Question 1

What is a Notary Public?

Accepted Answer

“A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government —typically by the secretary of state — to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents.

These official acts are called notarizations, or notarial acts. Notaries are publicly commissioned as "ministerial" officials, meaning that they are expected to follow written rules without the exercise of significant personal discretion, as would otherwise be the case with a "judicial" official.” - National Notary Association

Question 2

What is a Mobile Notary?

Accepted Answer

A mobile notary is a professional notary public who travels to a location specified by the client to perform notarial acts. Instead of requiring clients to visit a physical office, a mobile notary offers the convenience of meeting them at their preferred location, such as their home, office, or any other convenient location of their choice, to complete the notarization process. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals or businesses with busy schedules or mobility challenges.

Question 3

What types of documents can you notarize?

Accepted Answer

We can notarize a wide variety of documents, including but not limited to:
Acknowledgments
Affidavits
Contracts
Powers of attorney
Wills and trusts
And more!

Visit the Most Commonly Notarized Documents for additional information.

Question 4

What document can you NOT notarize?

Accepted Answer

A notary public in Maryland cannot certify a copy of a public record, such as a driver's license or state identification card. Only the official agency or office that issued the record can certify it. 
Notaries cannot notarize many types of documents, including: 
Public records
		Notaries cannot certify copies of public records, such as birth certificates, school records, or professional licenses. 
Documents with missing pages
		Notaries cannot notarize documents that are incomplete or have missing pages. 
Documents  with faxed signatures
		Notaries cannot notarize documents with faxed signatures unless the signer is present. 
Documents with a financial interest
		Notaries cannot notarize documents if they have a financial interest in the transaction, or if they are not impartial for some other reason. 
Documents that are suspected to be illegal
		Notaries cannot notarize documents that they suspect are false, deceptive, or illegal. 
Documents that are post-dated
		Notaries cannot notarize post-dated documents. 
Documents that require additional signatures
		Notaries cannot notarize documents that require additional witnesses or signatures to be valid, such as wills, powers of attorney, deeds, and trusts.

Notaries are also prohibited from certifying copies of: Birth certificates, School records or diplomas, Professional licenses, and Any other public or private document that doesn't relate to their official acts.

Question 5

What identification do I need to present for notarizations?

Accepted Answer

As a notary, we are required to verify the identity of the signers.  Generally, you will need to present a government-issued identification document with a photograph, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Make sure your identification is valid and not expired.

Question 6

What do I need to bring for an in-person notarization?

Accepted Answer

For in-person notarizations, please bring the following:
1.  The document(s) you need notarized
2.  An un-expired, valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
3.  Any additional signers or witnesses required for the signing or let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.

Question 7

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule an appointment by:
1.  Calling us directly at 240-957-1679
2.  Emailing us at info@heartleynotary.com  or 
	3.  Using the online booking system. Click below!

Question 8

How much does notary services cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of notary services may vary depending on the type of document, location, and any additional services required. Please contact us for specific pricing details and to discuss your notarization needs.

Question 9

Do you offer mobile notary services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer mobile notary services where we can come to your home, office, medical facility (i.e., nursing home, rehab center or hospital), or any other mutually agreed-upon location — we come to you. This is ideal for individuals who need notarization services but cannot travel. Please note that additional fees apply for mobile notary services (i.e., travel, parking, tolls, etc.).

Question 10

How long does the notarization process take?

Accepted Answer

The notarization process typically takes between 10-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the document and the number of signers.

Question 11

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve up to 25 miles from the Clarksburg, MD area.*  For remote online notarization, we can assist clients from anywhere.

* Travel Fees are applicable.

Question 12

What is I-9 Employment Verification, and do you offer this service?

Accepted Answer

I-9 Employment Verification is a process used by employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. Yes, we offer professional I-9 Employment Verification services to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Question 13

How can I contact you for more information?

Accepted Answer

Feel free to contact us directly at 240-957-1679 or info@heartleynotary.com. We're here to help with all of your notarization needs.

Question 14

What is an Apostille?

Accepted Answer

An apostille is a specialized certification that authenticates the validity of a document for use in foreign countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Essentially, an apostille verifies the signature and seal of a notary public or other public official on a document, confirming its authenticity and ensuring it will be recognized by authorities in the destination country. Apostilles are typically affixed to documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic transcripts, and legal agreements, facilitating their acceptance in international transactions without the need for further authentication.

Question 15

Are there reasons why documents may not be notarized?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are various circumstances that may not allow a document to be notarized, as follows:
The signer is not physically present at the time of appointment.
The document is incomplete or blank.
The signer has been adjudicated mentally incapacitated and has not been restored to capacity as a matter of record.
The signer cannot produce acceptable identification.
The signer appears to be drunk, sedated, or disoriented.
The notary knows or suspects that the transaction is illegal, false, or deceptive.
The notary believes that the signer is being coerced or does not understand the consequences of signing the document.
The signer or witnesses do not agree to signing the document.

Additional information provided in FAQ "What documents can you NOT notarize?."

Question 16

How do I prepare for my notary appointment?

Accepted Answer

For scheduling an appointment, please carefully read the following instructions.

Before an appointment, be sure to have the following:
All signer(s) must be present at the time of the appointment.
All signer(s) must provide an original federal or state issued non-expired photo I.D.
The signer(s) must be of sound mind, alert, and mentally competent.
The signer must want to sign the document(s) to be notarized.

Note: We do not draw up documents or help you with filling out the document.

Question 17

What are your MD notary public charges and fees?

Accepted Answer

The cost of notary services may vary depending on the type of document, location, and any additional services required. Please contact us for specific pricing details and to discuss your notarization needs.

Effective 1/22/2024, the Code of Maryland Regulations 01.02.08.02 allows a notary public to charge the following fees:

A. A notary public may demand and receive a fee of no more than the following for the performance of an original notarial act:
    (1) $8 for the performance of a notarial act; or
    (2) $30 for the performance of a remote notarial act.

B. When a notary public is requested to notarize more than one copy of the same record, where the copy or copies have been signed at the same time by the same person or persons, the notary may demand and receive $8 for notarizing each signature on the original or first copy of the record, and may demand and receive $4 for each signature on each additional copy of the same record.

C. When a notary public is requested to make reproductions of a notarized record or an entry in the notary’s journal by photocopying or other means, the notary may demand and receive not more than $2 for each copy furnished.

D. A notary public may demand and receive reimbursement at the prevailing rate for mileage established by the Internal Revenue Service for business travel and a fee not to exceed $5 for travel if required for the performance of a notarial act.

E. A notary public may charge $6 for certifying a copy of a record in the notary’s journal.​

Credit: https://sos.maryland.gov/Notary/Pages/FAQ.aspx

Question 18

What is a Title Insurance Producer Independent Contractor?

Accepted Answer

A Title Insurance Producer Independent Contractor (TIPIC) aka Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a Notary Public who is hired as an independent contractor by a "closing agent" to ensure that real estate loan products are properly signed by the client, notarized by the notary and returned for processing to the title company and or lender in a timely manner.

Question 19

What is remote online notarization (RON)?

Accepted Answer

Remote online notarization (RON) allows you to have your documents notarized remotely using audiovisual technology and secure online platforms. With RON, you can complete the notarization process from the comfort of your own location, without the need for in-person meetings. We offer secure and efficient RON services to clients who require remote notarization.

Question 20

Do you offer remote online notary services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer remote online notary services.

Question 21

How do your Remote Online Notary services work?

Accepted Answer

Our Remote Online Notary (RON) services allow you to get your documents notarized from anywhere with an internet connection. Using secure online platforms, we connect with you via video call to verify your identity and notarize your documents digitally.

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