FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
Decades ago, I met a self-employed young lady who provided mobile notary services to me. At the time I was working for government agencies doing the same job but restricted and confined to the company's requirements. After losing my sister in a car accident, I decided life is too short to not live, so I adopted the mantra to live by design - not default. I've been happy and never looked back.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Recently, my client sold real estate property due to losing a loved one. My client lives in TN. The property is in AL. As a notary, I was able to also perform the real estate closing and send paperwork to the attorney in AL for the buyer. The entire process took 15 minutes.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Before Hiring A Notary: 1. Review the Q&A posted previously. 2. Know what a Notary Public does. A notary's job is to "serve the public as an impartial witness in performing official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents." - National Notary Association 3. Vet the Notary! - Knowledge is Power! Notarizations can be confusing and complex. This detailed procedure is performed best when the notary is well qualified, certified, and knowledgeable of state laws. If left unchecked, it could cost you - and the notary - more than a notary fee. 4. Appreciate Mobile Notary Fees Don't overpay for a notary, and don't chastise the notary for charging an admin or travel fee. Consider the work involved and notary type in comparison to the fee structure. A $35 fee (short distance travel included) for 1 notarization is very reasonable for a mobile notary whereas $15 for 1 notarization is reasonable for a stationary notary. Think of it this way, an attorney charges $300 (minimum) to type and print a 1 page document without ever leaving the office. The client(s) drives to the attorney's office for the appointment. A mobile notary first drives to the client(s). The notary then and must validate identities for all involved parties, log the time and appointment meeting place, capture ID documents for all involved parties, verify contact information for all involved parties, capture fingerprints for all involved parties, and capture signatures for all involved parties. This is done before the notary reviews the document(s), performs needed oaths/affirmations, and witnesses signatures for all involved parties. Finally, the notary must complete the notarial certificate, sign the certificate & stamp the document. This is all done at the date, time, and location of the client's choosing. Notarizing is very important detailed work, and in TN it must be accurately performed by a state official (Notary Public). When you think of all a notary is required to do, $35 is actually a discount.