Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our notary and signature services.

General Notary Questions

What is a notary public?

A notary public is a state-commissioned official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Notaries verify the identity of signers, ensure they are signing willingly, and administer oaths when required. The notary's seal and signature provide an additional layer of fraud deterrence.

What types of documents need to be notarized?

Many legal and financial documents require notarization, including:

  • Real estate deeds and mortgages
  • Powers of attorney
  • Wills and trusts
  • Affidavits and sworn statements
  • Medical directives and healthcare proxies
  • Business agreements and contracts
  • Vehicle title transfers

If you're unsure whether your document requires notarization, check with the receiving agency or contact us for guidance.

What identification do I need to bring for notarization?

You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID that includes your signature. Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Driver's license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
  • Military ID

If you don't have one of these forms of ID, please contact us in advance to discuss alternative identification options.

Do I need to sign the document in front of the notary?

Yes, for most notarizations, you must sign the document in the physical presence of the notary (or via approved video technology for remote notarizations). Never sign your document before meeting with the notary unless specifically instructed to do so for an acknowledgment where you'll acknowledge your signature rather than signing in their presence.

Our Services

What are your hours of operation?

We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate our clients' needs. Our standard hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but we also offer evening and weekend appointments by request. For mobile services, we can often accommodate appointments outside of standard business hours.

How much do your notary services cost?

Our standard notarization fee is $15 per signature/seal, which is in line with Indiana state guidelines. Loan signing services start at $125 per signing package. Remote notary services are $25 per signature/seal. Digital fingerprinting services are $50 per person. For mobile services, there is an additional travel fee of $25 within 20 miles of our location, with additional fees for greater distances.

Please contact us for a specific quote based on your needs, especially for multiple documents or business services.

What areas do you serve?

We primarily serve the Bluffton and Fort Wayne areas in Indiana. Our mobile services cover a radius of approximately 30 miles from these locations. For remote notary services, we can serve clients throughout Indiana and in other states where Indiana notaries are authorized to perform remote notarizations.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by:

  • Calling us at (317) 555-1234
  • Emailing us at info@vantagenotary.com
  • Using the contact form on our website

Please provide details about the type of document(s) you need notarized, your preferred date and time, and your location if you're requesting mobile services.

Specialized Services

What is a loan signing agent?

A loan signing agent is a notary public who specializes in facilitating mortgage loan closings. They have additional training and expertise in handling and explaining loan documents. Our loan signing agents are certified by the National Notary Association and are familiar with all types of loan documents, ensuring a smooth and efficient closing process.

How does remote notarization work?

Remote online notarization (RON) allows you to have documents notarized via secure video conference technology. The process typically involves:

  1. Scheduling a remote session with our notary
  2. Uploading your documents to a secure platform
  3. Verifying your identity through knowledge-based authentication and ID verification
  4. Connecting with the notary via secure video conference
  5. Electronically signing your documents while the notary witnesses via video
  6. The notary applying their electronic seal and signature

The resulting electronically notarized document is legally valid and can be used for most purposes that require notarization.

What is digital fingerprinting used for?

Digital fingerprinting is used for various background check purposes, including:

  • Employment background checks
  • Professional licensing (teachers, healthcare workers, etc.)
  • Adoption processes
  • Immigration applications
  • Security clearances

Our digital fingerprinting service uses electronic scanning technology rather than ink, providing clearer, more accurate fingerprints that are directly submitted to the appropriate agencies.

Do you offer mobile services for all your service types?

Yes, we offer mobile services for standard notarizations, loan signings, and digital fingerprinting. Our notaries can come to your home, office, hospital, care facility, or other location at a time that's convenient for you. For remote notary services, you can connect from any location with internet access.

Still Have Questions?

Contact us today for answers to your specific questions or to schedule an appointment.

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