FAQ
Q: What is a Notary Public?
A: A notary public or public notary is a public officer constituted by law to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents in non-contentious matters usually concerned with estates, deeds, powers-of-attorney, and foreign and international business. A notary’s main functions are to administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits and statutory declarations, witness and authenticate the execution of certain classes of documents, take acknowledgments of deeds and other conveyances. It is the foremost duty of a Notary to screen the signers of particularly sensitive instruments — such as property deeds, wills and powers of attorney — for their true identity, their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the general import of the document. Some notarizations also require the Notary to put the signer under an oath declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct.
Q: What are your hours?
A: R Berge Mobile Notary is open for business 5 days a week including most major holidays. Same day service may be available. Our regular scheduled hours are 10 am to 6 pm during the Summer months and 10 am to 4 pm during the Winter months. If you’ve scheduled your appointment and need to cancel or reschedule, please do so within 24 hours of your appointment time if possible. We would like to be able to fit someone else in your time slot.
Q: How are we different from other notary services?
A: R Berge mobile Notary stands above the competition because of experience, thoroughness and preparedness and the ability to adapt to different situations. Should it happen that a document cannot be notarized; we won’t disregard the law just for the money. Integrity, honesty and preparedness are the keys to our success.
Q: What form(s) of ID do I need?
A: We often get questions specifically about identification documents. According to WAC 308-30-155 they must be current documents issued by a federal or state government with the individual’s photograph, signature, and physical description. Although there are many forms of “ID”, the identification documents that notaries use to identify signers must contain all of the elements above. If a signer presents ID that contains only some of these elements, it is not acceptable. if we can’t identify the signer according to our law, we will not perform the notarization.
Q: What are the different types of notary forms and which one do I need?
A: There are many different types of notary forms (also known as certificates) depending on the type of notarization being sought. See WAC 308-30-090 & RCW 42.44.100 for more specific and detailed information and examples that can be copied for your particular document.
Q: Can you give me advice on how to fill out my documents?
A: We are not an attorney and therefore, by law, cannot explain or interpret the contents of any document for you, instruct you on how to complete a document or direct you on the advisability of signing a particular document. By doing so would be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, and could face legal penalties that include the possibility of incarceration. Any important questions about your document should be addressed to the lender, Title Company or an attorney.
Q: What are the requirements for a notary signer?
A: EACH and ALL signers 18 years and older MUST present one VALID government issued photo id.
Q: What are the requirements for a witness/witnesses?
A: If witnesses are needed, please make sure that they are available for the signing. If you are signing a Last Will and Testament; the witnesses cannot be a family member or anyone who will benefit from the will.
Please read, review and understand your documents prior to the signing!
Q: Do I have to remove my pets while signing papers?
A: While we love animals and have pets of our own, some animals can be aggressive and intimidating. We ask that you please restrain your pets while the signing is in process.