Assuranty

• Are Notary Services free?

Notary Services can either be free or charged according to where you want your documents notarized. If you go to a Bank, Notarial Services are free if you have an account with that particular bank. However, if you go to places like UPS or FedEx, or if you choose Mobile Notary, there will be a charge. The advantage of a mobile notary is that you get your paperwork notarized at your place and time. Mobile notaries charge you a little bit extra, but we, as mobile notaries, value your time.

• Are notaries open on Saturdays or Sundays?

We are a Mobile notary that works for you. You can schedule a session no matter any time is and we will come to you.

• Are notary fees taxable?

Notary fees are not taxable. The state regulates the notarial fees (check the Secretary of State website for detailed information). But, as a mobile notary, we may charge you a convenience fee.

• Are notary publics state-specific?

Notary Publics are commissioned in their particular State. For example, in Texas, Notary Commissions are issued by the Secretary of State's office. But, if a Notary Public is commissioned with Remote Online Notary (RON) services, they can notarize in any state where State laws permit. There are some online notary platforms like notarize.com where you can get your paperwork notarized online in a secure session.

• Are notary publics lawyers?

In certain states, you don’t have to be an attorney to be a Notary Public. But a notary public with a law degree is an add-on bonus. Regular Notary Publics are restricted or forbidden to give legal advice to their customers. There is a saying in the notary community, “we do not advise- we notarize…”. On the other hand, an attorney with a notary public commission is able to give legal advice.

• Can a notary be done online?

Yes, it can be done online if that particular state permits. For example, State of Texas allows RON sessions, whereas the State of Georgia explicitly prohibits RON sessions.

• Can a notary be a witness?

In many cases, a notary can also be a witness on a document, but this is generally discouraged, and some states prohibit it. While notaries are authorized to witness signatures as part of their official duties, acting as a witness in a non-notarial capacity for the same document can lead to conflicts of interest or even violate notary law. Some states, like Georgia, Maine, and North Carolina, have specific rules prohibiting or advising against notaries acting as witnesses on the same document they notarize. 

• Can a notary sign for family?

In most states, a notary can notarize for family members, but in the State of Texas it is prohibited due to potential conflicts of interest and questions of impartiality. While not always prohibited by law, notarizing for close family (like spouses, parents, or children) can raise concerns about the notary's impartiality and could potentially invalidate the document if challenged.