What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing is determined by the document type, the number of notarial stamps required, and any applicable travel fees.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Collecting the name, phone number, location, and a brief description of what needs to be notarized. Scheduling an appointment time and ensuring witnesses are available as needed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I completed my training through the National Notary Association and received my notary commission from the Baltimore County Circuit Court in Maryland.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
After completing my training and receiving my commission, I began using Thumbtack last year to gain both business and experience.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Individuals – People who need documents notarized for personal matters like Powers of Attorney, wills, medical directives, or parental consent forms.
Real Estate Professionals – Loan officers, real estate agents, and mortgage brokers who require notarizations for loan signings, deeds, and closing documents.
Attorneys & Law Firms – Lawyers handling estate planning, divorce settlements, or affidavits often require mobile notary services.
Financial Institutions – Banks, credit unions, and investment firms may need notarization for financial agreements or loan documents.
Medical Facilities & Nursing Homes – Patients or elderly individuals needing notarizations for medical directives, living wills, or POAs.
Business Owners & Executives – Companies needing notarized contracts, vendor agreements, or business formation documents.
Title & Escrow Companies – Notarizing deeds, title transfers, and closing documents for real estate transactions.
Government & Military Personnel – Those who need notarization for deployment paperwork, affidavits, or official forms.
Adoption Agencies & Parents – For notarizing adoption paperwork, guardianship documents, and travel consent forms.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
1. Verify Credentials
Ensure the notary is commissioned in your state and has a valid notary ID.
Ask if they have Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance for added protection.
2. Check Availability & Convenience
Look for a notary who offers flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
Choose a mobile notary if you need someone to come to your home, office, hospital, or other location.
3. Know the Fees Upfront
Confirm the notarization cost (states set maximums for notary fees).
Ask about travel fees if using a mobile notary.
4. Ensure Experience with Your Documents
Some notaries specialize in real estate closings, loan signings, medical POAs, wills, or business documents.
If dealing with sensitive legal or financial paperwork, look for a certified signing agent.
5. Bring Proper Identification
A government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID) is required for notarization.
6. Confirm Their Professionalism
A good notary should be punctual, professional, and detail-oriented.
Read reviews or ask for referrals to ensure they have a good reputation.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
1. What type of document needs notarization?
Is it a Power of Attorney, real estate document, will, trust, affidavit, business contract, or loan document?
Some documents may have specific notarization requirements (e.g., witnesses).
2. Does the document require additional signers or witnesses?
Certain documents, like wills or real estate transactions, may require witnesses in addition to the notary.
Will the customer provide their own witnesses, or do they need the notary to help arrange them?
3. Do all signers have valid identification?
Each signer must provide a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.).
The ID must be current and not expired.
4. Where and when do they need the notary?
Do they need a same-day appointment, evening, or weekend availability?
What is the location—home, office, hospital, or public place?
Are there any access issues (e.g., hospital room restrictions, gated communities, or security clearances)?
5. What are the costs involved?
How much is the notarization fee (states set limits on this amount)?
What are the mobile/travel fees?
Are there additional charges for witnesses, extra signatures, or after-hours services?
6. Has the document been completed (except for signatures)?
Notaries cannot provide legal advice or draft documents.
The document should be filled out but unsigned before meeting with the notary.
7. Do they need a specialized notary?
If dealing with loan signings, does the notary have a Certified Loan Signing Agent (LSA) designation?
If it's a complex legal or financial document, should an attorney review it beforehand?
8. What is the preferred notarization method?
In-person notarization (traditional and required for most documents).
Remote online notarization (RON) (available in some states).
9. Are they prepared for potential delays?
If signing in a hospital or nursing home, does the signer have full mental capacity and awareness?
Will all signers be present and ready at the appointment time?
10. Do they need multiple notarizations?
If they need several documents notarized, confirming the total number in advance helps with pricing and scheduling.
