I need a mobile notary. What’s it going to cost?

Our fees are determined by the following in adherence with Nebraska state law:

• The type and number of notarial acts needed for the document(s) to be successfully notarized

• The location of the signing

  After collecting information about the signers’ document(s) to determine which and how many notarial acts must be performed for a complete notarization, our notary public determines the quickest travel route to the signer’s location. The traveling notary will then provide the signer with an estimate which they can either agree to or decline before scheduling an appointment.

  Final fees are determined and paid when the notary meets with the signer. Signers within a 10-25 mile distance of our notary’s location can typically expect a fee of $20-40 for their signing. The greater the distance, the higher the travel fee. If a document cannot be notarized due to no fault by the notary public, signers still agree to compensate the notary for travel fees.

Do I need to provide identification to a notary have my document notarized?

Yes! While the types of acceptable identification may vary state to state, notaries are required to positively identify document signers by some form of ID in all 50 states. Nebraska notaries are allowed to use a current identification document issued by a government agency as long as it contains 1) a photograph of the person’s face, 2) their signature and 3) their physical description. Any acceptable identification must be current and valid.

Examples of acceptable ID to present to a notary public in Nebraska include:

• A state drivers license

• A non-drivers ID card

• A United States passport

• A United States military ID

• A permanent resident or “green card” issued by USCIS

• A properly stamped passport

While common identification such as a drivers license is highly encouraged and recommended, Nebraska state law does allow for signers to be identified using an alternative method of identification. If a signer cannot provide a notary with acceptable identification (listed above), the signer may be identified in person by two credible identifying witnesses. This is the only alternative means of identifying a signer available to a Nebraska notary public unless they are personally known by the notary.

Credible identifying witnesses must:

• Know the signer personally (a friend, neighbor, coworker, etc.)

• Be impartial (not stand to benefit) from the contents of the document being notarized in any way whatsoever

• Provide acceptable identification (examples above)

• Take an oath/affirmation administered by the notary public
  

Do I have to appear in person before a traveling notary to have my document notarized?

Yes! A signer’s personal appearance is required for a notarization in Nebraska to occur. In fact, Nebraska Notary law explicitly prohibits the performance of any notarial act unless the principal signer is in the presence of a notary public at the time of the notarization. The same is true for IPEN and RON as well, which Scott Notary Services does not offer at this present time.

For both traditional and in person electronic notarization (IPEN), the notary and the signer must be face to face in the same room when the notarization takes place. For remote online notarization (RON), the notary and signer must be face to face via audio-video communication technology.

Can a notary answer my questions to help me understand or complete my document?

Non-attorney Nebraska notaries are not permitted to assist signers in drafting, preparing, selecting, completing or understanding a document or transaction. This includes choosing what type of notarial certificate to attach to a document. If you are unsure of how to complete a document or what notarial certificate is needed, you should contact the document issuer, its recipient or an attorney for assistance.

Our mobile notary cannot lawfully help you understand or complete your document, so it is wise to consult your attorney or the document’s issuer if you need clarification before your appointment.

Why would a mobile notary refuse to notarize my document?

A notary public may not legally refuse requests to notarize documents based on a person’s race, color, religion, nationality, gender/sex, disability or marital status. However, there are instances when a notary can and should refuse to notarize.

Below are some examples of when our traveling notary can and should refuse to notarize:

• If a signer’s awareness is in doubt

• If a signer is unable to present an acceptable form of identification, the ID presented is expired or shows signs of tampering or counterfeiting

• If it appears a signer is being coerced to sign or is apprehensive about signing a document

• If the signer’s last name and surname on their document does not match the name appearing on the identification presented to the notary

• If the signer and the notary cannot communicate in a language they both understand without an interpreter

• If a document contains a photocopied or faxed signature

What should I do with my notarized Power of Attorney?

After notarizing a Power of Attorney (POA), careful consideration should be given to how the POA will be stored, who has access to it and how it can be used.

To prevent loss or damage to the original, notarized Power of Attorney, it should be kept in a safe, secure location. Good options include a personal safe in the agent/attorney-in-fact’s home, a clearly marked folder in a file cabinet, with an attorney or another location where it won’t be damaged.

If you are the principal (aka the person who created the POA), consider giving the original, notarized Power of Attorney to your chosen agent/attorney-in-fact, who will be acting on your behalf if the POA becomes necessary. If you choose to not provide your attorney-in-fact with the original Power of Attorney, let them know where the document is stored and how to access it. Don’t forget to provide them with the password, safe combination or the location of any keys they may need to access the document. Also consider making additional physical or digital copies of the notarized POA for your agent/attorney-in-fact to present to anyone needing to see it for proof of its execution. Digital copies of a Power of Attorney can be easily stored on a computer or smartphone, providing your agent/attorney-in-fact with an easy way of bringing the POA with them wherever they go.

A Power of Attorney grants one or more persons the power to act in a temporary or permanent fashion on behalf of the principal, including making medical or financial decisions. While a Power of Attorney is accepted in all states, the rules and requirements may differ from state to state. Some states require the renewal of a POA for continuing validity, but most states permit a “durable” Power of Attorney, which remains valid until the principal dies, the principal revokes the POA, if the agent/attorney-in-fact resigns or if they are unable to act for the principal.

I’m looking for a notario publico to help me with my immigration documents. Can your notary help?

Though the term “notario publico” literally translates into “notary public” in English, that is where the similarity ends within the United States. A notary public in the United States is NOT able to perform the same tasks as a notario publico in Latin American countries, where such individuals are highly trained legal professionals that can provide legal advice and draft legal documents. In fact, most states have laws in place making it ILLEGAL for a notary public to use the term notario publico in advertising, as it is misleading and may be used fraudulently to exploit immigrant communities.

Our notary public holds a commission in the state of Nebraska and can only witness the signing of documents, verify a signer’s identity, confirm their willingness to sign, administer oaths and take acknowledgements. Our mobile notary cannot assist with the preparation or interpretation of legal documents, mediation, arbitration or any matters concerning immigration. If you have questions regarding immigration, you should consult an immigration attorney.

I need a Medallion Signature Guarantee (MSG) – can your notary public help me?

A MSG is a special stamp used to certify a signature’s authenticity and verify the signer has the legal authority to conduct a transaction involving securities (stocks and bonds). While financial institutions such as banks, credit unions and trust companies CAN provide MSGs, a general notary CANNOT. A notary public’s seal is NOT a substitute for a Medallion Signature Guarantee.

To obtain a MSG, you must visit a participating financial institution, present a government-issued photo ID, provide documents proving ownership of the securities in your possession and then sign the transfer forms in their presence. To search for a financial institution that can provide you with a Medallion Signature Guarantee, visit https://www.msglookup.com/index.html