Notary FAQ — BC Mobile Notaries

Question 1

Is there a minimum appointment value?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To ensure operational viability for standard daytime mobile travel, appointments are accepted when the combined legal notary fees and mileage calculation meet a minimum threshold. If a standard booking does not reach this amount, we reserve the right to decline the assignment. Please contact us before booking if you are unsure whether your appointment meets the minimum — we are happy to provide a quick estimate.

Question 2

Will I receive an itemized estimate before you travel?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A complete, itemized estimate detailing your exact signature count, mileage, and any additional requested services will be provided and must be agreed upon before we travel to your location. There are no surprise fees — everything is disclosed and confirmed in advance.

Question 3

What is a mobile notary?

Accepted Answer

A mobile notary is a commissioned notary public who travels to your location — your home, office, hospital, or any convenient meeting place — to notarize your documents. You never have to leave to get documents signed and sealed.

Question 4

What ID do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

You must present a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport. The name on your ID must match the name on the document being notarized. Expired IDs cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

Question 5

Should I sign my documents before the notary arrives?

Accepted Answer

No — please do not sign your documents in advance. The notary must witness your signature in person. Signing beforehand may invalidate the notarization and require a new document.

Question 6

Does everyone named on the document need to be present?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All parties who are required to sign must be physically present at the time of notarization. The notary cannot notarize a signature that was not witnessed in person.

Question 7

How much does a notarization cost in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona state law caps the notary fee at $10.00 per notarized signature (Arizona Administrative Code R2-12-1102). Mobile travel fees are separate and are based on mileage from our home base in Chandler. All fees are discussed and agreed upon before your appointment.

Question 8

I am signing as a trustee — what does that mean for my ID and signature?

Accepted Answer

When you sign on behalf of a trust, your signature line will typically read something like 'Jane Doe, Trustee of the Jane Doe Living Trust.' Your government-issued photo ID must be in your legal name as the trustee. The capacity in which you are signing — as an individual or as a trustee — must match the document exactly.

Question 9

Will I be asked questions about my trust?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is common — especially during real estate transactions — for the notary, title company, or escrow officer to ask you questions about the trust or to request a Trust Certification. A Trust Certification is a summary document that confirms the trust exists, identifies the trustees, and outlines their authority. It is a good idea to have a copy of your trust on hand or to review it with your attorney before your appointment.

Question 10

I am expecting funds back from this transaction — what do I need?

Accepted Answer

If you are expecting proceeds, a disbursement, or a refund, you will need to provide wire transfer instructions. The bank account receiving the funds must be titled in the exact legal name of the trust — not in your personal name. If the account is not titled correctly, the wire may be delayed or rejected by the receiving institution.

Question 11

My trust holds an LLC — does that change anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the trust holds an LLC or other business entity, any accounts, documents, or signature lines must reflect the exact legal name of that entity as it is registered. Mismatches between the entity name on the document and the account or ID can cause delays or rejections at closing.

Question 12

Do trust documents require witnesses?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the document type and your state. Some trust-related documents — particularly those executed as part of a real estate transaction or estate plan — do require witnesses. Witnesses must be at least 18 years old, must present a valid photo ID, must not be related to any signer by blood or marriage, and must have no financial interest or conflict of interest in the transaction. Always confirm witness requirements with your attorney before your appointment.

Question 13

When are witnesses required?

Accepted Answer

Witnesses are required for certain document types, including some wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and real estate documents depending on the state and transaction type. Your attorney or the requesting party will typically specify whether witnesses are needed. When in doubt, confirm before your appointment so you are not caught unprepared.

Question 14

Who can serve as a witness?

Accepted Answer

A witness must be at least 18 years old and must present a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. They must not be related to any signer by blood, marriage, or adoption, and they must have no financial interest or conflict of interest in the transaction or the document being signed.

Question 15

Can the notary serve as a witness?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, a notary public cannot serve as both the notary and a witness on the same document. You are responsible for arranging your own witnesses unless you have made prior arrangements for witness service. Please contact us in advance if you need assistance locating witnesses — an additional fee applies.

Question 16

Can a family member be a witness?

Accepted Answer

No. A witness must be a disinterested third party. Family members — including spouses, parents, children, siblings, and in-laws — are not eligible to serve as witnesses because they may have a personal or financial interest in the outcome of the document.

Question 17

What should I expect at a loan signing?

Accepted Answer

A loan signing appointment typically involves reviewing and signing a large package of lender documents — often 100 to 200 pages or more. The notary will guide you through each document that requires a signature or initials, verify your identity, and notarize the applicable pages. Plan for 60 to 90 minutes depending on the loan type and package size.

Question 18

Do I need to read every page?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to read every document before signing. The notary's role is to facilitate the signing, not to provide legal advice or explain loan terms. If you have questions about the content of your loan documents, contact your lender or attorney before the appointment.

Question 19

What if I need to receive funds at closing?

Accepted Answer

If you are receiving proceeds at closing — such as cash-out from a refinance or net proceeds from a sale — you will need to provide wire transfer instructions in advance. The receiving account must be titled in the exact name of the borrower or entity as it appears on the closing documents. Bring a voided check or official bank wire instructions to your appointment.

Question 20

What is a scanback and why does it cost extra?

Accepted Answer

A scanback is when the notary digitally scans the completed, signed document package and transmits it electronically to the title company or lender immediately after the signing — before the physical package is shipped. This allows the lender to begin funding the loan faster. Because it requires additional equipment, time, and handling, a scanback surcharge of $25 applies.

Question 21

How far in advance do I need to book?

Accepted Answer

Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. For loan signings or large document packages, booking at least 24 to 48 hours in advance is recommended so there is adequate time to receive and print your documents. Evening and weekend appointments are available — contact us to check availability.

Question 22

Where will the appointment take place?

Accepted Answer

We come to you. Appointments can take place at your home, your office, a coffee shop, a hospital, a care facility, or any location that is convenient and provides a suitable surface for signing. We serve Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Sun Lakes, Ahwatukee, Queen Creek, Fountain Hills, Apache Junction, Phoenix, and Deer Valley.

Question 23

Do you need to print my documents?

Accepted Answer

If you need us to print your documents, please email or upload them securely at least 2 hours before your scheduled appointment. Standard printing is 25¢ per page plus a $15 administrative fee. For loan signings, document printing is typically included in the closing fee — confirm when booking.

Question 24

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, Venmo, and Zelle. For loan signing and B2B clients, invoicing arrangements can be made in advance. A $10 appointment deposit can also be paid securely online through our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking Policies

General Notary Questions

Trust & Estate Signings

Witnesses

Loan Signings & Real Estate

Scheduling & Appointments

Still Have Questions?