FAQs — Notary, Apostille & E-Notary Questions | On Call Notary

Question 1

What is a notary public?

Accepted Answer

A notary public is a state-commissioned official authorized to witness the signing of important documents, administer oaths, and certify copies of documents. Their role is to deter fraud and ensure the authenticity of signatures.

Question 2

What types of documents require notarization?

Accepted Answer

Common documents include powers of attorney, affidavits, real estate deeds, loan documents, wills, trusts, contracts, and immigration forms. Any document requiring verified signatures may need notarization.

Question 3

What identification do I need for notarization?

Accepted Answer

You will typically need a current, government-issued photo ID such as a passport, driver's license, or state ID. The ID must be valid and unexpired.

Question 4

Can a notary provide legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. A notary public is not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice, draft legal documents, or advise on the legal implications of a document. For legal guidance, consult a licensed attorney.

Question 5

What is remote online notarization (RON)?

Accepted Answer

Remote online notarization allows a notary to notarize documents via a live, two-way video session over the internet. The notary verifies your identity electronically and applies a digital seal to your document.

Question 6

Is remote online notarization legally valid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Remote online notarizations are legally valid in many U.S. states and are increasingly accepted internationally. The legal standing depends on the jurisdiction where the document will be used.

Question 7

What technology do I need for a remote notarization session?

Accepted Answer

You need a device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone), a stable internet connection, and a valid government-issued ID. We will guide you through the rest.

Question 8

How long does a remote notarization session take?

Accepted Answer

Most sessions are completed in 15–30 minutes, depending on the number of documents and the complexity of the signing. Identity verification typically takes just a few minutes.

Question 9

What is an apostille and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An apostille is an official certification that authenticates a document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. You need one when submitting documents to a foreign government, institution, or business.

Question 10

How long does the apostille process take?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary by state and document type, typically ranging from 3 to 15 business days. Expedited processing may be available for urgent requests.

Question 11

Can all documents be apostilled?

Accepted Answer

Only public documents — such as birth certificates, court orders, notarized documents, and government-issued records — can receive an apostille. Private documents must first be notarized before they can be apostilled.

Question 12

What if the destination country is not a Hague Convention member?

Accepted Answer

For non-Hague countries, documents require embassy legalization (also called consular authentication), which is a different process. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Question 13

Do you offer services for businesses with ongoing notarization needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer recurring service agreements for businesses that require regular notarizations. These include priority scheduling, dedicated account management, and volume pricing.

Question 14

Can you handle bulk notarizations?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We are equipped to handle high-volume notarization requests efficiently and accurately. Contact us to discuss your volume and timeline.

Question 15

Do you work with law firms and legal professionals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly work with law firms, title companies, financial institutions, and other legal professionals who require reliable notary support.

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