FAQ Page: Notary, Virtual Notarization, Loan Signing & Apostille Services

Welcome to our FAQ page! We provide comprehensive notary services, including traditional in-person notarizations, convenient virtual/remote online notarizations, specialized loan signing services, and efficient apostille services. We proudly serve Elkins Park, PA, and surrounding areas, as well as offering nationwide support for certain services.

General Notary Services

Q: What is a Notary Public? A Notary Public is a state-appointed official who acts as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, verifies the identity of signers, administers oaths and affirmations, and certifies copies of certain documents. Their primary role is to deter fraud and ensure the integrity of signatures.

Q: What types of documents can you notarize? We can notarize a wide range of documents, including but not limited to:

• Affidavits
• Powers of Attorney
• Advance Health Care Directives
• Deeds (Quit Claim, General Warranty, etc.)
• Wills and Trusts
• Loan Documents (for loan signings - see below)
• Vehicle Titles
• Travel Consent Forms for Minors
• Corporate Articles & Resolutions
• Leases
• Bank Forms
• And many more. Please note: We cannot notarize US vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates) or documents recorded with a government agency (e.g., court documents). Certified copies of these must be obtained directly from the issuing agency.

Q: What forms of identification are acceptable for notarization?  Acceptable forms of identification typically include:

• Current state-issued driver's license
• Current state-issued non-driver's ID card
• Current U.S. Passport
• Current U.S. Military ID
• Other government-issued IDs as permitted by Pennsylvania law. The ID must be current and contain a photograph, signature, and physical description.

Q: Can a Notary Public provide legal advice or draft legal documents?  No. As Notaries Public, we are prohibited by law from providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, or charging a fee for such activities. If you need legal advice, please consult with a licensed attorney.

Q: What are your notary fees?  Notary fees in Pennsylvania are set by the Department of State. We also charge reasonable clerical or administrative fees for services like travel, copying, or telephone calls. All fees will be disclosed to you prior to the notarization and itemized on your receipt.

Q: Do I need an appointment for notary services?  Yes, we operate by appointment only to ensure we can provide dedicated and efficient service. Please contact us to schedule your appointment.

Virtual / Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Q: What is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?  Remote Online Notarization (RON), also known as virtual or webcam notarization, allows a signer and notary to complete a notarial act entirely online using audio-visual communication technology. This means you do not need to be physically present with the notary.

Q: Is Remote Online Notarization legal in Pennsylvania?  Yes, Remote Online Notarization has been legal in Pennsylvania since Act 97 of 2020 became effective on October 29, 2020. Our notaries are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State to perform RONs using approved technology platforms.

Q: How does the RON process work?  The general process for RON involves:

1. Request: You contact us to request a RN and upload your document.
2. Identity Verification: Your identity is verified through secure online methods, which may include knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and credential analysis (analyzing your ID document).
3. Audio-Visual Session: You connect with the notary via a secure audio-visual link. The notary will confirm your identity and witness your electronic signature.
4. Electronic Notarization: The notary applies their electronic signature and seal to the electronic document.
5. Record Keeping: An audio-visual recording of the session is created and retained, along with a secure electronic journal entry.
6. Document Delivery: The electronically notarized document is returned to you.

Q: What is the difference between eNotarization and Remote Online Notarization (RON)? eNotarization involves documents that are notarized in electronic form, but the signer and notary must still be physically present together. Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows the signer and notary to be in different locations and connect via audio-visual technology. Both are permitted in Pennsylvania.

Q: Do I need to be in Pennsylvania to use your RON services? No, while our notary must be physically located in Pennsylvania during the RON, you, the signer, can be located anywhere in the world, provided you have a stable internet connection and acceptable identification.

Q: Are there any documents that cannot be notarized remotely? Yes, currently in Pennsylvania, motor vehicle titles generally cannot be notarized remotely. We also recommend seeking legal advice for specialized documents like wills and powers of attorney before opting for remote notarization.

Loan Signing Services

Q: What is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA)? A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a Notary Public who has specialized training and expertise in facilitating loan document signings, particularly for real estate transactions like mortgages, refinances, and HELOCs. They ensure all documents are properly signed, initialed, and notarized according to lender and title company instructions.

Q: What are the responsibilities of a Loan Signing Agent? Our NSAs are trained to:

• Review loan documents to ensure all pages are present.
• Guide borrowers through the signing process, identifying key documents.
• Obtain all necessary signatures, initials, and notarizations.
• Administer oaths or affirmations when required (e.g., for Affidavits of Occupancy).
• Ensure all forms are completed accurately.
• Return signed documents promptly and securely to the lender or title company. Please note: NSAs are not loan officers and cannot explain loan terms or provide legal advice. Any questions regarding loan terms should be directed to your lender or attorney.

Q: Are your Loan Signing Agents certified and background screened? Yes, our Notary Signing Agents are typically certified by organizations like the National Notary Association (NNA) and undergo annual background screenings to meet the requirements of the mortgage and real estate industries.

Q: Do you offer mobile loan signing services? Yes, we offer mobile loan signing services, meaning our Notary Signing Agent will travel to a convenient location of your choice in Elkins Park, PA, and surrounding areas, such as your home, office, or another agreed-upon location.

Apostille Services

Q: What is an Apostille? An Apostille is a certificate issued by a government authority (in Pennsylvania, the Department of State) that authenticates the signature and seal of a public official (like a Notary Public or other state official) on a document. It is used for documents intended for use in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Q: When do I need an Apostille versus a Certification? The country where your document will be used determines whether you need an Apostille or a Certification:

• Apostille: Required for countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention. It is a single, internationally recognized form of authentication.
• Certification: Required for countries that are not signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention. This process often involves multiple levels of authentication (e.g., state, U.S. Department of State, and the foreign embassy/consulate).

Q: Can you issue an Apostille directly? No, as a Notary Public, we cannot issue Apostilles. Apostilles are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State. We can, however, notarize your document correctly so it can be accepted for an Apostille, and we can provide assistance as a courier service to facilitate the Apostille process with the PA Department of State.

Q: What types of documents typically require an Apostille? Common documents requiring Apostilles include:

• Documents notarized by a Pennsylvania Notary Public (e.g., powers of attorney, affidavits).
• Public documents issued by Pennsylvania (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, school transcripts, corporate documents). It's crucial to confirm with the receiving country or agency what specific documents require an Apostille.



Q: What information do you need to help with Apostille services? To assist with your Apostille needs, we will need to know:

• The type of document requiring the Apostille.
• The country where the document will be used.
• Whether the document has already been notarized (if applicable).