FAQs
What is Notarization?
Notarization is the process whereby a Notary certifies a document. Usually this is done by attaching a notarial certificate to the document. The notarial certificate contains statements of fact or law in relation to the document being certified.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Since we provide virtual service, all appointments must be booked and confirmed at least 15m before the desired appointment time. Appointments and payments can be made online and over the phone.
To reschedule a booked appointment, send an email request to info@linotaryservices.com with your new desired date and time.
What is a remote notary?
A remote notary is a legally commissioned notary public who is authorized to conduct notarizations over the internet via digital tools and a live audio video call.
All notaries, no matter how they perform their service, must watch as someone signs a document. Historically, this has required that the notary and signer must travel to meet one another in-person where the notary serves as a witness during the signing event.
The name “remote notary” is derived from the fact that the notary serves the customer remotely over the internet.
What is an electronic notary?
An Electronic Notary or In-Person Electronic Notary is a commissioned notary public that is permitted to perform notarial acts electronically without the use of paper, but by state law the parties are required to be physically present. Electronic notary is often confused with remote notary, but it is important to keep in mind that they are different based on legal definitions.
Is online notarization legal?
Yes, it is legitimate and legal.
Online notarizations are accepted across the country due to a long-standing body of laws in each state that specifically provides for recognition and acceptance of out-of-state notarizations. In addition to laws in each state recognizing and accepting common out-of-state notarizations, the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the US Constitution may provide an additional basis for states to accept out of state notarizations.
Certain states and public agencies have specific additional requirements and limitations for executing and/or accepting electronically-signed documents and out-of-state notarizations, and not all documents may be electronically-signed. We always recommend checking with your intended recipient to confirm their acceptance of online notarizations.
What if my documents require physical (wet) signatures?
In some cases, your recipient may require original signatures from all signers. In order to fulfill this requirement, you will need to meet with a notary over video chat to show ID and sign your documents.
After the session, you will mail the original documents to the address provided by your notary.
Once received, the document will be notarized and sent to your recipient.
(Shipping not included)
What are the acceptable forms of ID that I can use?
Copy of government issued ID must be sent prior to the meeting via email for signer verification. Notary will also verify ID during the live meeting.
Acceptable forms of ID include the following photo IDs if valid and unexpired. Your state may have other allowable IDs or may exclude use of some items on this list, so always check:
– U.S. State Issued Driver’s License
– U.S. State Issued Photo ID
– U.S. Passport Book
– U.S. Passport Card
– Certificate of US citizenship
– Certificate of Naturalization
– Foreign Passport
– Alien Registration Card with Photo
– Military ID
This is not a comprehensive list. If you are unsure whether your ID will be accepted, just send us email: info@linotaryservices.com and we’ll let you know!
How does online notarization work?
You are connected with a commissioned notary public via live audio-video call. The notary public confirms your identity visually using the scanned photo ID, and then witnesses as you sign the document. Just like a traditional notarization, the notary then signs and places their notarial seal on your document.
How does online notarization differ from standard notarization?
The only differences between the two are the tools that are involved. All notarial acts remain the same except the introduction of electronic signature, electronic notary stamps, and Video-Audio technology. Personal appearance, positive identification, and required notarial acts are still utilized with online notarization.
What if my document requires a witness?
Many transactions require more than just a notary and signer. If you’re signing a document that requires a witness, you’ll want to make sure you let us know before your appointment. Just reply to you confirmation email and we will make sure they have access to the session as well.
If you’d like us to provide a witness for you, let your notary know by requesting a witness in your confirmation email resposne.
What types of documents do you notarize?
We notarize just about every document which needs to be notarized in the paper world. There are a few exceptions though, so see below:
In an online notarization, both you and the notary electronically sign the notarized document. Per federal and state laws such as the ESIGN Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), when both sides agree to perform their transaction electronically, electronic signatures are just as valid as handwritten signatures for virtually all documents. But, certain documents are excluded – see below. Also, some states, public agencies and court systems impose additional requirements and limitations for accepting electronically-signed documents, so it’s always important to check with your intended recipient to confirm their specific requirements for accepting electronically signed and notarized documents.
We currently do not notarize:
– Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificates
– Divorce decrees
– Court-issued documents
What if I have additional signers?
If your document must be signed by more than one person, you have a two options:
1. You and your secondary signer can be co-located (in the same physical location), log into the session with the notary together, on the same device, and your documents notarized.
2. If your document requires two or more signers and they’re not co-located, all signers must complete separate transactions. Each signer would request and appointment and upload an unsigned copy of his/her document. When complete, you will have separately notarized documents that you may then submit to your recipient agency or institution.
Can I Come To Your Location?
We do not have a physical store or signing location that you can come to. The addresses displayed in our ads and on our website are for written correspondences and mailing purposes only. Our service is strictly mobile and by appointment only.
Mailing Address For Apostilles & Original Documents:
Long Island Notary Services
377 Locust St. , Central Islip , New York 11722