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Boynton Beach, FL 33474

FAQ

Mobile Notary FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is information relating to some of the common ways in which a Notaries services are required. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section.

What is Notarisation?

Notarisation is the process whereby a Notary certifies a document. Usually this is done by attaching a notarial certificate to the document. The notarial certificate contains statements of fact or law in relation to the document being certified. Our Notaries often issue certificates in the language of the country where the document being certified is to be used.

What is a notary public?

According to the National Notary Association, a notary public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths.

What is a signing agent?

A  signing agent is a public notary who is expert in loan closing documents. A lender, title company, or escrow service may hire a signing agent to handle getting documents delivered, signed, or processed efficiently and on time.

Can I be refused a notarization?

A notary public may refuse to perform a notarization if he or she cannot be certain of a prospective signer’s identity, willingness, or understanding of what is happening at that moment. In addition, a notary may not notarize a document in which he or she has a financial interest.

Can a notary certify a copy of a document?

State laws may vary, but in general, no. For vital records documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, the requestor should visit the local agency that holds these documents, such as a local county clerk. There are some limited instances when a notary may certify a copy, but it is best to check with the notary of your state.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, although we are sometimes able to accommodate walk in clients it is preferable to book an appointment in advance in order to ensure a Notary will be available to see you. This also allows us to ensure we have all necessary documents in advance and that the appointment is as brief as possible for you.

Why do I need to bring proof of identity and proof of address?

One of the Notary’s fundamental duties is to properly identify his or her client. This requirement is laid down by our practice rules and legislation.

How much will it cost?

This will depend on the document being certified and exactly what the notary is required to do. Our notaries will be happy to discuss this with you prior to your appointment (please note it will often be necessary to see the document in advance in order to provide an accurate fee estimate).

Where do you provide your services?

We will come to you at a place that is convenient for you. This can be your home or office, a restaurant, or even a nursing home, hospital, or federal, state or county correctional facility. If you prefer to do Remote Online Notary, this can also of course be arranged. True Notary Services specializes in providing prompt and convenient attention that lets you focus on your client.

What documents do you notarise?

True Notary Services offers a full range of Notarial Services. We notarize documents for use in all countries around the world, often in a foreign language or in a bilingual format.

What types of identification are valid?

All forms of identification must be current or issued within 5 years.

Valid forms of identification in the State of Florida include:

  • Florida Drivers License
  • US Passport
  • Drivers License or ID card from another state
  • Mexican or Canadian Drivers License issued by an authorized agency
  • US Military ID
  • Foreign Passport stamped by INS
  • Inmate ID card (only prisoners in custody)
Do you notarize on weekends?

Yes, we provide South Florida Area mobile notary services on weekend afternoons and early evening (both Saturday and Sunday)… and even most holidays. On the other hand using our Remote Online Notary service we have you covered 24/7/365. All you need to do is schedule the best date and time for you and we’ll get it done for you. If you prefer mobile notary, we can get things started by having a True Notary Services agent meet you during the weekend or receiving the documents by FedEx on a Saturday.

How late are you open? Are you open 24/7?

We are always open, as long as we have availability we will assist you with your Mobile Notary or Remote Online Notary needs. We are open on holidays and at all time, based on the availability. Schedule your appointment ahead of time, so you can to ensure availability for your requested date and time. We will always try our best to fulfill every late night, last minute, and holiday notary request.

Can notarization legalize or validate a document?

No. Notarization does not make a document true or legal. Notarization ensures that the signer acknowledges to the Notary that he or she signed the document or vouched under oath or affirmation that the contents of the document were true.

What about immigration paperwork..can a notary public prepare or notarize immigration papers?

A notary may notarized papers those that require notarization such as the Affidavit of Support, but they may not prepare or file another person’s immigration papers unless he or she is an attorney or a US DOJ accredited representative.

What does a notary public notarize?

A notary public notarizes any document in which an originator needs to ensure the integrity of the signer. A notary public verifies the identity of the signer, and that they are signing knowingly and willingly. This process helps deter the fraudulent execution of documents.

How does the notarization process work?

The Notary Public must fill in the notarial certificate, record the transaction in a journal, complete all required signatures and apply his or her seal to finalize the notarization. It is required that the signer of the document be present at the time of notarization. The Notary may ask questions to the signer to establish willingness and awareness of the transaction. The Notary Public must also identify the signer by asking to see a current identification document, which must contain a photograph, physical description and a signature. The Notary Public must check for a driver’s license, state ID, passport or US military identification issued within the last 5 years. The notary must check the document for missing information, blank spaces, and ensure that the signer completes the document before it is notarized.

How does a notary verify the identity of the signer?

A notary will ask a signer for a document such as a driver’s license or government-issued identification card that includes a photograph, signature and some information describing the person.

Can I Come To Your Location?

We do not have a physical store location that you can come to. The addresses displayed in our ads and on our website are for written correspondences and mailing purposes only. Our service is strictly mobile and online by appointment only.

What Other Services Do You Offer?

In addition to Mobile Notary Services we also offer Remote Online Notary, Loan Closing / Signing Agent Solutions, Document Translation, Mobile Fingerprinting, and more. Click on the “Services” link to see the list of all the services we offer.

How Much Do You Charge For Your Services?

Our fees vary based on what service(s) you require as well as your location and availability of our notaries/service providers in your area. Please fill out an online request or call (888) 407-7747 for a free estimate.

How Soon Can You Get Here?

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.

What Area(S) Do You Cover?

We cover All 50 US States and world wide for Remote Online Notary services. Wherever in South Florida you need a mobile notary we can get one there. See our service area coverage.

Why Are Documents Notarized?

To put it simply 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 Are Your Terms And Policies?

At least 24 hours advanced notice required whenever possible.
Advanced payment required for same-day appointments.
No Cancellations/Refunds for same-day appointments.
Signings in remote areas and under extreme circumstances (rush jobs, long waiting, inclement weather, long distances, etc…) may result in additional fees.

Remote Online Notary service fee(s) are due upon completion of the notarial act, before returning signed docs, or can be paid when scheduling the online appointment. It’s completely up to you.

Errors & Omissions caused by our notaries will be corrected at free of charge.
Cancellations should be made via email or phone no later than 4 hours prior to the scheduled appointment. This does not apply to same-day appointments.

What if I do not have a valid ID?

If the signer of a document does not have a valid ID, one or two credible identifying witnesses must be present at the signing of all documents. One credible witness is acceptable when the Notary Public and the signer both know the witness through personal knowledge.

This witness must meet the following four requirements:

      1. The individual making the acknowledgement is the same person identified in the document.
      2. The individual making the acknowledgement does not possess any valid identification.
      3. That it is the reasonable belief of the witness that the circumstances of the person making the acknowledgment are such that it would be very difficult or impossible for that person to obtain another form of identification.
      4. The witness does not have any financial interest in the document being acknowledged and is not named in the document.

Two credible witnesses are used when the identities of the witnesses are proven to the Notary based on satisfactory evidence. The two witnesses must be known to the signer through personal knowledge and must meet the four requirements mentioned above.

Is a Notary Public a Notario Publico?

No! The English version of Notary Public is as described above, a Notary Public in Florida is not the same as Notario Publico, and translation of Notary Public to Notario Public is prohibited.

Can a Notary Public prepare or assist in the preparation of any documents?

No, a notary public can only witness the signing of the documents, not assist or prepare any documents. To assist or prepare documents would be an unlawful practice of law. This keeps the notary’s position as an impartial witness to the signing.

What Makes True Notary Services Different?
    • • We begin by hiring only highly experienced mobile notaries that have been background screened
    • • We specialize in real estate loan signings (Mobile Notary and Remote Online Notary)
    • • We service all South Florida counties
    • • We accommodate your customer’s work schedule
    • • We design a customized order form for your company to use
    • • We are accessible 24 hours a day
    • • We have bilingual notaries
    • • Our Florida Mobile Notaries are competent and professional
    • • All documents are signed and notarized correctly every time!
I Am A Notary. How Can I Add Myself To Your Database?

Please complete the notary sign up form and upload your credentials. We’ll be in touch with your shortly.

Remote Online Notary "RON" FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is information relating to some of the common ways in which remote online notarization services are used, where and how. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section.

What is Remote Online Notary (RON)

Remote online notarization is the act of performing a notarization remotely using two-way audio-video technology. It is the online equivalent of an in-person, paper-based notarization where every part of the process is done via the internet. Like traditional notarizations, RONs begin with the online Notary verifying the signer’s identity and ensuring the signer understands the document and is willing to sign it. Please read this article by the National Notary Association for more information.

How does online notarization work?

Make an online appointment request. Upload your document(s) to our secure servers, follow the prompt for our ID analysis and robust identity authentication process. Finally, meet with the commissioned notary public in a live video meeting to review, sign, and complete the notarization process for your documents. This includes the notary signing and attaching his or her seal to the document. After the 10 minute process is completed, your document will be available for download.

To start an on-demand online notarization session, simply enter your email on our appointment calendar.

Can you Notarize documents from overseas?

If the document pertains to matters based in the United States, we can help get your documents notarized even without a SSN through our exclusive Biometric Verification.

What documents can be notarized using the Remote Online Notary service?

Any digitized document (PDF) or image can be uploaded for notarization on the True Notary Service platform. To start an on-demand online notarization session, simply make an online appointment request or fill out our “Need a Notary Quick” form, upload your document(s), get a quick estimate and get your document notarized in about 15 minutes.

Is online notarization legal?

Yes. We can legally notarize documents online in all 50 U.S. states.

All notaries on the True Notary Services platform are certified and fully commissioned in the state of Florida

Numerous states have passed laws authorizing their notaries to perform online notarizations. These online notarizations are accepted across the country due to a long-standing body of laws in each state that specifically provides for recognition and acceptance of out-of-state notarizations.

Do I have to be in Florida to obtain an online notarization?

No. As long as the notary is in the state where they are commissioned it does not matter where the other party is located. This even includes international online notarizations.

What is the identity verification process?

True Notary Services uses the BlueNotary platform which utilizes two-point identification processes which incorporates knowledge-based identification or biometrics scanning with live credential evaluation. Biometric forensic analysis performs facial scans in tandem with ID scanning. Knowledge-based identification (KBA) uses a series of 5 personal questions to verify the signer’s identity, and credential verification uses visual and electronic analysis of the signer’s physical ID to confirm their identity.

Requirements

The following is required to use the remote notary platform, for both the notary and the participants.  If the requirements cannot be met, then the remote notarial act cannot be completed.

    • • The browser must be one of the following.
      • • Windows or Android – Google Chrome
      • • Windows – Firefox
      • • Mac or IPad – Latest Safari 11 or above
      • • IPad must be IOS version 11 or higher with Safari version 11 or higher.  It will not work on any other IOS versions.
    • • A camera and microphone on the device that accessible is also by the browser.
    • • Permission for the browser to access the camera and microphone.
    • • Each signer MUST have their own device.
    • • The Notary must also vet the signers beforehand to make sure they can pass the ID verification if not personally know to them.
    • • Internet and Wi-Fi
      • • High speed Internet access is a must for everyone, and anything but a high speed uninterrupted connection could have adverse effects on both the ID verification and web cam.
      • • A consistent high speed internet connection.  If it is not consistent, which in most cases may go unnoticed it will affect the overall service.
      • • Properly configured Wi-Fi with strong strength, and fast connectivity.  The users Wi-Fi is the one area where it may fail the most as a minimum of 350kb second is required per stream, and with an improper Wi-Fi it is hard to achieve 350kb even though your broadband connection may be high.
What types of documents can be remotely online notarized on True Notary Services?

True Notary Services can perform any notarization that is legal for online notarization in the state of Florida where our notaries are commissioned. Some documents, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and court documents often require in-person notarizations or qualified witnesses. It’s always best to check with the party that requires the notarized document to make sure that online notarizations are acceptable.

Most Every Document Is Acceptable

A better question is: what documents cannot be notarized on the BlueNotary platform?
We can accept most every document with the exception of the following:

      • • Any documents that are being submitted to a foreign embassy.
      • • Codicils & Testamentary Trusts
      • • Form I-9

While many states adhere to similar standards, every state has its own specific requirements for online document notarization. Find your state requirements on the respective Secretary of State website or https://www.nationalnotary.org.

Document Technical Requirements

True Notary Services accepts text and image formats as follows:

PDF, DOCX, PPTX and XLSX text formats
PNG, SVG, JPG, and TIFF image formats
Maximum document file size is 30 MB

How do I get Started?

You can get started by filling out our “Schedule an Appointment” form below or call us at: (888) 407-7747. We’d be happy to schedule your remote online notarization.

Loan Signing Agent FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is information relating to some of the common ways in which Loan Signing Agents / Closing Agents notarization services are used, where and how. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section.

What is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA)?

A Notary Signing Agent is a Notary who has special expertise to handle and notarize loan papers. For lenders, Notary Signing Agents are the critical final link to complete the loan. A Notary Signing Agent is hired as an independent contractor to ensure that real estate loan documents are executed by the borrower, notarized and returned for processing on time. Completing this critical part of the loan process enables the loan to be funded.

Can a Notary in any state perform Signing Agent work?

No. Some states restrict a Notary’s ability to perform Notary Signing Agent work, or ban it completely. Click here to view a list of states that currently are currently known to restrict or ban Notary Signing Agent work.

What types of qualifications and skills do True Noatry Services, Signing Agents have?

Each True Notary Services signing agents have their own unique qualifications and skills to offer, which are displayed in their profile. They are all NNA Certified Notary Signing Agents – whom  have taken the NSA Certification course, passed the NNA’s industry-recognized certification exam and background screening. The NNA separates them into three distinct groups or levels, based on professional certification obtained. Names are listed randomly within each level:

  1. NNA Trained, Certified and Background Screened:These top-level Notary Signing Agents have successfully completed the National Notary Association’s Certification program, which includes training, a certification exam and background screening, within the past 12 months. They can be easily identified by the “NNA Certified and Trained” badge displayed in their profile.
  2. NNA Certified and Background Screened:This next level of Notary Signing Agents have passed our NSA Certification exam and background screening within the last 12 months. They can be identified by the “NNA Certified and Background Screened” badge displayed in their profile.
  3. NNA Background Screened:: This final level contains Notary Signing Agents who passed our background screening within the last 12 months but have not yet completed the NNA certification exam. Those included in this group of NSAs do not have a badge displayed in their profile.
What is “PII,” and why is it important?

“PII” means “personally identifiable information.”  It is any information that permits an individual’s identity to be known or deduced or inferred.  Well-known examples of PII include a Social Security Number (SSN), driver license number, birth date or a full name. PII is the most precious borrower information entrusted to a Notary Signing Agent.  Notary Signing Agent training should include methods of safeguarding PII.  Notary Signing Agents must follow all lender requirements for handling of PII.

What Is A Certified Signing Agent?

A Certified Signing Agent is an industry-recognized, commissioned Notary Public who specializes in the process of obtaining and notarizing the signatures of the party(ies) involved on real estate loan documents for the purpose of closing a real estate loan transaction. This individual is knowledgeable in what lenders and borrowers expect and how to be responsible and ethical in the proper handling of the borrower’s personal information. While it is not a requirement, education and certification puts the signing agent ahead of the competition and secures their ability to work with the top title and mortgage services companies.

Certified Signing Agent vs. Notary Public

A Certified Notary Signing Agent also means that this individual Notary Public has had his or her training and testing completed by a professional organization. Signing Agents who complete this strengthened certification process will possess the most valuable and trusted credentials in the nation. Lenders, law firms, title companies and loan document signing services recognize that they are knowledgeable and competent with the loan documents and signing procedures.

Signing Agent Certifications?

No state government governs or participates in the certification of signing agents, however if a Notary Public identifies themselves as a Certified Notary Signing Agent, it would be useful to ask who they were certified by since standards for education and testing differ widely from company to company. Notaries Public who seek signing agent education and certification should look for a credible, independent entity to administer the training and examination.

Who hires Notary Signing Agents?

Assignments to work as a Notary Signing Agent come mostly from signing services, title/escrow companies, and lenders.  Most new Notary Signing Agents register with or align themselves with signing services.  These services receive loan signing opportunities from various title/escrow companies and lenders, and maintain their own registry of Notary Signing Agents who will perform those signings.  The signing service collects fees for loan signings and pays the officiating Notary Signing Agent.  Some well-established Notary Signing Agents receive assignments directly from title/escrow companies and lenders, and are paid directly by these parties.

True Notary Services notaries are not an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of Florida, and they may not and will not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.