Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions (Notary Public)

How much does a notarization cost?

Texas Notaries may charge $10 per document and $1 each additional signature (but I only charge $10 per stamp on each document to simplify the cost).

What is a Notary Public?

A notary is unbiased and impartial. They will verify an individual's identity using various verification processes. Notaries also ensure that a signer chooses to sign willingly and without coercion. Notaries validate the legality of a signature on legal documents, and protect the public from fraud.

What if I don't have a valid government-issued ID?

A notary must be able to validate the identity of a signer. If you do not have a valid government-issued identification card, 2 witnesses that knows the signer personally may be used to confirm a signer's identity. This usually requires the witnesses to swear under oath under penalty of perjury, in the presence of a notary. Simply specify this when scheduling, and we can provide the credible witnesses document for your use.

What is an Apostille?

Apostilles authenticate and certify the seals and signatures of officials on public documents. This type of document legalization is typically used when sending docs outside of the United States for foreign government recognition.

Can you notarize a birth certificate

No. Recordable documents such as birth certificates can only be authenticated by the government entity that issues them. A Texas Notary cannot certify a copy of a birth certificate either. The Notary can notarize an attached signature statement with you as the custodian of the copy.

I need a Power of Attorney

A notary is not allowed to draft legal documents unless they are a licensed attorney. If they do, your document could be null and void. If a notary tries to draft your legal document, please contact the Texas Secretary of State. We are not able to create or modify legal documents. Legal docs should be obtained from a licened lawyer. We CAN however notarize your legal document.

Do you provide any free legal documents?

A notary is not allowed to draft legal documents unless they are a licensed attorney. If they do, your document could be null and void. If a notary tries to draft your legal document, please contact the Texas Secretary of State. We are not able to create or modify legal documents. Legal docs should be obtained from a licened lawyer. We CAN however notarize your legal document.

Can I notarize over the phone?

No. You must personally appear in front of a Texas Notary, or appear with online audio/video recording per Texas law. If a notary allows you to notarize over the phone line, your document may not be legally binding.

What types of documents can you notarize?

We notarize a wide range of personal, legal, and business documents. Common documents we handle include:

• Power of Attorney

• Medical Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives

• Last Will and Testament

• Advanced Health Care Directive and DNR documents

• Affidavits and statements of consent, including U.S. Department of State Form DS-3053

• Mortgage and seller documents

• School residency forms

• Corporate acknowledgements and business paperwork

How does mobile notary service work?

1. You schedule a time and location that works for you.

2. We travel to meet you at home, office, or chosen location.

3. We verify identity, review documents for completeness, and notarize them with precision.

4. You receive completed notarized documents ready for filing or use.

How long does an appointment take?

Typical appointments range from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the number and complexity of documents. Most personal document notarizations are quick, while packages with multiple signers or detailed instructions may take more time.

Do I need to fill out the document before the notary arrives?

Yes. Documents should be complete and unsigned before the appointment. We cannot prepare or alter the contents of your documents for you. Reviewing them ahead of time helps ensure a smooth appointment.

Do you provide witnesses for a Last Will and Testament signing in Houston?

Yes. We understand that finding witnesses can be difficult, so we can arrange for two disinterested witnesses to meet you at the signing appointment. Please let us know at least 24 hours in advance so we can coordinate their schedules.

Note on Witness Fees: To make your signing as convenient as possible, we offer witness services at tiered rates: $15 at our Houston home office, $25 at your home or business, and $35 for signings at local hospitals or assisted living facilities. This covers the witness's time and travel throughout Houston Great Area.

Identification requirements for Texas Notary Services:

To comply with Texas law, the signer must provide a current (unexpired) identification card issued by a state or federal government agency. The ID must contain a photograph and a signature. Accepted IDs include:

• State-Issued Driver's License or ID Card

• U.S. Passport or Passport Card

• U.S. Military ID

• Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card")

• Foreign Passports (Note: Only for residential real estate transactions in Texas)

Frequently asked questions (Form I-9 Verification)

Can a Texas notary sign an I-9 Form?

Yes, but not in their official capacity as a Notary Public. In Texas, completing a Form I-9 is not recognized as an official, recordable notarial act. Because of this, a notary cannot apply an official notary seal or stamp to the form.

However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permits employers to delegate the required physical document inspection to any trusted individual. I step in to execute this service working strictly as an Authorized Representative of the employer, utilizing my years of experience in identity verification to ensure your paperwork is flawless.

⚖️ Texas Compliance Notice

Please note: In accordance with Texas Secretary of State guidelines, Form I-9 verification is an administrative corporate onboarding service. When completing this form, I am acting strictly as an Authorized Representative of your hiring employer, not as a Texas Notary Public. No notary seal or stamp will be applied to the Form I-9.

Who can act as an authorized representative for I-9?

According to USCIS guidelines, an employer can designate virtually any person to act as an Authorized Representative to fill out, sign, and complete Section 2 of the Form I-9. The person does not need to be an employee of the company or an HR professional.

Because out-of-state companies and remote HR departments face massive legal liabilities for paperwork errors or compliance failures, they typically hire professional mobile notaries or document specialists to serve as their Authorized Representative.

Where can I find an I-9 verifier near me?

If you are located in the Houston, Cypress, or Katy area, ProActive Mobile Notary provides rapid, local verification services. You have two convenient options to complete your verification:

1. In-Office: Schedule a quick, hassle-free appointment at my professional home office located at 4414 Plum Forest Rd., Houston, Texas 77084.

2. Mobile Services: I can travel directly to your home, office, or a local public location (like a coffee shop) throughout Houston, Cypress, Katy, and the Energy Corridor.

How do I complete my remote I-9 in Houston?

Completing your remote employment verification with me is simple and designed to get you cleared for work quickly:

1.Complete Section 1 Online: Before your first day.

Fill out Section 1 of the Form I-9 provided by your new employer on or before your official first day of work.

2.Gather Original Documents: Photocopies not accepted.

Select your identification documents from the USCIS List of Acceptable Documents. You must bring either one item from List A (like a U.S. Passport or Green Card) OR a combination of one item from List B and one from List C (like a Driver's License and an unrestricted Social Security Card).

3.Meet for Physical Inspection: Takes less than 10 minutes.

Meet with me at my Houston office or schedule a mobile travel appointment. I will physically inspect your original, unexpired documents for authenticity and sign off on Section 2 as your employer's Authorized Representative.