Notary FAQ

What is a Notary Public?

 

A Notary Public is a person of proven integrity appointed by the state government to serve the public as an impartial witness in taking acknowledgments, administering oath and affirmations, and performing other acts authorized by law.

What is a Mobile Notary?

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A mobile notary is a notary public that travels to various locations to perform notarial acts. The fees charged by mobile notaries tend to be higher than traditional notaries due to travel-related expenses such as fuel & mileage, tolls, parking, travel time, traffic delays, etc.

What is eNotarization?

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The electronic notarization, or e-notarization, process is essentially the same as traditional form notarization. The signer and the notary are in the same room physically except that instead of affixing signatures to a physical document, they do so in electronic form. 

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Some states permit e-notarization but not remote online notarization. 

What is Remote Notarization?

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The remote online notarization process is done entirely remotely. The signer and the notary are in separate locations and connect by means of audio/visual communication through a phone, tablet or computer. Signatures and notary seals are affixed in electronic form. 

What is the difference between a Mobile Notary and a Notary Signing Agent?

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The main difference between a Mobile Notary and a Notary Signing Agent is the focus of their work. While Notaries encounter a wide variety of documents, Signing Agents specifically handle loan documents.

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Mobile Notaries and Notary Signing Agents are both required to have a traditional Notary commission, but NSAs must also pass a background check and an exam every year. Some states have specific restrictions related to real property documents and may require additional professional licenses.

How can I best prepare for my notary appointment?

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If you have a document that must be notarized, there are a few details you should know before your appointment time arrives. Texas State Law has requirements that must be met for your notarization to be approved, including identity requirements, mental capacity, and willingness of the signer.

Proper ID and Credible Witnesses for ID Purposes:

 

Acceptable Forms of ID for Texas Notarizations

A Valid *Unexpired* Federal or State Government-Issued ID with a Photo ID and Signature of the Acknowledging Person(s), such as:

• Driver's License

• ID Card

• U.S. Military ID (cannot be photocopied or photographed)

• U.S. Passport

• Foreign Passport (can be utilized only for ID purposes on Real Estate Transactions in the State of Texas)

 

Credible Witness for Identification Purposes

Texas allows Notaries to identify the signer through a credible identifying witness. A credible witness is an individual who personally knows the signer and can vouch for the signer’s identity to the Notary.

 

In Texas, a credible witness must either personally know the Notary (as well as the signer) or must present to the Notary a valid, unexpired ID issued by the federal or a state government that contains the photo and signature of the witness (1 TAC 87.40[2] and 87.1[1]).

 

A credible witness must know the signer well enough to be able to swear or affirm the signer’s identity before the Notary.

 

References: Texas Secretary of State/Texas Administrative Code; 87.40; 87.41; 87.42; 87.43

How much do you charge for your services?

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Our fees vary based on what service(s) you require as well as your location and availability of our Notaries/Service Providers in your area.

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Contact Us, Call 855-898-4249, or text 469-444-1348 for estimates.

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• General Mobile Notary - Starting at $75 + $6 per notarization + $1 per additional signature (if needed) between 9:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. (subject to additional mileage, subject to day of the week, time of day, and distance to appointment) - Quotes Available

• Remote Online Notary (RON) - Starting at $40 - Quotes Available

• Loan Closings - Starting at $275 - Quotes Available

Do you charge for travel?

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Yes, we charge for travel; however, fees for travel and time are not specified or regulated by law.
Contact Us, Call 855-898-4249, or text 469-444-1348 for estimates.

 

Rates vary depending on the type of service requested, whether for our premium Direct Loan Signings or General Notary Services, as well as the time of day, the distance, or the time it takes to arrive at the traveled-to-location. Travel fees will be discussed prior to departure for your requested service.

Can I come to your location?

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No, we do not have a physical address to receive clients. Our service is strictly mobile or online, and all services are by appointment only.

How soon can you get here? How much advance notice is required?

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In order to better serve you, we request that all appointments be scheduled at least 24-hours in advance. We will, however, make every attempt to fulfill same-day, last-minute, and emergency requests.

What area(s) do you serve?

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We're a Nationwide Signing Service, providing contract Remote Online and Mobile Notary and Signing Agent services anywhere in the USA, and Worldwide through our network of specially commissioned Remote Online Notaries (RON). 

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Locally, we serve Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and the entire DFW Metroplex. If you have a need in one of these areas, we will be able to travel to you. 

Payments Terms & Accepted Payment Forms

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• Unless otherwise specified, ALL fees are due and payable upfront.

• We accept electronic payment via Zelle, Apple Pay, CashApp, PayPal or Venmo

• All Sales & Services are Final and Non-Refundable, including escrow/loans that do not close or fund.

Cancellation Policy

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Cancellations should be within (4) hours of the agreed appointment time to avoid cancellation fees.

No Cancellations/Refunds for same-day appointments.

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To cancel or reschedule your appointment, you must email: orders@halcyonins.com or call: (469) 444-1348.

Text & Voicemail cancellations are subject to a verified response from one of our representatives.

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• No Charge - Appointments canceled within (4) four hours of the agreed appointment time.

• 50% of the Signing/Mobile Fee Applies - Appointments canceled with less than (4) hours notice of the agreed appointment time.

• 100% of the Signing/Mobile Fee Applies - No-shows and appointments canceled with less than (2) hours notice.

• 100% of the Signing/Mobile Fee Applies - Same-Day Appointments - No Cancellations or Refunds for same-day appointments.

• 100% of the Signing/Mobile Fee Applies - If the Notary is unable to perform notarizations due to an unwilling signer, inadequate or invalid ID, or the principal clearly does not understand or demonstrate the mental capacity required to authorize the notarization, the full fee is expected and is non-negotiable and non-refundable.

 

All Sales & Services are Final and Non-Refundable, including escrow/loans that do not close or fund.

Service Terms

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• At least 24-hours of advance notice is requested whenever possible.

• Signings in remote areas and under extreme circumstances (rush jobs, long waiting, inclement weather, long distances, etc…) may result in additional fees.

• Rush fees apply for same-day/rush services.

• Appointments after 4:00 p.m. are considered "after-hours" and incur additional charges.

• Appointments on Weekends and Holidays incur additional charges.

• All fees are due and payable upfront. Advance payment is required for all same-day appointments.

• No Cancellations or Refunds for same-day appointments.

• If the Notary is unable to perform notarizations due to an unwilling signer, inadequate or invalid ID, or the principal clearly does not understand or demonstrate the mental capacity required to authorize the notarization, the full fee is expected and is non-negotiable and non-refundable.

• Mistakes due to Notary errors or omissions will be corrected free of charge. Notaries are required to have a bond and carry E&O insurance.

• Cancellations should be within (4) hours of the agreed appointment time to avoid cancellation fees.

• To cancel or reschedule your appointment, you must email: orders@halcyonins.com or call: (469) 444-1348. No Cancellations/Refunds for same-day appointments. Text cancellations are subject to a verified response from one of our representatives.

• All Sales & Services are Final and Non-Refundable, including escrow/loans that do not close or fund.