Frequently Asked Questions

A Notary Public is a state-commissioned official who performs certain acts, such as witnessing signatures, taking acknowledgments, and administering oaths or affirmations. My job is to verify identity, follow the requirements for the requested notarial act, and help deter fraud. I do not determine whether a document is legally valid.

I can assist with many common documents, including affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles, business documents, and certain real estate paperwork. Whether a particular document can be notarized depends on its requirements and the circumstances of the signing.

Please have your document ready, an acceptable form of identification, and any additional witnesses your document may require. All individuals whose signatures need to be notarized must be available to participate. If you're unsure what to bring, feel free to ask before your appointment!

West Virginia generally allows a driver's license, passport, or government-issued identification card that is current or expired no more than three years. Certain other forms of government identification and methods of verifying identity may also be acceptable. If you're unsure whether your ID qualifies, please contact me before scheduling.

Sometimes! For certain notarizations, such as acknowledgments, you may be able to acknowledge a signature you've already made. Other notarial acts require you to sign in the notary's presence. If you're unsure, I recommend waiting until your appointment before signing.

Yes. For my in-person notarizations, the signer must personally appear before me, even if the document has already been signed. West Virginia permits certain remote notarization procedures, but those have separate requirements.

Generally, yes! As a West Virginia Notary Public, I can perform an authorized notarial act within West Virginia on a document intended for use in another state. However, the receiving organization is responsible for determining whether the notarization meets its requirements.

Absolutely, provided the notarization can be completed in accordance with West Virginia law. The signer must be able to participate knowingly and willingly, and I must be satisfied that the requirements for the notarial act are met. Please coordinate facility access and any additional witnesses in advance.

You're welcome to bring your own eligible witnesses at no additional charge. Witnesses should always be disinterested third parties, meaning they should not have a personal or financial interest in the document or its outcome. If you need assistance, I may be able to arrange one additional witness for $20 per appointment, subject to availability and advance notice. If I'm legally permitted to serve as a witness myself, there is no additional witness fee.

I can explain the general differences between common notarial acts, but I cannot select one for you or provide legal advice. If your document doesn't specify what is required, please check with the person or organization requesting it, or consult a qualified attorney.