FAQ

Q: What is the role of a Notary Public?

A: A Notary Public serves as an official, impartial witness appointed by the state government to prevent fraud in legal and financial transactions. A Notary’s primary duties include: Verifying Identity: confirming that the person signing a document is exactly who they claim to be, typically by checking government-issued photo ID.

Q: Can you help me fill out or explain my legal documents?

A: As Notaries, we are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice, draft documents, or explain the legal effects of your paperwork. We recommend consulting with a legal professional if you have questions about the content of your documents.

Q: Do you offer mobile services or do I come to you?

A: Your convenience is priority! We can provide mobile notary service and come directly to you! Whether you are at home, a coffee shop, or a hospital, we schedule a time and location that is convenient for your schedule. We can also schedule in-office appointments.

Q: What documents do I need to bring to my notary appointment?

A: You must bring the document you need notarized, along with a valid, government-issued photo ID. Please ensure the document is complete, but do not sign it until you are in the presence of the notary.

Q: What type of Identification do you accept for notarization?

A: We accept valid/non-expired, government-issued photo IDs, including driver’s licenses, state IDs, passports, and military IDs.

Q: Does the name on the ID need to match my document?

A: Yes. The name on your ID must match the document being notarized.

Q: Can you notarize my document online?

A: YES! We offer Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing you to get your documents signed and sealed from your computer or smartphone. All you need is a stable internet connection and a valid U.S. photo ID for identity verification.

Q: Can A Tennessee Notary Certify a Copy of a Document?

A: In Tennessee, notaries cannot legally certify copies of documents, especially vital records like birth certificates. Instead, the document holder may sign a statement attesting to the copy’s accuracy. The notary then notarizes the custodian's signature on this statement, not the copy itself.

Q: How do you handle I-9 Employment Eligibility Verifications?

A: We act as an "Authorized Representative" for employers to complete Section 2 of the I-9 form. The employee must be physically present with their original proof of identity and work authorization documents for us to verify and sign off.

Apostille Service FAQs

Q: What is an Apostille and why do I need one?

A: An Apostille is a specialized certificate issued by the Secretary of State that authenticates a document for use in another country. It is required for documents being sent to countries that are members of the Hague Convention, such as for international marriages, dual citizenship, or overseas business.

Q: Which documents can you process for an Apostille?

A: We handle a wide range of documents, including birth/death certificates, marriage licenses, diplomas, transcripts, powers of attorney, and notarized corporate documents. Please note that some vital records must be recent certified copies from the State Registrar to be eligible.

Q: Do I need to get my document notarized first?

A: Often, yes. Many private documents (like affidavits or agreements) must be notarized by a commissioned notary before they can be apostilled. We provide both the notarization and the Apostille facilitation to ensure your paperwork meets state requirements.

Q: How long does the Apostille process take?

A: Processing times vary depending on the Secretary of State's current volume. We offer both standard and expedited "hand-carry" services to significantly speed up the turnaround time. Contact us for the most current timeframes.

Q: Can you help with documents going to countries NOT in the Hague Convention?

A: Yes! For countries that do not participate in the Hague Convention, we provide "Document Authentication" and "Embassy Legalization" services, which involve additional steps through the U.S. Department of State and the destination country's consulate or embassy.