Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Services
As a notary, I must satisfactory identify the signer. This can be accomplished (1) if the signer has a government issued ID with a signature and picture, like a passport or driver’s license; (2) if I personally know the signer; or (3) if the signer has a creditable witness who can affirm under oath to the signer’s identity and the credible witness appears before me and has proper identification. At my discretion, we may ask for additional identification credentials or refuse notarization if proper identification is not presented. We do not accept expired ID.
Per Maryland law, I can not give advice because I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this state. Also, I am not allowed to draft legal documents, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities. As a best practice for my business, I will ask you to explain the type of document you want notarized and to read the notarial language on the document, if any. This will help to confirm the type of notarial certificate you will need.
You can depend on us to keep you informed throughout the whole process.
Our background has taught us to value and protect every client’s privacy and handle all matters with discretion. We are also commissioned by the State, which is something we take very seriously. Maryland notaries are authorized to abide by State laws and to follow proper security protocols when handling client’s personal information.
The person authorizing Power of Attorney to someone else must be competent, as observed and assessed by the notary public. Furthermore, the person must be aware of the document he or she is signing. We are authorized to refuse notarization if we determine that a person is under duress or impaired. Two witnesses (who are not named as agents) are also required, whereas as the notary public, can stand in as one of the witnesses.
Yes, we are available 24/7. Just click on the call/contact us button at any time. You can also fill in the form at the bottom of the page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We will not pressure you or rush you to sign. Additionally, if you are not comfortable signing you are free to stop the process at any time.
Yes. We offer Remote Online Notarizations, also known as R.O.N. With this service, you will first upload your documents on the platform we use. Next, we will validate your ID. Last, we will meet on camera to notarize your document.
Yes. However, a notary can only notarize documents in the States they are commissioned. For example, a Maryland notary cannot notarize a document from Virginia unless the notary and the client are physically located in Maryland during the notarial act.
If scanbacks are requested, we will do that promptly. We also return documents promptly, as soon as the signing is complete. FedEx and UPS have multiple locations in the area, for ease of shipment.
FAQ About Notaries
What is a Notary?
What Are the General Notarial Acts?
2. Administering an oath or affirmation
3. Taking a verification on oath or affirmation
4. Witnessing or attesting a signature
5. Certifying or attesting a copy
6. Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument
Does notarizing a document legalize or validate a document?
What is a loan signing agent?
Do customers have to wear a mask?
PREPARING FOR YOUR NOTARY
Please read these instructions carefully before scheduling an appointment.
The Notary Public laws require notaries to take special precautions before notarizing documents:
- The document or form requiring notarization must be completely filled out. We do not draw up documents or help you with filling out the document*
- All signer(s) must be present at the time of the appointment
- All signer(s) must provide an original federal or state issued photo I.D., non-expired
- The signer(s) must be of sound mind, alert, and mentally competent
- The signer must want to sign the document being notarized
*Divine Notary Plus may charge additional fees for extra services including but not limited to printing and distance traveled.
Reasons Why Your Document Was Not Notarized
- 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 intoxicated, 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