Find answers to common questions about our notary services, apostilles, remote online notarization, and more.
Can't find your answer? Contact usA notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to witness the signing of documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify documents as authentic. Notaries serve as impartial witnesses to help prevent fraud and ensure documents are signed willingly by the signers.
Many documents can be notarized, including acknowledgments, jurats, affidavits, powers of attorney, real estate documents, wills, trusts, consent forms, business contracts, and more. If you're unsure whether your document can be notarized, contact us and we'll be happy to help.
No! This is very important. You should never sign your documents before meeting with the notary. All signatures must be made in the physical presence of the notary, who will verify your identity and witness the signing.
You must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID with your current name. Acceptable IDs include: valid driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The ID must not be expired and the name must match the name on your documents.
No. Notaries are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. We cannot explain document contents, prepare legal documents, or advise you on legal matters. If you need legal advice, you should consult with an attorney. Daphne R. Bradfield, Esq. offers legal services alongside our notary services.
Mobile notary service means we come to your location — home, office, hospital, or anywhere convenient for you. Instead of traveling to a notary office, we bring the notarization to you. This is especially helpful for busy professionals, those with mobility challenges, or situations where getting everyone to one location is difficult.
We serve Metro Detroit communities including Wayne, Westland, Canton, Garden City, Plymouth, Romulus, Livonia, Inkster, Dearborn, and Dearborn Heights. We may also be able to serve surrounding areas — contact us to confirm if your location is within our service range.
Yes, there is a travel fee for mobile notary appointments. The fee varies based on distance from our primary service area. Contact us for a quote specific to your location. The travel fee covers the cost of our notary coming to you.
Yes! We understand that sometimes notarization is needed at hospitals or care facilities. We can arrange visits to these locations. Please note that some facilities have specific policies or require additional documentation, so it's helpful to check with the facility in advance if possible.
Most appointments take between 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of documents and signers involved. The notary will review your documents, verify identities, witness signatures, and apply the notarial seal. We ask that you have all documents ready and your ID prepared when we arrive.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows you to have documents notarized completely online via secure video conference. You don't need to meet in person — all steps including identity verification and document signing happen through a secure online platform. This is ideal for out-of-state clients, busy professionals, or anyone who can't easily meet in person.
Yes! Remote online notarizations are legally valid in Michigan for signers who are physically located in Michigan during the session. RON sessions are recorded and stored as required by law, and the electronically notarized documents carry the same legal weight as traditional in-person notarizations.
You'll need: (1) A valid government-issued photo ID, (2) Your unsigned document(s), (3) A computer or smartphone with camera and microphone, (4) A stable internet connection, and (5) A quiet, well-lit space for the video session. Before your appointment, we'll send instructions on how to access our secure RON platform.
Michigan residents and anyone who can be physically present in Michigan during the video session can use our RON service. This includes individuals who need documents notarized for use in other states or countries, as well as out-of-state clients who need Michigan-based notarizations.
Absolutely. Our RON platform uses bank-level encryption to protect your personal information and documents. Video sessions are securely recorded and stored. Identity verification uses multi-factor authentication including knowledge-based questions. Your information is handled with the utmost confidentiality.
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies that the signature, seal, or stamp on your document is genuine. Over 125 countries participate in the Hague Convention, so an apostille makes your documents recognized internationally without additional embassy legalization.
If the country where you'll use your document is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (125+ countries), you'll need an apostille. If the country is not a member, you may need full authentication through embassy channels. Check our Hague Convention list or contact us to confirm which process applies to your situation.
Many types of documents can receive an apostille, including: birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, academic diplomas and transcripts, corporate documents (certificates of incorporation, resolutions), powers of attorney, affidavits, court orders, and more. Documents must typically be notarized first before getting an apostille.
The time required varies depending on the document type, whether it needs state certification, and the destination country. Standard processing may take 1-2 weeks, while expedited options may be available for an additional fee. Contact us for a timeline specific to your document and destination.
Many countries require documents to be translated into their official language. If translation is needed, it must typically be done by a certified translator and may need separate notarization or apostille. We can guide you on translation requirements for your specific destination country.
You can schedule an appointment by: (1) Using our online booking system, (2) Calling us at (586) 604-0627, or (3) Sending us a text message. We'll confirm your appointment time and provide any pre-appointment instructions.
We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs: weekdays by appointment, evening appointments available until 8PM, and weekend availability including Saturday and Sunday. We also offer service on most holidays. Same-day appointments may be available — contact us to check availability.
We accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Payment is expected at the time of service. For mobile appointments, please have payment ready when the notary arrives.
We understand plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance when possible. We appreciate advance notice so we can accommodate other clients. Last-minute cancellations may result in a fee to cover our travel time.
Yes! We understand some situations need immediate attention. We offer same-day service when available and can often accommodate urgent requests. Emergency or after-hours appointments may have additional fees. Contact us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to help.
If you couldn't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help with all your notary and apostille needs.