FAQs

What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is an individual commissioned by the Secretary of State to perform a notarial act and is a considered a “public ministerial officer” who is an impartial agent of the state commissioned to witness notarial writings and signatures. One of the main responsibilities of a notary public is to confirm the identity of the signer of a document through personal knowledge, a credible witness and/or identification card or papers. Also, notaries public ensure the signer is under his/her own free will, and there to witness the actual signing.

What is a “Mobile” Notary Public?

The “mobile” designation means the notary travels to you. They come to your home, office, or any other location at your convenience, giving you the advantage of flexible scheduling.

What is a Signing Agent?

A Notary Signing Agent or NSA is a Notary who has special training and/or experience to handle loan document signings. Title companies and signing services hire NSAs to deliver loan documents to borrowers, oversee the signing and return the documents.

Can a notary notarize if the signer is not present?

ALL signers that wish to have their signatures notarized must be present at signing and have a VALID picture I.D.

What forms of identification are ACCEPTABLE?

Each signer must present at least one of the forms of ID listed below. The ID must be current or, if expired, have been issued within the last 5 years; contain the signer’s photograph, physical description, and signature; and bear a serial or other identifying number (Civil Code, Section 1185).

  • State-issued driver’s and official nondriver’s ID’s

  • State-issued identification card

  • U.S. Passport issued by the U.S Department of State

  • U.S. Military ID Card

  • State, county and local government IDs

  • Valid Foreign Passport

What forms of Identification are UNACCEPTABLE?

  • Temporary driver’s license

  • Social Security Cards

  • Birth Certificates

  • Marriage Certificates

  • Credit Cards

  • School IDs

Who can be a credible witness?

A credible identifying witness is an individual who knows and can verify the identity of a signer.

Can a notary refuse to serve people?

Only if the Notary is uncertain of a signer’s identity, willingness, mental awareness, or has cause to suspect fraud. Notaries may not refuse service on the basis of race, religion, nationality, lifestyle, or because the person is not a client or customer.