Looking for a good notary can half of the hassle of notarizing documents. However, there are several indicators you can look for to help speed up your search and make notarizing your documents a painless, easy process.
Mobility
Having a mobile notary can simplify the process considerably. Mobile notaries come to you and work flexible hours. So whether you need a notary at 9 AM or 9 PM, you can have them meet you at your work, your home, or at the coffee shop down the street.
Mobile notaries are an excellent option for people in small towns which may not have an abundance of notary services. Mobile notaries can agree to meet all signing parties at one central location.
Specialization
If your documents are exclusively in a specific category, you may want to find a notary specialized for your needs. If you have an estate deed you need to sign over or a loan for a new estate, you may want a notary with a background in real estate.
The same goes for legal documents such as wills; you’ll want a notary who has experience in law. So whatever your notarization needs, hire a notary who suits you and specializes in the field your paper requires.
Association membership
You want to ensure your notary knows what they’re doing, so check their qualifications and association membership. Notary associations provide tests, training, and resources to help them stay on top of new legislation and changes to legal documentation.
All professional associations require members to stay up-to-date on their fields, and notary associations are no exception. So within the notary’s qualifications and certifications, check their registry with the National Notary Association or another notary association to ensure they’re as qualified as they claim.
Fees
Notaries charge fees for their services as all professionals do, so you should make sure you’re getting a reasonable price. Notary prices differ by order, so find the service you need and check them against other notaries and their fees to ensure you’re getting the most out of your notary.
You can check the Secretary of State’s website for the notary fee structure in your state, and if the notary you’re looking at is above those fees, look for someone else.
While states limit the amount notaries charge, notaries are also allowed to charge “convenience fees” for working outside their regular hours or meeting at a place of your choosing. When possible, meet your notary at their office during normal business hours to save on excess fees.
Keep in mind
Choosing a notary is stressful, and undergoing the process to protect your documents’ legal status can be even more so. Not only do you want to find someone knowledgeable with expansive qualifications, but you also want someone convenient and nearby.
It’s a careful balancing act, but there are notaries out there who are perfect for your needs, whether they’re mobile, specialized, a member of an association, or all three. Whomever you choose, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll find someone who’ll help you with a pain-free notarization.
