to ensure the notary personally witnesses the signing and can verify the signer's identity and willingness to sign.

California law sets maximum fees for notary services: $15 per signature for acknowledgments and jurats. Mobile notary services include additional travel fees, typically starting at $75 per appointment. Loan signings and apostille services have separate pricing. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific needs.

A mobile notary is a notary public who travels to your location for convenience. Instead of going to a notary office, we come to your home, office, hospital, or any location that works for you. This service is especially helpful for those with mobility issues, busy schedules, or urgent document needs.

We serve all of Southern California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and Ventura County. Travel fees may apply based on distance and location. Same-day service is available in most areas. Contact us to confirm service availability in your specific location.

Yes! We offer same-day appointments based on availability. For urgent needs, we also provide emergency notary services with expedited scheduling. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Contact us as early as possible to ensure we can accommodate your timeline.

We recommend scheduling at least 24-48 hours in advance when possible. However, we understand that urgent situations arise, and we do our best to accommodate same-day requests. For loan signings and complex document packages, earlier scheduling ensures we have adequate time to review requirements.

We understand that plans change. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. We appreciate at least 2 hours notice for cancellations to avoid cancellation fees. We'll work with you to find a new time that fits your schedule.

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country. It's required under the Hague Convention for documents being used internationally in member countries. The apostille verifies the signature, seal, and authority of the official who signed the document.

Common documents requiring apostilles include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, educational diplomas and transcripts, corporate documents, powers of attorney, and notarized affidavits. The requirement depends on the destination country and the document's intended use.

Standard processing typically takes 2-4 weeks for state-level apostilles and 4-8 weeks for federal apostilles. Expedited service is available for faster processing (3-5 business days for state, 1-2 weeks for federal). Processing times may vary based on current workload at the Secretary of State office.

State apostilles are issued by the California Secretary of State for documents notarized by California notaries or issued by California state agencies. Federal apostilles are issued by the U.S. Department of State for federal documents like FBI background checks or documents from federal agencies. The type needed depends on the document's origin.

Apostilles are recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (over 120 countries). For non-member countries, documents require authentication through the U.S. Department of State and legalization by the destination country's embassy or consulate. We can help determine what your specific situation requires.

A loan signing agent is a notary public with specialized training in handling real estate loan documents. We guide borrowers through mortgage, refinance, and home equity loan document packages, ensuring all signatures and initials are completed correctly and returned to the title company or lender promptly.

Most loan signings take 45-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the loan package and the number of borrowers. Purchase loans typically take longer than refinances. We allow adequate time to review documents, answer questions, and ensure everything is completed accurately.

As a notary, we can point out where to sign and initial, and explain the general purpose of each document. However, we cannot provide legal advice or explain the specific terms of your loan. For questions about loan terms, interest rates, or legal implications, please contact your lender, real estate agent, or attorney.

After the signing, we scan and return the documents to the title company or lender immediately (usually within 2 hours). The documents are also shipped via overnight delivery. The lender reviews the package, and if everything is correct, your loan will fund according to the timeline provided by your lender.

Yes! We work with numerous title companies, escrow offices, and lending institutions throughout Southern California. We're experienced with various loan platforms and signing company requirements. If you're a title company or lender looking for reliable signing services, please contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.

Yes! We are a California Secretary of State commissioned notary public with a $15,000 surety bond (required by law) and $100,000 Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance for your protection. We are also a National Notary Association Certified Signing Agent with background screening and continuing education.

California law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents for immediate family members, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings. This prevents conflicts of interest and ensures impartiality. We can refer you to another qualified notary if you need documents notarized for family members.

The signer must be able to communicate directly with the notary in a language both parties understand. If the signer doesn't speak English and the notary doesn't speak the signer's language, a qualified interpreter may be present. However, the notary must still be able to communicate with the signer to verify their understanding and willingness to sign.

Yes, notaries can notarize documents written in foreign languages. However, the notary certificate (the notarial wording) must be in English. The notary doesn't need to understand the document's content, but must be able to communicate with the signer to verify their identity and willingness to sign.

Notarization itself doesn't expire - it certifies that the signature was witnessed on a specific date. However, some organizations or agencies may have their own requirements for how recent a notarization must be. For example, some banks may require documents notarized within the last 30-90 days. Check with the receiving party for their specific requirements.