FAQ
Loan Signing & Real Estate Document Notarization
What is Loan Signing Notarization, and why is it important?
Loan Signing Notarization is the process of notarizing loan, mortgage, and real estate closing documents. It ensures that borrowers’ identities are verified, signatures are valid, and the transaction is legally binding. A notary signing agent also helps guide signers through the documents, ensuring all required signatures and initials are completed properly.
What types of real estate documents can be notarized?
Common examples include:
- Mortgage and loan agreements
- Deeds of trust
- Property deeds and transfers
- Closing disclosures and settlement statements
- Refinance and home equity loan documents
- Affidavits and title documents
Why should I use a Notary Signing Agent for loan documents?
A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is trained to handle the complexity of loan packages. They:
- Ensure all required signatures are obtained
- Reduce costly errors that could delay closings
- Provide borrowers with a professional signing experience
- Protect lenders, title companies, and borrowers with accurate notarization
Can Loan Signing services be mobile or remote?
Yes. Loan signing can be completed via:
- Mobile Notarization: We come to your home, office, or closing location.
- Remote Online Notarization (RON): Certain loan documents may be notarized online, depending on lender and state acceptance.
How long does a loan signing appointment take?
Most loan signings take 60–90 minutes, depending on the size of the document package and the number of signers.
How much does Loan Signing Notarization cost?
Fees vary based on the size of the package, travel distance, and whether additional services (such as scanbacks or printing) are required. Contact us for a customized quote.
Who benefits from Loan Signing services?
- Title companies and escrow officers
- Mortgage lenders and brokers
- Real estate attorneys
- Borrowers completing purchases, refinances, or equity loans
How do I schedule a Loan Signing appointment?
Book directly through our website at ePlume Signing Services.
I-9 Verification Services
What is I-9 Verification, and why is it important?
Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is a federal requirement for all U.S. employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of each new hire. Proper completion ensures compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations and helps employers avoid penalties.
How does the I-9 Verification process work?
- The employee completes Section 1 of the I-9 form.
- The employer (or authorized representative, like a notary) completes Section 2 by physically inspecting the employee’s documents.
- Both parties sign and date the form to confirm compliance.
- The completed form is retained by the employer as required by federal law.
Can a notary public complete an I-9 form?
Yes, but with an important distinction: the notary does not perform a notarial act. Instead, the notary acts as an authorized representative of the employer. No stamp or seal is applied. The notary simply verifies documents, completes Section 2, and signs on behalf of the employer.
What happens if the I-9 form is not completed correctly?
Improper or incomplete I-9 forms can lead to:
- Civil fines and penalties from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Failed audits or compliance reviews
- Legal liability for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers
What documents are acceptable for I-9 Verification?
USCIS provides an official list of acceptable documents, which includes:
- List A: Documents that establish both identity and employment authorization (e.g., U.S. passport, permanent resident card).
- OR List B (identity) + List C (work authorization). Examples: Driver’s license + Social Security card.
How long does an I-9 appointment take?
Most appointments take about 15–20 minutes, depending on the number of employees being verified.
Who benefits from using I-9 Verification services?
- Employers hiring remote workers in different states
- Businesses needing to remain compliant with USCIS regulations
- HR departments outsourcing verification tasks for efficiency
- Employees seeking a convenient, authorized representative
How do I schedule an I-9 Verification appointment?
Book directly through our website at ePlume Signing Services.
General Notary Services
What are General Notary Services?
General Notary Services cover the notarization of everyday documents, where a notary public verifies your identity, ensures you are signing willingly, and applies their official seal. This prevents fraud and makes your document legally recognized.
What types of documents can you notarize?
Common examples include:
- Acknowledgments and Jurats
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Powers of Attorney
- Parental consent and school forms
- Medical forms and healthcare directives
- Business agreements and contracts
- DMV or motor vehicle documents
Why do documents need to be notarized?
Notarization helps protect against fraud by verifying the signer’s identity and intent. Many institutions — such as banks, courts, and government agencies — require notarization to accept documents as valid.
What do I need to bring to a notary appointment?
You’ll need:
- The document to be notarized (unsigned until you meet with the notary)
- A valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Any required witnesses (if applicable — ask in advance if unsure)
How much do General Notary Services cost?
Fees are set in part by state law and may vary depending on the type of notarization. Additional fees may apply for mobile services or multiple signatures.
Can General Notary Services be mobile or online?
Yes. We provide:
- Mobile Notary Services – We come to your home, office, or chosen location.
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) – Available for most documents, letting you notarize securely over the internet.
Who benefits from General Notary Services?
- Individuals completing personal or legal documents
- Families handling healthcare or school paperwork
- Businesses needing contracts or affidavits notarized
- Anyone requiring fast, secure, and professional notarization
How do I schedule a notary appointment?
Book directly through our website at ePlume Signing Services.
Estate Planning & Legal Document Notarization
What is Estate Planning Notarization, and why is it important?
Estate planning involves preparing key legal documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Having these documents notarized ensures they are legally valid, harder to contest, and recognized by courts, financial institutions, and healthcare providers.
What types of estate planning documents can be notarized?
Common examples include:
- Last Will and Testament (depending on state law, notarization may not replace witnesses but adds protection)
- Living Trusts
- Financial and Medical Powers of Attorney
- Healthcare Directives and Living Wills
- Affidavits and Certifications
Why should these documents be notarized?
Notarization verifies the signer’s identity, confirms they are signing willingly, and helps prevent fraud. For estate planning, it provides added assurance to family members, attorneys, and courts that the documents are authentic.
Do I need witnesses as well as a notary?
Some estate planning documents, such as wills, require both witnesses and notarization depending on state law. A notary can advise on the signing process, but you should consult with your attorney to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
How long does notarization of estate planning documents take?
Most estate planning notarizations take 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of documents and signers. Complex estate packages may take longer.
Who benefits from Estate Planning Notarization services?
- Individuals preparing wills and trusts
- Families establishing powers of attorney for healthcare or finances
- Attorneys coordinating estate planning for their clients
- Seniors and caregivers ensuring legal readiness
Is Mobile or Remote Online Notarization available for estate documents?
Yes — many estate planning documents can be notarized via Mobile Notarization or Remote Online Notarization (RON). However, some states restrict remote notarization for wills or codicils. Always confirm with your attorney.
How do I schedule an Estate Planning appointment?
Book directly through our website at ePlume Signing Services.
Apostille & Authentication Services
What is an Apostille, and why would I need one?
An Apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 1961 that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or notarized affidavit, for international use. If you’re sending documents abroad, an Apostille ensures they will be legally recognized in member countries.
What’s the difference between an Apostille and Authentication?
- Apostille: Used for documents going to countries that are members of the Hague Convention.
- Authentication/Legalization: Required for countries not part of the Hague Convention. These documents often need additional steps, such as certification by the U.S. Department of State and legalization at a foreign embassy or consulate.
What types of documents can be Apostilled or Authenticated?
Common examples include:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Divorce decrees and adoption papers
- Wills, powers of attorney, and affidavits
- School transcripts and diplomas
- Corporate and business documents
How does the process work?
- Your document is notarized (if required).
- The notary’s commission is verified by the Secretary of State.
- The Apostille or Authentication certificate is attached to your document.
- The completed document is returned to you, ready for international use.
How long does it take to get an Apostille?
Processing times vary by state, but most requests are completed within 1–3 weeks. Expedited options may be available for an additional fee.
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on the type of document, the number of certificates needed, and whether expedited service is requested. Contact us for a customized quote.
Who benefits from Apostille & Authentication services?
- Individuals handling international adoptions or marriages
- Students studying abroad
- Businesses expanding internationally
- Attorneys preparing legal documents for foreign courts or clients
How do I get started?
Book directly through our website at ePlume Signing Services.
Mobile Notarization
What is Mobile Notarization, and why would I need it?
Mobile Notarization means a notary public comes to your home, office, or another convenient location to complete your notarization. It’s the perfect solution if you have a busy schedule, limited mobility, or need multiple signers in one place.
How does the process work?
- Schedule an appointment with us at a time and place that works for you.
- Gather your documents and a valid, government-issued photo ID.
- The notary arrives at your chosen location, verifies your identity, and completes the notarization.
- You receive your notarized documents on the spot.
What types of documents can be notarized with Mobile Notary services?
Most common legal and business documents can be notarized via mobile service, including:
- Loan and mortgage documents
- Estate planning documents (wills, trusts, power of attorney)
- Real estate closings
- Business agreements and contracts
- Medical forms and school permission slips
How much does Mobile Notarization cost?
Pricing depends on the number of signatures and travel distance. Mobile notary services typically include a travel fee in addition to the state-regulated notarization fee. Contact us for a custom quote.
How long does an appointment take?
Most appointments take 20–45 minutes depending on the number of documents and signers. Loan signings and real estate closings may take longer.
Who benefits most from Mobile Notarization?
- Busy professionals who can’t get away from the office
- Seniors or clients with limited mobility
- Title companies, lenders, and attorneys coordinating closings
- Families or groups needing multiple signatures in one visit
Is Mobile Notarization legally valid?
Yes. A notarization completed by a commissioned mobile notary is legally binding under state law, just like in-office notarization.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Book directly through our website at ePlume Signing Services.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
What is Remote Online Notarization (RON), and why would I need it?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows you to have documents notarized securely over the internet using audio-video technology. Instead of traveling to a physical location, you meet with a notary online — making the process fast, convenient, and legally recognized.
How does the process work?
- You upload your document through a secure online platform.
- Verify your identity through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA).
- Meet with the notary in a live video session.
- Sign electronically while the notary witnesses and notarizes your document.
- Receive your notarized document digitally — often within minutes.
Is Remote Online Notarization legally valid?
Yes. RON is recognized in most states under state laws and federal guidelines. It provides the same legal validity as a traditional in-person notarization, provided all state and platform requirements are met.
What documents can I notarize remotely?
Most common notarial acts, including affidavits, acknowledgments, powers of attorney, real estate documents, and many business/legal documents, can be notarized remotely. Some states may have restrictions on wills, trusts, or court-related documents.
How long does it take, and what does it cost?
A typical RON session takes about 15–20 minutes from start to finish. Pricing depends on the type of document and number of notarizations needed — please contact us for rates.
Can I use this service from anywhere?
Yes! As long as you have a computer or mobile device with internet access, webcam, and audio, you can connect from anywhere in the U.S. or even internationally (subject to state and federal law).
Who benefits most from RON?
- Busy professionals
- Attorneys and lenders managing multi-party closings
- Military personnel and overseas clients
- Anyone who values convenience, speed, and security in notarization
How do I schedule a Remote Online Notarization appointment?
Book directly through our website at ePlume Signing Services.
