Signing a document may seem easy until you require the services of an official witness. Bank notaries are available only for certain hours; not everybody is able to leave his or her house, and sometimes there is no time to spare. This is where a traveling notary comes into play. Rather than coming to the notary, the notary comes to you. In this guide, you will find out about notary service, its peculiarities of mobile visits, and the preparation needed. If you want to sign your power of attorney, loan package, affidavit and other documents, several simple steps will help you save time and avoid extra costs. Now let us consider the basics.

What Does a Notary Do?

A notary public is an official who is commissioned by the state and verifies the identity of the signer. The notary asks for identification, observes the signing process and adds the seal and certificate. The two main forms of notarization are acknowledgments, where one acknowledges the voluntary signing of the document, and jurat, which is declaring that what you have signed is true.

The notary is prohibited from interpreting the document, giving legal advice or even deciding whether you should sign the document. This can be done by an attorney, the lender or title company.

What Is a Mobile Notary?

It is basically the same procedure but carried out wherever you want. It can be your home, workplace, a hospital bed, or even a nursing home. This service caters to those who are too busy, physically challenged, or in need of quick service. Mobile notaries operate by appointment only and usually within their designated cities.

When It Is Appropriate for a Mobile Notary Service to Be Used

This service is mostly recommended when travel becomes a problem. Here are several examples of situations when a mobile visit becomes appropriate:

  • The relative of a patient is supposed to authorize a power of attorney.
  • A new home buyer authorizes loan papers at his/her home instead of signing papers at a title office.
  • The elderly parent who lives in a nursing home signs the estate planning documents.
  • The owner of a business authorizes affidavits without leaving the office.

The Process of the Appointment

In most cases, an appointment takes place in four steps:

  • To request the appointment. Explain to the notary what documents should be signed and where.
  • To check the document. The notary should make sure that all pages are full, since blank pages delay the process.
  • To provide your identity. Take your ID (government-issued photo ID).
  • To get the signed document. The document will then be stamped by the notary, who will return it to you.

How to Prepare

Do not sign anything until after the notary arrives because most of the time when people get a document notarized, they need to sign in front of the notary. Your identification must be current; otherwise, you should contact the notary beforehand. Finally, please ask about any travel fees before booking your appointment.

What to Look for in a Notary

It’s best to use a notary who has been commissioned, bonded, and has insurance. The bonding and insurance provide additional security for their clients. If the document is a loan document, select a trained notary signing agent who understands how lenders package their documents. Such services can be found in Placer County Notary Services, for example.

Conclusion

A traveling notary is a perfect way to do signing if you have problems regarding time, health, and place. You should know about the notary’s rights and obligations and be prepared for the notarization appointment. All these preparations will make the visit go smoothly. For any legal questions regarding your documents, talk to a lawyer first, and then set an appointment.