Question 1

What do I need for a successful notarization?

Accepted Answer

1.  Have an Unexpired, Government issued, Photo ID available. State Issued 
     Drivers or ID, Military ID or U.S. Passport.
     (a copy or photograph of ID is not permitted)

2.  All individuals on documents to be notarized are to be 
     present at signing.

3.  Document(s) to be notarized are prepared, printed & 
      assembled with no blanks. Name on document is required to match 
      the name on ID. 
      Signature(s), Date & Notarial Certificate area left blank
     
4.  Signer is awake, aware & able  is not mentally impaired, understands
      document to be signed, & has ability to independently sign document(s).

5.  Credible witnesses (if needed) They will be required to present 
      unexpired, government issued, photo ID, & give their ID information to 
      the notary to record & sign the journal.

Question 2

What if a person's ID is expired?

Accepted Answer

If you do not have acceptable, unexpired identification, you may be identified by either one or two credible identifying witnesses who must produce unexpired, acceptable, government issued ID.

The credible witness(es) may not have an interest in document to be signed, related to by blood or marriage, or be named in the document.

Two credible identifying witnesses are required if neither of them are personally known by the Notary.

The  credible witnesses must personally know you and take an oath attesting to your identity, have valid, unexpired, government issued, photo ID, have their ID verified & will be required to sign the notaries' journal.

Question 3

I have a homebound loved one, how can they obtain an ID?

Accepted Answer

The state of Michigan offers a homebound option to obtain an ID.  Click Here for more info.

Ohio has similar option.  Click Here for more info.

Question 4

What if the document shows my name differently than the way it appears on my ID?

Accepted Answer

If you have had a recent name change due to marriage, divorce, adoption or other circumstances, we strongly recommend updating your ID prior to requesting notarization, unless the name on the document matches the name on your ID.

Question 5

My document is missing an area for the notary?

Accepted Answer

1. Contact the entity or legal advisor requesting document to find out which notarial certificate is required.

2. The signer can choose which certificate, however, if the wrong notary certificate is chosen for the document being notarized, it may render the document invalid.

Acknowledgements
An acknowledgement is used to verify the identity of the signer and to confirm that they signed the document. They are not swearing to the truthfulness or validity of the document, they are simply acknowledging that they signed the document.

Jurats
A jurat is used when the signer is swearing to the content of the document. The notary must administer an oath or affirmation to the signer in order to complete the jurat. A jurat also requires that the signer signs in the presence of the notary. It is possible to glean this information from the jurat certificate its self. The wording states “Subscribed and sworn to before me…” – subscribed meaning “signed” and sworn meaning that an oral oath or affirmation was given. “Before me” means that both were done in the presence of the notary public.

While it is important for a notary to understand the difference between the two, Michigan & Ohio notaries public are not allowed to determine which type of certificate a signer uses. To do so would be considered practicing law without a license. A Notary can only ask the signer which form they prefer; if they don't know, the notary will refer them to the originator of the document for an answer. It is the responsibility of the person(s) requesting the notarization to choose which notarial certificate is needed.

Question 6

I have an Ohio Vehicle Title what do I need to know?

Accepted Answer

An Ohio Vehicle/ATV/Boat/Motorcycle title notarization must have the following for proper notarization.

1. Seller must be present and produce valid, unexpired, government issued, photo ID.
           2. Odometer reading must be filled out.
	3. Buyer information must be available with name(s) & address(es).
	4. The seller must sign the title in the presence of the notary or it invalidates the title.

Questions? Click here for Ohio Secretary of State requirements for Vehicle titles.

Question 7

Do I need an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes,
Same day appointments are available!  Just call or text to set!
We do not offer walk -in services without an appointment.  Our notaries also travel to clients and may not be in offices without a pre-scheduled appointment.  
Please call, text to set.    
				     Toledo        419-855-2495.
				     Columbus   614-468-3049
If there is no answer, please leave your name and number and reason for calling, we may be with a client or traveling.  We will return your call as soon as possible. 
You may also book online by clicking here.

Question 8

Do you offer same day or emergency services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most instances we have daily availability for emergency/urgent notary services. (2 hours or less notice).

Please call or text to schedule an appointment. Toledo/Michigan 419-855-2495
							                    Columbus 614-468-3049
Or click here to schedule

After hours, nights, weekend & holiday requests are based on availability with an appointment.

Question 9

Can I come to your place of business?

Accepted Answer

Yes!
We have two locations to serve you!
Toledo Office
3740 W. Alexis Road Toledo, OH 43623. Ste. #110 
We are located inside Compassion at Calvary Church
Please use the South East Entrance (Offices)  and use the marked doorbell on left. 
First Suite on left # 110.
Appointment Required
Phone: 419-855-2495
We travel to clients as well! Someone may not be in the office if an appointment is not prescheduled.

Columbus office
Appointment Required
1536 Parsons Ave.
Columbus, OH 43207
Located inside Dark Arrow Tattoo Co.
Phone:  (614)-468-3049
Email:Sharpsealsc@proton.me
Street parking available

Question 10

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Toledo Office Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm  by appointment.

Columbus office: Call for appointment Hours vary

After hours, urgent/emergency, weekend,  & holiday appointments are available by appointment, based on availability.  (Additional service fees will apply)

Question 11

What kind of payments do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept  Cash  & Credit/Debit Cards:  Mastercard, Visa,  Discover, American Express,  Google Pay, Apple Pay, Square  & Pay Pal 4% processing fee added to Credit/Debit Cards.

Our notaries do not cash or change.  Please have correct amount available. No checks or billing for services. 
Need to pre-pay/deposit? Click secure link here for Square payment processing.

Question 12

Do you offer documents?

Accepted Answer

No, we are unable to provide legal documents.
However, we have secured an affiliate partnership with a large well known company.
Click here for more information. There is no additional charge from us.  We receive a small commission if you choose to purchase legal documents via our affiliate link.

Question 13

Do you notarize 1-9 Forms?

Accepted Answer

No.  A notary can only  assist the client with Identification verification & filling out section 2 of the I-9 form as an authorized representative.

Acceptable documents for ID verification by a notary can be found here.

A copy or photograph of an acceptable document is not permitted. 
Originals must be presented for form to be completed by a notary public.

Need an 1-9 form, click here to download & print.

Question 14

Can a Notary Public decline to provide service?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
The following are some circumstances, per Ohio & Michigan Laws, under which a Notary has the right to refuse to notarize: 
	
The signer does not appear before the notary public.

If the document signer(s) is unable to produce acceptable, unexpired, government issued, photo identification.

If the document signer is unable to produce credible identifying witnesses with acceptable, unexpired government issued, photo ID.

If the document is incomplete or contains blank spaces.

If the document does not provide notarial wording or  correct notarial certificate and the signer is unable provide instructions as such.

If the Notary is uncertain of a signer’s willingness, mental awareness or has cause to suspect fraud.

The signer is unwilling to swear or affirm to the contents of the document when requesting a jurat certificate.

The notary public does not have his or her notary seal available at the time an act is requested.

The signer requests the notary to certify a copy of a vital record.

The notary is unavailable for reasons such as the act needs to be performed on a holiday, the notary is ill, or the notary is requested to travel to another location to perform the act.

Question 15

Does notarization mean that a document is true, accurate or legal?

Accepted Answer

No.  Notaries are not responsible for the truth, accuracy, completeness or legality of documents they notarize. Signatures are notarized, not the document.

Question 16

May a Notary Public prepare, provide a document or give legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. 
This is for the safety of the consumer. A Notary Public is not an attorney, they are not permitted by law to assist a signer to explain, draft, prepare or fill-in documents.

Ohio & Michigan prohibits non-attorneys from providing legal advice or services. 
This is called Unlicensed Practice of LaW.

Question 17

Can I remove the staple in my document?

Accepted Answer

NO. Don't remove the staple from the document!

If the staple is removed (whether your documents came stapled or we have stapled a notarial block form to the signature page), you risk a third party refusing to accept the document, as it may appear that the document has been tampered with.

If you need to copy document, copy with staple intact.

Question 18

Do you travel to hospitals or care faclities?

Accepted Answer

Yes!
We travel to hospitals, care facilities, rehab, nursing home, hospice, etc. 
There are items that will need to be reviewed before a successful notarization can take place.  Click here for a free hospital readiness checklist.

Question 19

What is a Loan Signing Agent?

Accepted Answer

A Loan Signing Agent is a Notary with specialized training in handling and notarizing loan documents. They are hired as an independent contractor to see that the borrower signs, notarize, & returns real estate loan paperwork properly & on time. 
Loan signing certification is not a state or legal requirement to close a loan.

Toledo & Surrounding areas
419-855-2495
& S.E. Michigan

Columbus & Surrounding areas
614-468-3049
Westerville

Appointment Required

Frequently Asked Questions