Questions people ask
Short answers to the things I'm asked most. If yours isn't here, ask.
What does a notary actually do?
A notary public is an officer commissioned by the State of Florida to witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify certain things. When I notarize your signature I confirm who you are, confirm that you're signing willingly and understand that you're signing, watch you sign (or hear you acknowledge an earlier signature), complete a certificate saying so, and record the act in my journal. The notarization is about the signature, not the document: it doesn't make a document legal, true, or enforceable.
Can you tell me which form I need, or how to fill it in?
No. That's legal advice, and Florida law prohibits a notary who isn't an attorney from giving it. I can tell you what a notarial certificate is and attach the one you ask for, but not which one your document needs or what your document should say. A Florida attorney, a legal aid office, or the agency that will receive the document can help with that.
What ID do I need?
A current government-issued photo ID: a driver license or state ID card, a passport, or a military ID. The full list is on the what-to-bring page.
Should I sign the document before you arrive?
No. Leave it unsigned. Some notarizations require the signature to happen in front of me, and signing early can mean the document has to be reprinted.
The signer is in hospital. Can you still do it?
Yes, that's a large part of what a mobile notary does. The signer must be awake, able to communicate with me, and able to understand what they're signing. If they can't hold a pen, Florida allows a signature by mark, or the notary may sign at their direction with two disinterested witnesses present. Let me know in the notes when you book.
Do you provide witnesses?
Yes, when asked in advance, for a small additional fee per witness. Many documents (wills, deeds, powers of attorney, living wills) need two witnesses as well as a notary, and the witnesses often can't be relatives or beneficiaries.
Can you certify a copy of my birth certificate, passport, or diploma?
Florida notaries may certify copies of some documents, but not of vital records (birth, death, marriage) or public records, and not of documents that can be certified by the agency that holds the original. Diplomas and passports can usually be attested; birth certificates come from the Department of Health.
Do you do weddings?
Yes. Florida is one of a few states where notaries may solemnize marriages. Bring your Florida marriage license (issued within the last 60 days, and after any waiting period), and I'll perform a short civil ceremony wherever you like and return the completed license to the clerk. The state sets a maximum fee for solemnizing a marriage; my appointment fee covers travel and the ceremony.
How much does it cost?
Two parts: the appointment fee, which is my travel and time and is shown before you book, and Florida's notarial fee of $10 per signature notarized, paid at the appointment. Details on the services page.
How far do you travel?
The booking calendar covers Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Farther is usually possible with a quoted travel fee; ask.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund of the appointment fee. Reply to your confirmation email or call (407) 955-2632.