Sometimes it’s just not convenient to go all the way to a courthouse and wait in line to get your documents notarized. Luckily, you don’t have to! Mobile notaries can come to you instead.
But are mobile notary services safe to use? Below, we’ll explain the ins and outs of finding a mobile notary, avoiding fraud, keeping your personal information safe, and more.
ARE MOBILE NOTARY SERVICES LEGITIMATE?
Using a mobile notary service is perfectly legal, if the individual has completed all necessary requirements according to your state, including training courses and tests. They should have attained a certificate of acknowledgement and an official commission.
Mobile notary services allow you to have a certified notary public come to you—whether you want to meet at your home, a place of business, etc.—and verify the signer’s identity, make sure each party knows what they’re agreeing to, and witness them sign the document to ensure its legitimacy.
Notaries are required for signing many types of legal documents including deeds, loans, leases, power of attorney, affidavits, employment contracts, etc. The government requires notaries to deter fraud and signature plagiarism.
Notary services generally require a small fee up to your state’s maximum, from $10-120 depending on the job and location. They may also charge an extra fee for travel.
Mobile Notaries Vs. Online Notaries
Many people confuse mobile notaries with online notaries. While mobile notaries will meet you in person at a designated time and location, an online notary will notarize your documents remotely over the internet, via video chat.
They perform all the same services as an in-person notary, from afar. You will have an esignature instead of signing in ink, just as the notary’s certificate and stamp will be digital.
They may require two other methods of signer identification, including credential analysis and asking personal questions to verify correct answer. Keep in mind that they should never ask for your SSN.
Do Mobile Notaries Require Personal Information?
Handling sensitive documents and personal information is just part of the job for a certified notary public.
A qualified notary will have gone through the necessary training to know how to handle your information and will be under oath not to share it or use it for their own purposes under penalty of being held responsible for damages, having their commission revoked, and/or facing criminal prosecution. Notaries are also required to post $10,000 in bond that goes back to you in the case of fraud or negligence.
Again, be aware that a notary will never ask for your SSN. The signer should only be asked to provide a state-issued ID to certify their identity.
However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t people who might try and pose as a mobile notary in an attempt to steal your information or personal property. We’ll explain more about notary fraud in the next section.
Avoiding Scams and Fraud
There have been some incidents of scammers posing as mobile notaries to make money or steal personal information and even property via deeds. Some homeowners have had their own homes stolen from right under their noses. While it sounds far-fetched, it’s more common than you may think.
However, you can avoid these risks if you take the proper precautions to make sure you’re meeting with an accredited notary.
Here are some of the things you’ll want to consider in order to avoid notary fraud:
- Understand your state’s notarization laws – Each state has their own laws surrounding notary publics and their services. We recommend looking into your own state’s laws so you’ll have all the knowledge you need to determine if someone is being dishonest or suspicious.
- Certificate of acknowledgement – You can ask to see the copy of your notary’s certificate of acknowledgement. It should be clear and legible with all fields filled out, up to date, match the notary’s name given on the document exactly, and otherwise include correct information.
- Legitimate notary stamps/seals – Your notary should have their own notary stamp/seal with an ID number that allows the government to verify their identity and the status of their commission.
- Price – If a notary is charging you over your state’s legal limit, that’s a sure sign they’re taking advantage of you.
- Proper protocol – If your notary doesn’t wait for all parties to be present, signs your document in a spot designated for someone else, notarizes an incomplete document, or tries to offer advice (notaries are legally prohibited from offering legal advice), they should be reported.
- Search for reviews – It’s always a good idea to look for reviews on sites other than the mobile notary’s website. These reviews will give you more honest insight into their services.
If you ever feel you’ve been taken advantage of or have witnessed notary fraud, contact local police or your state’s notary agency to report it.
It’s important to note that it’s relatively easy to become a certified notary. Even some individuals who are legitimately accredited may not have your best interests at heart, so always do your research to avoid making a costly mistake.
Choosing a Place to Meet
Besides the risk of fraud, you’ll need to consider your personal safety if you choose to go with a mobile notary. While you can meet at your own home for convenience, we recommend choosing a more public place, since you’ll be meeting with a stranger.
Treat the situation like a first date with someone you met online—decide on a quiet and well-lit place, such as a library, coffee shop, or restaurant. Avoid meeting at night.
Never meet your notary in a dark or isolated location, and try to avoid places with big parking structures or lots. We also recommend checking out the area before you meet there, to familiarize yourself with the area and make sure it feels safe.
If the other party is also an acquaintance or stranger, bring someone you trust along or have them wait for you in the car so you won’t be alone when you leave.
You may want to consider an online/remote notary if you have concerns about meeting a stranger and can’t find someone to go with you.
Finding the Right Mobile Notary
We recommend always finding your notary through a well-established and reputable service. The American Society of Notaries, the National Notary Association, your local bank, or your tax agency may be able to point you in the right direction. You can also search our database for certified mobile notary services near you.
We hope this article has answered all your questions and equipped you with the knowledge you need to keep your personal information safe.
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