Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about online notarization, Florida apostilles, certified translations, estate planning signings and mobile notary services from Reliable Notary Now in Jacksonville, Florida.

Online Notarization (RON)

What is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote Online Notarization lets you sign and notarize documents by live video instead of meeting in person. Your identity is verified online, you sign electronically, and the notary applies an electronic seal. Florida has allowed remote online notarization since January 1, 2020. How online notarization works.

Is Remote Online Notarization legal in Florida?

Yes. Florida authorizes it under Part II of Chapter 117, Florida Statutes. An online notarization is valid in Florida when it is performed by a Florida notary who is registered as a Remote Online Notary and uses a RON service provider that has filed its self-certification with the Florida Department of State (s. 117.295).

Do I need to be in Florida to notarize online?

No. Under Florida law, the online notary must be in Florida, but you can sign from another state or another country. If you are outside Florida, you will confirm that you want the notarization done by a Florida notary under Florida law, and if you are outside the U.S., a foreign passport can be used as your ID (s. 117.265(3) and s. 117.201(6), Florida Statutes).

How does an online notarization session work?

First, your identity is checked online using your government-issued photo ID. Then you join a live video session with the notary, sign electronically, and the notary applies an electronic seal. Florida requires the session to be recorded and kept. A typical session takes about 15–30 minutes, and your notarized document is emailed to you right after. All you need is a computer or phone with a camera, microphone and internet connection.

What documents can be notarized online?

Many documents can be notarized online, including powers of attorney, affidavits, real estate documents, business contracts and many estate planning documents. Some documents, like wills, have extra requirements. Also check that the office receiving your document accepts an electronically notarized document. Call (904) 342-3098 if you are not sure.

Can I sign a will online in Florida?

Florida law allows wills to be signed and witnessed remotely under specific conditions in section 732.522, Florida Statutes, but electronic wills have strict requirements. For most people, signing a will in person is the simplest option. For legal advice about your will, talk to an attorney.

Apostille and Documents for Use Abroad

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates a public document so it can be used in another country that belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention. In Florida, apostilles are issued by the Florida Department of State. I can notarize your document and handle the Florida apostille. Documents for Use Abroad.

What documents can get a Florida apostille?

Common examples are Florida birth, marriage and death certificates (certified copies signed by the State Registrar, or for marriage and divorce certificates, by the State Registrar or the Clerk of the County Court), notarized documents such as powers of attorney and affidavits, school records, and corporate documents. Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State instead, and documents from other states need that state's apostille.

How long does a Florida apostille take?

Processing times at the Florida Department of State vary, and problems like an incorrect notarization or missing information can add delays. If you have a deadline, contact me early so we can plan.

Which countries accept a Florida apostille?

Countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention, which has more than 120 members, including Mexico and the Philippines. Countries that are not members use a different authentication process. Country guides: Apostille for Mexico · Apostille for the Philippines.

Can you notarize documents for an international adoption?

Yes. I can notarize adoption documents and handle the Florida apostille. Ask your adoption agency or attorney exactly which documents need an apostille.

Translations

Do you offer certified translations?

Yes. Through my professional translation partner, I offer certified translations in more than 130 languages. Every translation includes a signed Certificate of Translation. Get a translation quote.

What does USCIS require for translated documents?

Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), every foreign-language document you submit to USCIS must include a full English translation, the translator's certification that the translation is complete and accurate, and the translator's certification that they are competent to translate from that language into English. USCIS does not require the translation to be notarized. Certified Translations for USCIS.

Can you notarize a document written in another language?

Often, yes. Florida requires that you understand what you are signing, and the notary wording I add will be in English. If the document is going to another country, check what the receiving office requires.

Estate Planning and Witnesses

How many witnesses does a will need in Florida?

Florida law requires a will to be signed in the presence of two attesting witnesses, who also sign in the presence of the testator and of each other (s. 732.502, Florida Statutes). A will is not invalid just because a witness benefits from it (s. 732.504), but ask your attorney who should serve as your witnesses.

Can the notary also be one of the witnesses?

On many documents, yes. Florida notary rules allow a notary to be one of the two witnesses and also notarize the document, as long as the witnesses' signatures do not also need to be notarized. That is why a notary cannot witness a will that has a self-proving affidavit, since the affidavit requires notarizing the witnesses' signatures.

Do you provide witnesses?

For online notarizations, I can provide the witnesses. For in-person estate planning signings, I coordinate vetted witnesses through The Witness Resource. For other in-person appointments, please bring your own witnesses if your document needs them.

Do you handle estate planning signings?

Yes. I notarize trusts, powers of attorney, health care surrogate designations, living wills and the self-proving affidavits that go with wills, at your home, office, hospital or care facility. I'm a Certified Trust Delivery Agent (CTDA), trained in presenting and notarizing living trust and estate planning document packages.

Mobile Notary Services

What is a mobile notary?

A mobile notary is a commissioned notary public who travels to you, at your home, office, hospital or another convenient place.

What areas do you serve in person?

Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau Counties in Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Orange Park, Fleming Island and Fernandina Beach. Online notarization is available almost anywhere.

Can a notary come to a hospital or nursing home?

Yes. I travel to hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Northeast Florida for time-sensitive signings, such as health care surrogate designations and powers of attorney.

What ID do I need?

Florida accepts a government-issued photo ID that is current or was issued within the past five years and has a serial or identifying number, such as a Florida driver's license or ID card, a U.S. passport, or another state's driver's license (s. 117.05, Florida Statutes).

What is a loan signing agent?

A loan signing agent is a notary trained to handle mortgage and real estate closing packages. I'm a Loan Signing System (LSS) certified signing agent.

About Reliable Notary Now

What credentials do you have?

I'm a Florida-commissioned notary public and Remote Online Notary, a Loan Signing System (LSS) certified signing agent, a Certified Trust Delivery Agent (CTDA), a member of the National Notary Association (NNA), and listed on Notary Stars. I carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance of more than $1 million. I'm a notary, not an attorney, and I can't give legal advice.

Booking and Fees

How do I book?

Schedule an online session, call or text (904) 342-3098, or email reliablenotary904@gmail.com. Hours are Monday to Friday 9am–7pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am–6pm (Eastern). Same-day appointments are often available.

How much does a notary cost in Florida?

Florida law limits the notary fee to $10 per notarial act, or $25 per online notarization (s. 117.05 and s. 117.275, Florida Statutes). Travel for mobile appointments and other services are quoted separately. Call or text for a quote.

Official Forms That Often Need a Notary

• Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent for a child's U.S. passport: must be signed in front of a passport acceptance officer or a notary, and the consent is valid for 90 days. More.
• Florida HSMV 82042, VIN and Odometer Verification: a notary can complete the VIN verification. More.
• Florida simplified (uncontested) divorce forms, 12.901(a): the Marital Settlement Agreement must be signed in front of a notary or deputy clerk. More.
• USCIS Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification: employers can choose a notary as their authorized representative to complete Section 2 (no notary seal is used on Form I-9).
For the passport consent, VIN and divorce forms: download the official form, fill in everything except your signature, and sign in front of me.

Official Resources

• Florida Statutes, Chapter 117, Part II: Online Notarizations
• Florida Department of State: Apostilles and Notarial Certifications
• Hague Apostille Convention: list of member countries (HCCH)
• 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3): USCIS rule on certified English translations
• Florida Department of State: Notary Commissions