Why a Notary?

An acknowledgment is a type of notarization where the signer declares to the notary that they willingly signed the document.

A jurat is a type of notarization where the signer swears or affirms the truthfulness of the contents of the document. The signer must sign the document in the notary's presence.

Acknowledgments: Yes, a notary can notarize a document that has already been signed if the act is an acknowledgment. Jurats (Oaths/Affirmations): No, a notary generally cannot notarize a document that has already been signed if the act requires a jurat (an oath or affirmation).

Acceptable IDs usually include a current state-issued driver's license or ID card, a U.S. passport, a foreign passport with a U.S. visa, or a military ID. The ID must typically contain a photograph, signature, and physical description.

Yes, a notary can refuse if they have any doubt about the signer's identity, willingness, or mental competence, or if the document appears incomplete or fraudulent.

Notarization adds an extra layer of security and trust to documents, deterring fraud and ensuring that the parties signing are who they claim to be and are signing willingly.

A notary public is an impartial witness authorized by the state government to verify the identity of signers and ensure the authenticity of signatures on important documents.

You typically need to bring the document(s) to be notarized and a valid, government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver's license, passport).

Without acceptable ID, the notary cannot proceed with the notarization.

The notary's primary role is to verify identity, witness signatures, administer oaths or affirmations, and certify copies (where permissible). They do not offer legal advice or prepare documents.

A mobile notary is a notary public who travels to a client's preferred location (e.g., home, office, hospital, coffee shop) to perform notarizations, offering convenience and flexibility.

The Travel/Convenience Fee (Mobile Fee): This is the primary cost associated with a mobile notary and is not regulated by the state, meaning notaries can set their own reasonable rates for travel. This fee compensates the notary for their time, mileage, tolls, parking, and other expenses incurred by traveling to your location.

Mobile notaries are ideal for individuals who are busy, lack transportation, have urgent notarization needs, or require notarization outside of regular business hours.

Mobile notaries typically serve a specific geographic area, often within their county or a set radius. It's best to confirm their service area when contacting them.

Many mobile notaries offer flexible scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate their clients' needs. Our hours of operations are Monday- Friday 9:00am- 5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am- 7:00pm

A loan signing agent (or "notary signing agent") is a notary public who has specialized training and certification to handle and notarize loan documents for real estate transactions.

No, notaries are strictly prohibited from giving legal advice or assisting in the preparation or completion of documents. Their role is limited to the notarization act itself.

New York notaries are not authorized to perform "copy certification" in the way some other states allow (where the notary directly attests to the accuracy of the copy). This means a New York notary cannot write something like, "I certify this is a true and accurate copy of the original document," and then sign and stamp it.

While a notary acts as a witness for the notarization, some documents require separate, non-notary witnesses in addition to the notary. A notary's role as an impartial witness is separate from the act of notarizing.

Notaries commonly notarize a wide range of documents, including affidavits, powers of attorney, deeds, wills (though often requiring witnesses beyond just the notary), contracts, and various legal and financial forms.

No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of documents they notarize. Notaries certify the identity of signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents.

Vital Records: A New York Notary cannot certify copies of vital records such as: Birth certificates Death certificates Marriage certificates Divorce decrees These documents must be obtained as certified copies directly from the issuing government agency (e.g., Department of Health, County Clerk's office). Publicly Recorded Documents: Generally, notaries cannot certify copies of documents that are publicly recorded, such as deeds or mortgages. Most Physical Documents: New York notaries are generally not authorized to perform a "copy certification" where they compare a physical copy to an original document and attest to its accuracy. There may be specific exceptions for tangible copies of electronic records, but this is a nuanced area. Alternative: If a certified copy is needed for such documents, the document custodian (the person who possesses the original) can sign an affidavit stating that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction, and then the notary can notarize the custodian's signature on that affidavit.

We accept cash, checks, credit/Debit Cards which are subject to processing fees via the selected card processor.

Under New York State Notary Law, a Notary Public cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents, unless they are also a licensed attorney. Unauthorized Practice of Law: Notaries Public are ministerial officers. Their role is to verify identities, witness signatures, and administer oaths and affirmations. They are not permitted to practice law, which includes giving legal advice or drafting legal papers. Prohibited Activities: The New York State Department of State explicitly states that a notary may not: Give advice on the law. Draw any kind of legal papers, such as wills, deeds, bills of sale, mortgages, contracts, leases, powers of attorney, or other legal pleadings. Review documents for legality. Tell a constituent what to put in a blank space on a document, even if it seems simple. Consequences: Engaging in these prohibited activities can lead to serious consequences, including: Removal from office by the Secretary of State. Possible imprisonment. Fines.

A NYS notary cannot notarize a document if the signer is not physically present before them (for traditional notarizations) or visibly and audibly present via authorized communication technology (for electronic/remote notarizations). Notarizing "over the telephone" or without the actual presence of the signer is illegal.

A notary public has a critical responsibility to ensure the signer is both willing and competent to execute a document. If a signer is unwilling or incapacitated, the notary must refuse to perform the notarial act. Unwilling Signer: Refusal is Required: If a signer expresses any unwillingness to sign, or if the notary suspects they are being coerced or unduly influenced, the notarization cannot proceed. The signer must be acting voluntarily. Notary's Role: The notary's role is not to persuade or pressure a signer. If a signer seems hesitant or reluctant, the notary should politely stop the process and explain that they can only notarize if the signer is willing and understands what they are signing. Incapacitated Signer (Mental Capacity): Notary's Assessment: While notaries are not medical professionals, they have a duty to refuse a notarization if they believe the signer lacks the mental capacity to understand the document they are signing and the consequences of doing so. This is often based on observable behavior. Red Flags: Signs of incapacitation might include: Confusion or disorientation. Incoherent communication. Inability to answer simple questions about the document or their identity. Appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the point of impairment. Another person in the room answering for the signer or pressuring them.

A NYS notary cannot notarize a document if they are: A signer of the document themselves. Named as a party to the underlying transaction. Have a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction. Note: While New York State law does not explicitly disqualify notaries from notarizing for family members, it is generally considered a best practice for notaries to avoid such situations due to potential conflicts of interest or the appearance of impropriety.

Yes, “The Company” operates during regular business hours, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturdays. On Sundays, the “Company” is closed. Services outside of these hours may be available upon request but may incur additional After hours fees.

Absolutely not. Under New York State Notary Law, a notary public is legally obligated to verify the identity of the signer. This is a fundamental duty and a core purpose of notarization: to prevent fraud by ensuring the person signing a document is, in fact, who they claim to be.