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General & Estate Planning  Notary Essential Tips

Ensure a smooth and successful Mobile Notary/Estate Planning Signing appointment in the PHX Valley by following these essential steps before we arrive.

Before the Appointment

  • Confirm the date, time, and location with your Notary.
  • Ensure you have all pages of the document with you and inspect documents for completeness that you need to fill out. 
  • If there is no notary section on your document, find out what type of notarization you need (Jurat, Acknowledgment, etc). 
  • Ask your notary any question you may have about the notarization process.
  • Confirm fees and payment method with your notary.

What to Bring

  • Valid & unexpired physical government-issued Photo ID (DL, Passport).
  • All pages of the document to be notarized (Printing service available if needed). 
  • Any required credible witnesses (if applicable). We can also arrange witnesses for $50 each. ​

What Not to do

  • Do Not sign the document ahead of time. 
  • Do Not use white-out on any legal documents.
  • Do Not bring an expired or electronic ID. Photos of your ID or electronic copies, even official or government-issued digitals IDs (Example: AZ Mobile ID app), are NOT legally acceptable. 

Day-of Reminders

  • Double check the time and location. 
  • Arrive 10 minutes early. 
  • Make sure all names on documents to be notarized exactly match the name on your government issued photo-ID. ​
  • Store your document in a safe and accessible place. 
  • ​Leave a positive review for your notary on Google

After Your Signing

Frequently Asked Questions

I-9 Verification Essential Tips

Prepare for your authorized representative appointment. Bring original documents from List A OR a combination of List B and List C.

Before the Appointment

  • Confirm employer email with instructions.
  • Complete Section 1 of Form I-9.
  • Review List A, B, and C requirements.
  • Verify the meeting time and location.

What to Bring

  • Original unexpired documents.
  • List A: U.S. Passport or Green Card.
  • List B: Driver's license or School ID.
  • List C: Social Security card or Birth Cert.

What Not To Do

  • Do Not bring photocopies or scans.
  • Do Not bring expired identification.
  • Do Not sign Section 2.
  • Do Not forget your tracking ID/PIN if provided by your employer.
  • Don't present photos of your documents.  Original physical documents are required.

Final Checkpoints

​

  • Double check the location and time of the appointment.
  • Confirm that Section 1 of your application is completed.
  • Have your documents and I-9 form ready for review. 
  • Have your method of payment ready. Cash or Card are acceptable.

Loan Signing Essential Tips

Before the Appointment

  • Ensure the loan document is sent to the notary/signing agent in the correct paper size (legal vs letter), along with signing instructions. (Applies to lender/title company only).
  • Ensure all signers and co-signers will be present.

What to Bring

  • Valid government-issued photo ID (Driver's License or Passport).
  • Secondary ID if required by the lender.

What Not To Do

  • Do Not use correction fluid or tape on documents.
  • Do Not guess on signature clarity.

Day-of Reminders

  • Use Blue or Black ink only as specified by your lender.
  • Ensure signature clarity matches ID exactly.
  • Keep co-signers nearby for immediate signatures.

Essential Tips for a Successful Apostille

Prepare Your Document

  • Have your document(s) available or know what type of document you need apostilled.
  • Know which country the document will be used in.
  • Write down any questions you have about the apostille process, so you don't forget to ask. 
  • Be prepared to explain any specific instructions you have for your document.

Submit Your Document

  • If there are any forms that must be attached with your document, make sure it is completed.
  • Notary services are provided if needed. 
  • Provide all instructions for the handling of your document.
  • Complete payment.

Apostille Processing

  • Your document is submitted to either the Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State.
  • Processing times can vary depending on the document type, and  issuing authority. 
  • You will be updated every step of the process.

Receive Your Documents 

  • Review your documents once they are finalized and delivered. 
  • If your documents are being shipped internationally, verify the delivery information and track it once available. 
  • Keep your Apostilled documents safe once received.​

Fingerprinting Essential Tips

Before the Appointment

  • Know your ORI number or billing code if provided by your employer or agency.  
  • Dry and flaky skin can cause smudged prints or failed prints. Start applying lotion regularly a few days before your appointment.  
  • Reschedule if injured.​ Damaged skin can make it difficult to capture legible fingerprints. 

What to Bring

  • Unexpired and valid Government-issued Photo ID (Driver's License or Passport).
  • We supply FD-258. Bring  your agency's own card only if they require a specific form.

What Not To Do

  • Do Not pre-fill the fingerprint cards with ink yourself.
  • Do Not apply heavy lotions or oils right before your appointment.  
  • Avoid heavy manual labor that might rough up fingertips.

Day-of Reminders

  • Sit & relax! Your prints will be taken using professional Ink & Roll techniques.
  • Ensure you have the exact appointment location details.
  • Expect a 15-20 minute session for a full set of prints.
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