Notary Questions, Answered
Clear answers to help you feel prepared, confident and ready for your appointment.
Q: What should I have ready before my appointment? A: Bring your completed documents and a valid, government-issued photo ID. Please leave signature and date fields blank unless your document preparer has instructed otherwise. I notarize prepared documents; I do not draft documents or provide legal advice.
Q: Do you provide notary services in hospitals and care facilities? A: Yes. I travel to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living communities and other care facilities in Pierce and Thurston Counties. The signer must be alert, willing and able to communicate directly with me. Parking and extended facility-access fees may apply.
Q: Can you assist with Form I-9 verification? A: Yes, when an employer designates me as its authorized representative. This is not a notarization: I physically examine the employee's original documents and complete Section 2 on the employer's behalf. The employer remains responsible for the form and its requirements.
Q: Are you licensed, bonded and insured? A: Yes. I am a Washington State-licensed notary public, maintain the required surety bond and carry Errors and Omissions insurance. I handle every appointment with discretion, accuracy and care.
Q: Do you notarize healthcare directives and living wills? A: Yes. I notarize prepared healthcare directives, living wills and related estate documents when they contain a notarial certificate or your document preparer directs you to obtain notarization. I cannot advise you on what the document should say.
Q: Do you notarize powers of attorney? A: Yes. I notarize prepared financial, durable and medical powers of attorney. The signer must personally appear, provide acceptable identification and demonstrate that they are signing knowingly and willingly.
Q: Can you provide witnesses for my signing appointment? A: Yes. Witness services are available for a minimum fee of $50 per witness. Please request witnesses when arranging your appointment so I can confirm availability and pricing. Ask your document preparer or attorney how many witnesses your documents require and who is eligible to serve.
Q: What areas do you serve? A: Mobile appointments are available throughout Pierce and Thurston Counties, including Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, University Place, Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. Some Lewis County appointments may also be available. Travel fees vary by location.
Q: Why hire a mobile notary instead of going to a bank? A: A mobile notary comes to you, works by appointment and can often accommodate documents and locations that many bank branches do not. It is especially helpful for busy families, care-facility visits, estate documents and real-estate signings. Travel and notarization fees apply.
Q: Should I sign my documents before the appointment? A: Usually, no. Please leave signature and date fields blank until we meet unless the document preparer has specifically instructed you otherwise. I must witness some signatures, and waiting helps avoid having to reprint a document.
Q: What is remote online notarization? A: Remote online notarization lets eligible documents be notarized through a secure audio-video platform using electronic signatures and an electronic notarial seal. You will need a compatible device, reliable internet access and identity verification. The receiving organization must agree to accept an online notarization.
Q: What if a signer cannot physically sign their name? A: Washington law provides alternatives in certain circumstances, but the correct process depends on the document and the signer's abilities. Contact me before the appointment so we can discuss the situation and determine what identification, witnesses or instructions from the document preparer may be needed.
Q: Where can a mobile appointment take place? A: I can meet at your home, workplace, hospital, care facility, title office or another agreed public location such as a coffee shop or library. The location must allow the signer and me to communicate privately enough to complete the notarization properly.
Q: How quickly can I schedule an appointment? A: Same-day appointments may be available, depending on location and my schedule. If I cannot meet the same day, I will offer the earliest available time. Call or text 253-208-2792 for current availability.
Q: How do I choose between mobile and online notarization? A: Mobile notarization is an in-person appointment at your chosen location. Remote online notarization is completed through a secure platform using electronic documents. Document eligibility, technology needs and recipient acceptance often determine the best option; contact me and I will help you understand the process.
Q: Do you handle real estate closing packages? A: Yes. I work with title and escrow companies on buyer, seller and refinance signing packages. Scheduling, signing instructions and document return requirements should come directly from the title or escrow company.
Q: How are mobile notary fees calculated? A: Your total may include fees for each notarial act plus travel, parking, printing, witnesses or extended appointment time when applicable. I will explain the expected total before confirming your appointment. See the Fees page or contact me for a quote.
Q: How long does an appointment take? A: A simple appointment may take about 10–15 minutes. Estate documents, witness appointments and real-estate signing packages can take longer. Timing depends on the number of documents, signers and notarial acts.