Frequently Asked Questions
General Notary Questions
Q: What is a notary public?
A: A notary public is an official authorized by the state to witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify documents. Notaries help prevent fraud and ensure documents are legally binding.
Q: What do I need to bring to a notary appointment?
A: You’ll need a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID). Bring all documents to be notarized, unsigned until the notary is present.
Q: Can you notarize documents at my home or office?
A: Yes! Homebody Notary specializes in mobile notary services, bringing professional notarization directly to your location for convenience and safety.
Q: How much does a notarization cost?
A: Fees vary by document type and travel distance. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Q: Can a notary notarize documents for family members?
A: No. Notaries cannot notarize documents for immediate family members to avoid conflicts of interest.
Loan Signing Questions
Q: What is a loan signing?
A: A loan signing is a notarized signing of loan documents, including mortgages, refinances, HELOCs, or reverse mortgages. A notary ensures all signatures are properly witnessed and the documents are legally binding.
Q: Who can attend a loan signing?
A: Typically, the borrower(s) and the notary are present. In some cases, witnesses or other parties may be required depending on state law or lender requirements.
Q: What do I need to bring to my loan signing appointment?
A: Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID) and any documents provided by your lender. Do not sign the documents before the notary is present.
Q: How long does a loan signing take?
A: Most loan signings take 30–60 minutes, depending on the complexity and number of documents.
Q: Can you perform mobile loan signings?
A: Yes! Homebody Notary specializes in mobile loan signings, traveling to your home, office, or another convenient location.
Q: What if I have questions about the loan documents?
A: A notary can verify signatures and ensure documents are complete, but we cannot provide legal or financial advice. Contact your lender or attorney for clarification on the loan terms.
Q: Are loan signing services confidential?
A: Yes! All loan signings are handled with the utmost privacy, security, and professionalism.
Q: Can Homebody Notary assist with business or corporate loan signings?
A: Absolutely. We provide professional mobile notary services for both individual borrowers and business clients, ensuring accuracy and convenience.
Apostille Questions
Q: What is an Apostille?
A: An Apostille is a certification that authenticates a notarized document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the signature of the notary or official on your document.
Q: Which documents require an Apostille?
A: Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption papers, powers of attorney, corporate documents, educational transcripts, and legal affidavits.
Q: Can Homebody Notary handle the Apostille process?
A: Yes! We notarize your documents correctly for Apostille submission and can guide you through filing with the Secretary of State or coordinating submission on your behalf.
Q: How long does it take to get an Apostille?
A: Processing times vary by state, typically 1–4 weeks. Expedited services may be available in some cases.
Q: Can documents notarized by Homebody Notary be used internationally?
A: Absolutely. Once notarized and Apostilled, your documents are legally recognized in countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention.