FAQ -

Frequently asked questions:

General

What is a notary public and what do they do?

A notary public is a state-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness to verify the identity of people signing important documents. They ensure that signers understand what they're signing, confirm they're signing willingly (not under duress), and authenticate signatures by adding their official seal and signature to documents. Notaries help prevent fraud and make documents legally valid.

Can you provide mobile notary or come to my location?

Yes! We offer full mobile notary services and can meet you at your home, office, hospital or other convenient location. Visit our Pricing page for the breakdown.

Services

What types of documents can be notarized?

Common documents that could require notarization include:

REAL ESTATE DEEDS

MORTGAGES

POWERS OF ATTORNEY

WILLS & TRUSTS

AFFIDAVITS

SWORN STATEMENTS

LOAN DOCUMENTS

CONTRACTS

BUSINESS AGREEMENTS

VEHICLE TITLES

BILLS OF SALE

MEDICAL DIRECTIVES

ADOPTION/CUSTODY FORMS

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS

There are many other types of documents and if you're unsure whether your document needs notarization, it typically indicates this requirement clearly on the form.

Do you offer mobile notary services?

Yes! Mobile notary services provide the convenience of having a notary travel to your home, office, hospital or any location you prefer. Mobile services are ideal if you have mobility issues, time constraints, or need after-hours service. Additional travel fees may apply based on distance and timing. Visit our Pricing page for the breakdown.

What is Remote Online Notarization (R.O.N)?

Remote Online Notarization allows you to have documents notarized via live video conference using our approved audio-visual technology. The notary verifies your identity using credential analysis technology and government-issued ID, witnesses your signature electronically, and applies their digital seal. R.O.N is legal in Virginia and offers the ultimate convenience for busy schedules.

Do you notarize wills?

Yes. While Virginia does not require a will to be notarized, having it notarized is one of the smartest steps you can take. A properly notarized will helps avoid delays and questions during probate, making it easier for your loved ones when it matters most. It also strengthens the document’s credibility by proving that all signatures were genuine and made willingly. Including a notarized self-proving affidavit can make your will immediately acceptable to the court thus saving time, stress and potential legal disputes later.

Can you notarize documents from other states or countries?

Yes. The document’s location doesn’t matter. What matters is how you appear before us. If you’re in Virginia, we can notarize your document in person no matter where it came from. If you’re outside Virginia, we can still notarize it online through an approved video platform (called Remote Online Notarization or RON). You’ll verify your ID on screen and sign electronically while we witness and notarize it in real time. Everything follows Virginia law, since that’s where we're commissioned.

What is an Apostille and do you provide that service?

An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates documents for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. While notaries can notarize your documents as a first step, the apostille itself must be obtained from your state's Secretary of State office. Apostilles are meant for international document authentication, while notarization is primarily for documents used within a specific jurisdiction. We do NOT offer this service, currently.

Requirements

Do I need to be present in person?

Yes, you must appear before the notary either in person or via our approved remote online notarization (R.O.N) technology. The notary CANNOT notarize a document if the signer is not present. All parties whose signatures require notarization must appear at the same appointment or schedule separate sessions.

Do ALL parties need to be present for notarization?

Yes. Anyone whose signature needs to be notarized must appear in person (or virtually for Remote Online Notarization - R.O.N) with proper ID.

What should I bring to my notary appointment?

Bring: (1) Valid, government-issued photo ID, (2) The document(s) to be notarized (DO NOT sign them yet unless it's for an acknowledgment), (3) All parties who need to sign, (4) Payment (cash, check, or card depending on accepted methods), (5) Any additional required information such as credible witnesses if needed. Making sure you have everything prepared helps the appointment run smoothly.

What identification do I need to bring?

You must bring valid, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms typically include a driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must be current and not expired. The name on your ID must match the name on the document you're signing.

What if my ID is expired?

In Virginia, your ID must be current and unexpired for notarization. Expired IDs can’t be accepted. If you don’t have valid ID, a credible witness who knows you personally may be used instead. For a list of acceptable IDs, please check the answer in the previous question above this one.

Process

Can I get a document notarized that I've already signed?

Yes, in some cases. For acknowledgments, you can sign the document before meeting with the notary, as long as you appear before them to acknowledge that you signed it willingly. However, for jurats (sworn statements), you must sign the document in the notary's presence while taking an oath.

What is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?

An acknowledgment verifies that you signed a document and that you did so willingly. You can sign before or during the notary appointment. A jurat (sworn statement) requires you to sign in the notary's presence while taking an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document are true. The document will indicate which type is needed.

How long does the notarization process take?

The actual notarization process is quick, typically taking just 5-10 minutes per document. However, the total time depends on factors like the number of documents, number of signers, and whether you have all required identification and documents ready. Appointments usually last 15-20 minutes total.

Restrictions

What documents CANNOT be notarized?

Notaries cannot notarize birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, federal documents (like I-9 forms, FBI fingerprint cards, passports themselves), and blank or incomplete documents.

Can a notary give legal advice?

No. Unless the notary is also a licensed attorney in the state, they cannot provide legal advice, prepare legal documents affecting real estate titles, represent you in court, or advise on the administration of estates. A notary's role is strictly to verify identity and witness signatures....not to interpret documents or provide legal guidance.

Pricing

What does it cost to have something notarized?

Notary fees vary by what kind of notarial act is required. Most states set maximum fees ranging from $1 to $15 per signature or notarial act. For example, Virginia allows up to $10 per notarization, while California's maximum is $15. Mobile notary services may charge additional travel fees (typically $60-$120) for coming to your location. Remote Online Notarization (R.O.N) usually costs $25 per notarial act. Visit our Pricing page for the breakdown.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, credit/debit, and most major electronic peer-to-peer (P2P) payment methods (Venmo, Paypal, CashApp, etc). Payment is due prior to service.

Credentials

Are you licensed, insured and bonded?

Capital Notary Group is commissioned by the Commonwealth of Virginia. While Virginia does not require notaries to be bonded, we maintain a minimum coverage of $25,000 of statewide approved Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, in Virginia, to protect clients against accidental errors or omissions during the notarization process. This coverage provides an extra layer of assurance and professionalism for every client we serve.

Scheduling

Do you offer after-hours or weekend appointments?

We offer flexible appointment times including evenings and weekends for customer convenience. After-hours appointments may include an additional convenience fee. Visit our Pricing page for the breakdown.

703-688-2310

Monday – Sunday 8a-8p