frequently asked questions
What is an Online Notary
An online notary public is a commissioned notary public in the State of Texas who has the authority to perform a remote notarization using an audio-visual conference rather than having the individual physically appear before the notary at the time of the notarization.
What is a Mobile Notary?
A mobile notary is a notary public that travels to various locations to perform notarial acts. The fees charged by mobile notaries tend to be higher than traditional notaries due to travel related expenses. Click here to view our fees.
Can I come to your location?
We do not have a physical location that you can come to. Our service is strictly online or mobile and by appointment only.
How soon can you get here? How much advanced notice is required?
In order to better serve you we request that all appointments be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. We will, however, make every attempt to fulfill “same-day”, “last minute” and “emergency” requests. Call or text 210-709-0441 for a quote.
What area(s) do you cover?
We cover San Antonio, Helotes, Boerne, Schertz and Cibolo.
Why are documents notarized?
A Notary Public’s main purpose is to deter fraud. As an impartial witness, the Notary ensures that the signers of documents are who they say they are and not impostors. The Notary also makes sure that signers have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.
What does a signer need to do in preparation for an appointment?
All individuals on documents to be signed and notarized are to be PRESENT at signing and must have PROPER IDENTIFICATION (see below)
Identification Documents (ID Cards)
Acceptable Identification Documents. Texas requires an identifying document or card relied on by a Notary to identify a stranger must be current and issued by a federal or state governmental agency and must contain a photograph and signature of the bearer (TCPRC, Sec. 121.005 and NPEM).
Among the IDs authorized for use by Texas Notaries are:
Acceptable Identification Documents. Texas requires an identifying document or card relied on by a Notary to identify a stranger must be current and issued by a federal or state governmental agency and must contain a photograph and signature of the bearer (TCPRC, Sec. 121.005 and NPEM).
✓ State driver’s and official nondriver’s IDs
✓ U.S. passports
✓ U.S. military
✓ IDs and resident alien IDs or “green cards” issued by the
✓ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Id’s should have the following:
✓ Photograph, a physical Description (e.g., “brown hair, green eyes”), and a signature of the bearer. Most government issued IDs contain all three.
Documentation must include the signers photograph, signature, identifying number, and a physical description that includes height, weight, color of hair and color of eyes.
Unacceptable Identification Documents
☓ Social Security cards,
☓ Birth certificates
☓ Credit cards are worthless as identifying documents.
Multiple Identification. While one identification document is sufficient to identify a signer, the Notary may ask for more.
What if a signer’s identification has expired or they do not have acceptable identification?
If you do not have valid identification, you may be identified by either one or two credible identifying witnesses who must produce acceptable identification. Only one credible identifying witness is required provided that individual is personally known by the notary, and is able to produce acceptable identification. Two credible identifying witnesses are required if neither of them are personally known by the Notary. They must also produce acceptable identification. The witnesses must personally know you and take an oath attesting to your identity. The witnesses may not have an interest in or be named in the document.
What are credible identifying witnesses?
When a signer is unable to present proper identification, the signer may be identified on the oath or affirmation of one or two credible identifying witnesses. If there is only one credible identifying witness, he/she must be personally known by the Notary; otherwise two credible identifying witnesses are required. The witnesses, whether personally known or unknown by the Notary, must present valid identification. In either case, each witness must swear or affirm that the following is true:
✓ The document signer appearing before the Notary is the person that is named in the document
✓ The document signer is personally know to the witness
✓ The document signer does not have any acceptable identification
✓ The witness believes that it would be difficult or impossible for the document signer to obtain acceptable identification, and
✓ The witness has no financial or beneficial interest in the document and is not named in the document
What if the name on the document does not match the signer’s identification?
May Accept “Less of a Name” Than Appears On The Identification::
✓ If the document reflects less of a name than what appears on the identification, the Notary may proceed with the notarization. For example, if your identification reads “Norton John Smith,” and the document reads “Norton J. Smith,” the Notary may accept your identification for that document because the “J” is defined.
May Not Accept “More of a Name” Than Appears On The
Identification:
✓ If the document reflects more of a name than what appears on the identification, the Notary may not proceed with the notarization. For example, if your identification reads “Norton J. Smith,” but the document reads “Norton John Smith,” the Notary may not accept your identification for that document because it does not define the “J.“”
What if the signer’s identification reflects their maiden name but the document contains their married name?
The name on the identification must either match what is on the document or follow the “less but not more than rule” (see explanation above). If you cannot present acceptable identification, you may also be identified
by one or two credible identifying witnesses (discussed above).
Note: A marriage license, social security card, temporary driver’s license, or credit card with or without a photo, are not included in the acceptable forms of identification.
What if a signer is disabled and unable to sign his/her name?
A disabled person may sign a document by marking an “X” in the presence of two witnesses who personally know the signer and who have no interest in nor are named in the document. The witnesses must present acceptable identification.
May a Notary Public prepare or review or complete a legal document?
A Notary Public is a person of honesty, credibility, truthfulness and integrity appointed by the State to service the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of acts related to the signing of important documents, taking oaths and affirmations and performing other acts authorized by law. A Notary Public is not an attorney and may not give legal advice or assist a signer to draft, prepare, select or complete a document or transaction.
Does “notarization” mean that a document is true, accurate or legal?
As public officials, Notaries serve an important role in the prevention of fraud and protection of the parties involved by following strict procedures in identifying a person and by acting as an official, unbiased witness for
certain documents. Notaries are not responsible for the truth, accuracy or legality of documents they notarize.
Can an incomplete document be notarized?
Notaries are prohibited from notarizing any document that is incomplete. Any blanks should be filled in by the signer, lined though or marked as “not applicable”.
Can a Notary Public decline to provide service?
Notaries must perform all lawful and reasonable requests for notarization. However, the following are some circumstances under which a Notary my decline service:
✓ If the document signer is unable to produce proper identification
✓ If the document signer is unable to produce credible identifying witnesses
✓ If the document is incomplete or contains blank spaces
✓ If the document does not provide notarial wording and the signer is unable provide instructions as such
✓ If the Notary is uncertain of a signer’s willingness, mental awareness or has cause to suspect fraud
Can a Notary Signing Agent help us complete our documents or provide advice?
No, a Notary Signing Agent cannot provide documents, assist in the completion of your documents or give legal advise on your document.
