Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Remote Online Notarization
1) What is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is a legal notarization completed over secure two-way audio/video technology. Documents are signed and notarized electronically during the live session.
2) Is online notarization legal in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana authorizes RON when the notary uses an approved remote technology vendor and follows Indiana’s remote notarization rules.
3) Do I have to be in Indiana to notarize online with you?
No. The remote notary must be physically located in Indiana during the RON session, but the signer can be located in or outside Indiana and may be outside the U.S.
4) What do I need for an online notary appointment?
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The identification process requires passing a brief personal quiz based on your U.S. mailing address
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A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID card or passport
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A stable internet connection with working camera, microphone & speakers
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Email access for the session link
5) How is my identity verified online?
Identity verification includes a knowledge based personal quiz and secure ID verification. Your personal quiz is only five questions and is based on your U.S. mailing address. My platform uses secure processes before we meet live on video.
6) What documents can be notarized online?
Common online-notarized documents include:
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Power of Attorney
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Affidavits
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Travel consent, minor travel forms
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Vehicle title documents
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Real estate related documents including deeds, purchases, sales, etc.
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Financial statements
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Pre/Post nuptial agreements
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Court affidavits and testimonials
7) Can I notarize a document online if I’m overseas?
If you are a US citizen and the document is related to the US, yes but acceptance depends on what the document is for and who must accept it. If your document will be used internationally, it may also require an apostille and/or certified translation. For clarity, contact me.
8) Can you notarize on my phone?
A desktop or laptop computer is best, but many online notary platforms can work on a smartphone too. If you’re using a smartphone, I recommend a strong Wi-Fi connection and a quiet, well-lit space. Avoid moving from place to place during the session.
9) How long does an online notarization take?
A typical single document session takes about 15 to 30 minutes. This includes the time needed to complete the identification process. Multi-documents, real estate transactions, legal transactions and any questions that may arise may require extra time.
10) Can I get a minor travel consent notarized online in the US?
Yes - consent forms can be notarized online. Contact me with your consent form and I can notarize it for you online after you complete the ID process.
11) Do you provide legal advice or tell me which notarization I need?
No. I’m not an attorney and can’t draft legal documents or give legal advice. If you’re unsure what you need, I’m happy to explain the notarization process, and you can confirm document requirements with the receiving agency or your attorney.
Questions about Hospital Bedside Notarization
1) Do you offer bedside notary services at hospitals?
Yes. I provide mobile & bedside notarization at hospitals and assisted living facilities on the Southside of Indianapolis and Greenwood. Click here for a complete list of locations.
2) What documents do people commonly notarize in the hospital?
Common hospital notarizations include:
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Limited Power of Attorney
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Healthcare Directive
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Durable Financial Power of Attorney
3) What do I need for a hospital notarization?
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A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state identification card, military ID, or residency card.
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The document that you wish to sign. Documents may be available through the facilities social services office or else they can obtained from an attorney.
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The signer must be alert, aware, and signing willingly
4) Can you notarize if the signer is heavily medicated or just had surgery?
The signer cannot be under the influence of any medication that will impair their ability to make coherent decisions. The signer must be of sound mind and able to communicate clearly at the time of the signing. As a general guideline, notarization should not take place within 24 hours after a major procedure involving general anesthesia.
5) What if the signer doesn’t have ID?
If government-issued photo ID is unavailable, an impartial credible witness may be used in some situations to verify identity. The credible witness must be personally known to the signer, they cannot benefit in any way from the document(s) being signed and will need to properly identify themselves.
6) Can you notarize if the signer can’t physically sign?
Sometimes alternatives exist depending on the document and circumstances but must meet state requirements. I’ll need to confirm the signer can communicate intent and that the notarization can be completed properly under Indiana law.
7) Do hospitals provide notaries?
Not typically. If you are currently in a facility, you can check with the social service department.
8) Which health facilities do you serve in person?
Facilities on the Southside of Indianapolis and Greenwood locations. Click here for a complete list.
Questions about Apostille Services
1) What is an apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication used for documents going to another country that’s part of the 1961 Hague Convention on Legalisation. It certifies the authenticity of the official signature and seal on a public document.
2) What’s the difference between an apostille and authentication?
Apostille Certificate is applied to document heading to Hague member countries
Authentication Certificate is applied to document heading to non-Hague countries
3) What documents do you commonly process for apostille?
Personal, Business or Educational documents such as
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Birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates
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International adoption paperwork
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College transcripts and diplomas
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Power of Attorney
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Business related documents
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Translations
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Notarized affidavits, and more
4) Can you apostille an FBI background check?
Yes, I facilitate apostilles at the federal level. Contact me for more information.
5) Do my documents have to be notarized before being apostilled?
Some documents are public documents such as certified vital records and do not require notarization. Other documents such as letters, affidavits, power of attorneys require notarization in order to be apostilled.
6) Can you apostille documents from another state?
Yes, I facilitate apostilles from any US state. Contact me for more information.
7) How long does an apostille take with your service?
For Indiana documents
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Priority Apostille Service: 1–3 business days
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Standard Apostille Service: 3–5 business days
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Economy Apostille Service: 4–10 business days
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Extra time is required for documents originating from other states, federal documents and documents requiring embassy legalization. Contact me for more information.
8) How much does apostille service cost?
For Indiana documents
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Priority Apostille Service: from $255
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Standard Apostille Service: from $165
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Economy Apostille Service: from $110
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Additional fees may be required for documents originating from other states, federal documents and documents requiring embassy legalization. Contact me for more information.
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9) Do you offer courier service?
Yes. If you are an apostille facilitator please contact me when you require courier service.
10) Do you provide legal advice about what I need for my country?v
No. I’m not an attorney and can’t give legal advice. I can help you understand the process and review what you have, but the destination country or receiving agency has the final say on requirements.
Questions about Translation Services
1) Do you offer certified translation services?
Yes. My translation partner offers certified translation and interpretation services, including immigration document translation, in 150+ languages.
2) What is a “certified translation” for USCIS?
USCIS requires a full English translation accompanied by the translator’s certification that the translation is completely accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.
3) Does USCIS require the translation to be notarized?
USCIS focuses on the translator’s signed certification statement. Some other agencies may request notarization which I can provide.
4) What documents do you translate most often?
Common requests include
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Birth, marriage, divorce certificates
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Police background checks
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Transcripts, diplomas
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Power of attorneys
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Affidavits and other legal documents.
5) What’s the difference between translation and interpretation?
Translation is written language (documents). Interpretation is spoken language (live conversation).
6) Can you translate documents for apostille use?
Yes — we provide the translation as well as the apostille service.
7) Do you offer Spanish sworn translations?
Yes. Spanish Sworn translation is authorized by the government of Spain. In addition, we also offer sworn translations from other governments such as Argentina, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Honduras, Mexico, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates.
8) How fast is turnaround?
Turnaround depends on language, length, and formatting requirements. One to two pages of most languages may take 1 to 3 business days.
9) Can you translate and notarize the translation online?
Yes. Click here to make your translation request.
10) Do you accept scanned copies for translation?
Yes. Click here to make your translation request.