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F.A.Q.
Common Questions
What is Notarization?
Notarization is the process whereby a Notary certifies a document. Usually this is done by attaching a notarial certificate to the document. The notarial certificate contains statements of fact or law in relation to the document being certified.
What is an electronic notary (eNotary)?
An Electronic Notary or In-Person Electronic Notary is a commissioned notary public that is permitted to perform notarial acts electronically without the use of paper. Still, by state law, the parties are required to be physically present. An electronic notary is often confused with a remote notary, but it is important to remember that they are different based on legal definitions.
What is a mobile notary?
A remote notary is a legally commissioned notary public who is authorized to conduct notarizations over the internet via digital tools and a live audio video call.
All notaries, no matter how they perform their service, must watch as someone signs a document. Historically, this has required that the notary and signer must travel to meet one another in-person where the notary serves as a witness during the signing event.
The name “remote notary” is derived from the fact that the notary serves the customer remotely over the internet.
What is a signing agent?
A notary signing agent is a notary who has been trained to handle loan documents. Lenders and title companies hire signing agents as independent contractors to assist in the last step of the loan process.
The responsibilities of a notary signing agent generally include printing loan documents, meeting the signer and notarizing their signature, and quickly returning the documents for processing. NSAs are also responsible for following any additional instructions from the lender, title company, or signing service that hires them for loan closing work. For example, an NSA may be asked to fax back documents right away or use a specific mailing service to return the paperwork safely.
Since notary signing agents have access to private financial information about borrowers and are sent to their client’s homes, the mortgage finance industry requires all Signing Agents to undergo a background screening on an annual basis. This helps prevent mortgage fraud and ensures the consumer’s information is secure.
Do I need an appointment for a notary?
Yes. Since we provide virtual service, all appointments must be booked and confirmed at least 15m before the desired appointment time.
Do I need an appointment for a signing agent?
Yes. All appointments must be booked and confirmed at least 5 days before the desired appointment time.
Is online notarization legal?
Yes, it is.
Online notarizations are accepted across the country due to a long-standing body of laws in each state that specifically provides for the recognition and acceptance of out-of-state notarizations. In addition to laws in each state recognizing and accepting common out-of-state notarizations, the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the US Constitution may provide an additional basis for states to accept out-of-state notarizations.
Certain states and public agencies have additional requirements and limitations for executing and accepting electronically-signed documents and out-of-state notarizations, and not all documents may be electronically signed. We always recommend checking with your intended recipient to confirm their acceptance of online notarizations.
What are the acceptable forms of ID that I can use?
Acceptable forms of ID include the following photo IDs if valid and unexpired. Your state may have other allowable IDs or may exclude the use of some items on this list, so always check:
– U.S. State-Issued Driver’s License
– U.S. State-Issued Photo ID
– U.S. Passport Book
– U.S. Passport Card
– Certificate of US citizenship
– Certificate of Naturalization
– Foreign Passport
– Alien Registration Card with Photo
– Military ID
This is not a comprehensive list. If you are unsure whether your ID will be accepted, email info@salimsenterprises.com and we’ll let you know!
How does online notarization work?
You are connected with a commissioned notary public via live audio-video call. The notary public confirms your identity visually using the scanned photo ID, and then witnesses as you sign the document. Just like a traditional notarization, the notary then signs and places their notarial seal on your document.
How does online notarization differ from standard notarization?
The only differences between the two are the tools that are involved. All notarial acts remain the same except for the introduction of electronic signatures, electronic notary stamps, and Video-Audio technology. Personal appearance, positive identification, and required notarial acts are still utilized with online notarization.
What if my document requires a witness?
Many transactions require more than just a notary and signer. If you’re signing a document that requires a witness, you’ll want to make sure you let us know before your appointment. Just reply to your confirmation email and we will make sure they have access to the session as well.
If you’d like us to provide a witness for you, let your notary know by requesting a witness in your confirmation email resposne.
What if my documents require physical (wet) signatures?
In some cases, your recipient may require original signatures from all signers. In order to fulfill this requirement, you will need to meet with a notary over video chat to show your ID and sign your documents.
After the session, you will mail the original documents to the address provided by your notary.
Once received, the document will be notarized and sent to your recipient.
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What if I have additional signers?
If your document must be signed by more than one person, you have two options:
1. You and your secondary signer can be co-located (in the same physical location), log into the session with the notary together, on the same device, and have your documents notarized.
2. If your document requires two or more signers and they’re not co-located, all signers must complete separate transactions. Each signer would request an appointment and upload an unsigned copy of his/her document. When complete, you will have separately notarized documents that you may then submit to your recipient agency or institution.
Can I Come To Your Location?
The addresses displayed in our ads and on our website are for appointments 24 hours in advance, written correspondence, and mailing purposes only.
Certified Notary Services
We are not a law firm. Therefore, we cannot provide legal advice of any kind. We strongly recommend consulting your attorney and/or your intended recipient to confirm the acceptance of your document(s) prior to using our service.