MOBILE NOTARY CHECKLIST
As a mobile notary, there are a few things we should know before we take on any professional signings. A signing can include anything from notarizing a single-page Will, to notarizing an entire 300+ page Loan package. Aside from the volume and size of the documents, there isn’t too much of a difference in how to prepare for your next notary gig. I’ve compiled this basic checklist to give you an idea of what I mean.
Answer Your Phone
This is essentially the golden rule when it comes to growing your notary business. In this day and age, there is a digital wall between ourselves and other humans. This is partly because we have grown accustomed to routinely texting, emailing, or DM-ing one another. Though many customers operate the same way, there are those who generally require a phone call. Think of it like a mini-job interview, especially if they are new and haven’t hired you before.
Quote Your Price Up Front
You definitely need to make sure that your potential notary client is aware of your fees so that there are no surprises at the time of collecting payment at the signing. You don’t want your client to get upset with you because your fee was never quoted, and they feel like they’re being cheated. It makes you look dishonest. Also, some states require their notaries to be transparent with their pricing and are only able to charge clients state-mandated fees. Don’t forget to include your travel/gas/mileage fees!
Confirm How Many Signers Will Be There
goes hand in hand with quoting your pricing. Notaries are to charge for each signature, not each notary stamp. Therefore, it helps to know ahead of time how many signatures you are billing.
Tell Them to Bring Valid I.D.
Make sure they all have valid I.D. This can include state-issued identification with a photo of them, as well as a passport, etc. If they don’t have I.D., you generally can’t notarize their document. There are loopholes, but this is a general no-no.
Whip Out The Notary Journal
Notaries tend to argue about this procedure, but to set the record straight: You’re supposed to log each signer’s I.D. info, have them sign the book, and log each notarization.
Review the Document(s) For Completion
Make sure that all documents are completely filled out, with no blank spaces. You don’t want folks to add things in later after you’ve already notarized. If there are blank spaces, have the signer cross them out or write n/a. Notaries have actually gone to jail and lost their commission for this kind of oversight.
Take the Signer’s Oath
I generally take the signer’s oath before they sign the document. I ask them: “Do you swear or affirm under penalty of perjury of the laws of the state of Nevada that the information contained in this document is true and correct to the best of your knowledge?” They say, “Yes” then they sign.
Notarize the Document(s)
that everything has been reviewed and signed by the client(s), it’s your turn to notarize. Make sure there is proper notarial wording on the document before you place your stamp. If no wording, attach a notary certificate. The document should always include the county and state where the notarization took place. The wording varies from state to state.
Pass Out A Business Card
You want to pass out business cards to everyone in the room. You never know when they will need a notary again, and you want to be sure that you are the first one they think of when that time comes. They may even pass your card along to a friend.
If You’d Like To Know More
Reach out to me at: www.brooksnotary.com ; pamala@brooksnotary.com ; (951) 413-9497
