Questions, answered plainly.
The questions clients ask most often — about identification, the appointment itself, fees, and when notarization is and isn't appropriate. If your question isn't here, we're happy to answer it directly.
What identification do I need?+
A current, government-issued photo identification for each signer. Acceptable IDs include a state driver's license or non-driver state ID, a U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. The ID must be unexpired and bear the signer's photograph and signature.
Should I sign the document before you arrive?+
No. The notary must witness the signature for the notarial act to be valid. Please bring the document complete but unsigned. If the form has portions that don't require notarization, those may be completed in advance.
Do I need witnesses in addition to the notary?+
Some documents — certain wills, healthcare directives, and select estate instruments — require independent witnesses in addition to the notary. The witnesses must be impartial adults who are not parties to the document. We can confirm witness requirements when you schedule, and we ask that you arrange any required witnesses in advance.
How quickly can you schedule an appointment?+
Most appointments are confirmed within twenty-four hours of inquiry, and same-day service is often available. For urgent matters — a hospital signing, a closing correction, an apostille against a deadline — please reach out by phone and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Can you come to a hospital or nursing facility?+
Yes. Hospital and care-facility signings are a routine part of mobile notary work. The signer must be able to communicate, understand the document, and sign willingly. We cannot notarize for a signer who is sedated, confused, or unable to communicate their understanding of the document.
What if the signer doesn't speak English?+
The notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer in a common language — Indiana law does not permit a third-party translator to stand between the notary and the signer. If you anticipate a language difference, please mention it when scheduling so we can confirm whether the appointment can proceed.
Will you read the document for me, or explain it?+
A notary may not give legal advice or interpret a document's meaning. We're happy to identify the type of document and the type of notarial act being performed, but questions about what the document means or what you should sign are best directed to your attorney.
Can you notarize a will?+
In Indiana, a will itself is not notarized — it's witnessed. However, a self-proving affidavit attached to a will is notarized, and we routinely assist with that. Indiana law restricts which estate-planning instruments may be notarized remotely; in-person notarization is required for those.
What does it cost?+
Indiana law caps the per-act fee a notary may charge. Mobile appointments add a travel fee, based on the federal mileage rate. RON appointments are charged at the statutory per-act maximum for remote notarization. Loan signings and apostille engagements are quoted at engagement. We're happy to confirm the total cost in advance — please ask.
Do you charge if the appointment doesn't proceed?+
If we arrive at a scheduled appointment and the notarial act cannot be performed — for example, if identification is missing or the signer is unable to proceed — a travel fee may apply. We do everything we can in advance to make sure the appointment will succeed.
How do I pay?+
For individual clients, payment is accepted at the appointment. For title companies, lenders, and recurring professional clients, we invoice on a standard schedule.
Is RON legally valid?+
Yes. Indiana authorizes Remote Online Notarization under state statute, and the resulting notarial certificate has the same legal effect as one applied in person. The session is recorded and retained for the statutory period.
Are there documents that can't be notarized remotely?+
Yes — Indiana law excludes certain wills, codicils, and select estate-planning instruments from remote notarization. We'll confirm eligibility for your specific document before scheduling.
What do I need on my end for a RON session?+
A camera-enabled device with a stable internet connection, a current government-issued ID for the platform to verify, and the document in PDF form (or sent to us in advance). Plan for the session to take fifteen to thirty minutes depending on the document.
Are you Snapdocs-ready?+
Yes. A Snapdocs profile is maintained. Additional platforms — NotaryDash, SigningOrder, and others — can be onboarded on request.
Can you provide a certificate of insurance?+
Yes. A certificate of insurance, surety bond documentation, W-9, and notary commission documentation are available to title-company partners within one business day of request.
Do you offer scan-backs?+
Yes — same-day scan-backs of executed packages are standard, transmitted via the title company's preferred secure portal.
How long does an apostille take?+
Processing time at the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State varies. We confirm an estimated timeline at engagement and provide updates throughout. Most apostille matters complete within two to four weeks, including round-trip shipping; expedited options are available where the Secretary of State offers them.
Do you handle apostilles for countries not party to the Hague Convention?+
Documents for non-Hague countries require authentication rather than apostille, and typically involve additional steps at the U.S. Department of State and the destination country's embassy. We can prepare the Indiana-level authentication; later steps are best handled directly with the relevant agencies or a specialized service.
Still have a question?
The fastest way to a clear answer is a brief conversation. We're happy to confirm whether your matter is one we can help with — and how to proceed.
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