Frequently Asked Questions
What is a notary public?
In Florida, notaries are appointed and commissioned by the Secretary of State. The American Association of Notaries defines a notary public as an official witness to the free and willing signing of one or more documents by one or more people whose identify the notary has verified. In most cases, the document is signed in the notary’s presence. In some cases, the document is signed first and then brought to the notary public by the signer, who will then acknowledge to the notary that he or she signed it.
What is a mobile notary?
A mobile notary is a notary that travels to your location (home, office, or other location).
What is a Notary Signing Agent?
A Notary Signing Agent or NSA is a Notary who has special training to handle document signings. Title companies and signing services to borrows, oversee the singing and return the documents.
What ID is required?
Acceptable forms of ID include but not limited to:
- State-issued driver’s license or ID card with picture and signature
- Passport
- Military ID
- Green Card
Is a photo ID required?
Florida law requires ID with a photograph and signature of the document signer.
What if I don’t have ID?
Florida allows the following ways to identify a signer
- Is personally known to the notarial officer;
- Is identified upon the oath or affirmation of a credible witness who personally appears before the notarial officer;
- Is identified on the basis of an identifying document which contains a signature and photograph;
- Is identified on the basis of a consular identification card;
- Is identified upon an oath or affirmation of a subscribing witness who is personally known to the notarial officer; or
- In the case of a person who is 65 years of age or older and cannot satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (a) to (e), inclusive, is identified upon the basis of an identification card issued by a governmental agency or a senior citizen center.
Can you provide the documents or forms I need?
In Florida notaries are not authorized to provide documents.
Can you help me fill out my documents?
- I am not an attorney and cannot give advice or help with documents. Please contact an attorney if you have questions about your documents or need assistance in completing them.
What do you charge?
My fees are set by the State of Florida. A travel/convenience fee may also be charge. For more information, please call or text 561.232.2167 or email SMENotary@gmail.com.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are preferred but are not required. Please call or text 561.232.2167 or email SMEnotary@gmail.com to discuss your notarial needs.