Frequently Asked Questions.
Every client’s situation is a little different, and that’s okay. These FAQs are designed to help you feel confident and prepared—whether you're booking your first appointment or just exploring your options. If something’s unclear, I’m always happy to walk you through it.
Understanding Notarization
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A Notary Public is a state-authorized official who serves as an impartial witness during the signing of important documents. Their role is to verify identity, confirm willingness and awareness, and help prevent fraud. In essence, notarization adds a layer of trust and legal integrity to the signing process.
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If you need a notarization in Washington, you’ll know by the language on your forms. At the end of the form, there should be a place for a notary’s signature and seal. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact the agency that issued the document or the organization that will receive it for clarification.
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As a Nonattorney Notary, I’m not permitted to select or advise on the type of notarization required. However, I can help you identify whether your document includes the necessary notarial language. If the type of notarization isn’t clearly stated, I recommend reaching out to the agency that issued the document or the organization that will receive it. They’ll be able to confirm what’s needed so we can proceed.
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As a commissioned Notary Public in Washington State, I’m authorized to notarize a wide range of documents—provided they include the required notarial language and meet state guidelines. Common examples include powers of attorney, affidavits, consent forms, healthcare directives, and travel-related documents. If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, I’m happy to take a look and let you know if it’s something I can legally notarize.
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Yes, as long as the notarization is performed under Washington State law and all signer requirements are met, I can notarize documents originating from other states or countries. I do not review or interpret documents, but I can confirm whether the notarial language meets Washington requirements. If you're unsure about your document’s intent or validity, please contact the issuing or receiving agency for guidance.
Booking & Fees
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If you have an urgent request or need clarification before booking, I recommend reaching out via email or through the contact form on my website. I respond promptly and will ensure you have the information you need to move forward confidently. For all other requests, the most efficient way to schedule is through my online booking system, available 24/7. You’ll be able to select your service type, preferred time, and location with ease.
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No. There is no fee to book an appointment. You’re welcome to schedule online or reach out directly to confirm availability. Fees apply only to completed notarization services, and I always provide clear, upfront pricing before your appointment is confirmed.
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Notarization fees are based on the type of service, the number of signatures requiring notarization, and the location of the appointment. Mobile notarizations start at $15 per notarized signature, plus a travel fee based on distance. Remote online notarizations are $25 per notarized signature. You’re welcome to use the fee calculator in the pricing section of my website for a general estimate. For a tailored quote based on your specific documents and situation, feel free to reach out—I’ll always provide clear, upfront pricing before any appointment is confirmed.
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Yes, same-day appointments may be available depending on my schedule and location. If you need urgent service, I recommend reaching out via email or through the contact form on my website. I’ll respond promptly and let you know if I can accommodate your request.
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Yes, flexibility is part of my service. I offer evening and weekend appointments by request, subject to availability. If you need a time outside standard business hours, feel free to reach out directly or include your preferred time when booking online. I’ll do my best to accommodate your schedule.
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Yes. I can notarize documents intended for use outside Washington State, including international documents, as long as they meet Washington State requirements for notarization. It’s important to confirm that your receiving agency will accept a Washington notarization. If you're unsure, I recommend checking with the agency or institution requesting the notarization before booking. I’m happy to review your request and help clarify what’s possible.
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I accept most major forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and cash. Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise arranged in advance. If you have specific billing needs or questions, feel free to reach out, I’m happy to confirm what works best for your situation.
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I understand that plans can change. There’s no fee for rescheduling or canceling as long as I receive notice in advance. For mobile appointments, I kindly ask that you notify me as soon as possible so I can adjust travel plans accordingly.
Mobile Appointments
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I serve clients throughout Whidbey Island, including Langley, Freeland, Clinton, Coupeville, and Oak Harbor. Depending on availability, I may also travel to nearby areas for mobile appointments. If you're outside Whidbey Island, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to confirm whether I can accommodate your location.
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Yes. I am happy to meet you wherever is most comfortable and convenient, whether that is your home, office, a local coffee shop, library, or care facility. As long as the space is safe and appropriate for notarization, I will do my best to accommodate. Just let me know what works for you when booking and I will confirm the details.
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All signers must be present
Valid government issued ID for all signing parties(ID may be expired no more than 3 years)
Complete document printed out with NO missing pages or blank spaces(DO NOT sign or date anywhere on document, signing must be done in front of the Notary in most cases and will be invalidated otherwise)
Any witnesses required
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Yes. For mobile appointments, travel is calculated at $1 per mile based on the round‑trip distance from the Langley Marina with a minimum travel fee of $25.
If your appointment requires ferry travel, a $50 fee is added to cover ferry cost and travel time.
I always confirm the total travel fee in advance so you know exactly what to expect before booking. -
Please have your unsigned documents, a valid photo ID, and any required witnesses present at the time of your appointment. Documents must be complete, with no missing pages and no blank sections other than signature fields and the notarial certificate. If you are unsure whether your document is ready for notarization, I am happy to review it in advance and help confirm.
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No. Please wait to sign your documents until we are together at your appointment. As a notary, I am required to witness the signing in person. If your document is already signed, I may not be able to proceed with the notarization. I will guide you through the process to ensure everything is done correctly.
In the case of an acknowledgement, pre-signed document signatures may still be valid, however, it is recommended to hold off on all signing until your appointment.
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When I arrive, I will verify your ID, review your document, and confirm that everything is complete and ready to proceed. I will guide you through the signing process and complete the notarial certificate. Once the notarization is finished, I will make sure you have everything you need before I leave. The experience is designed to be smooth, respectful, and reassuring from start to finish.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
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Mobile notarization happens in person. I meet you at a location you choose, verify your ID, and witness your signature on a physical document.
Remote online notarization takes place virtually. You meet with me over a secure video platform, verify your identity online, and sign your document electronically while I witness the process in real time.
Both options are legally valid in Washington State and offer flexibility depending on your needs. -
Remote online notarization is available worldwide as long as the document meets Washington State requirements for notarization. I can legally perform notarizations for individuals located in any of the 50 states, as well as those outside the United States, provided they have a valid government-issued ID and the document is connected to a U.S. transaction. If you are located outside the U.S., please reach out ahead of time so I can help confirm whether you’ll be able to pass the Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) required for identity verification.
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You’ll need a computer or smartphone with a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a valid government-issued photo ID for each signing party. IDs must not be expired for remote notarization. Your document must be complete, with no missing pages and no blank sections other than signature fields and the notarial certificate. It should be converted to a PDF file and left unsigned, since signing must happen during the session and may be invalidated if done beforehand. If your document requires witnesses, please have them available and ready to join the session.
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Before your appointment, you’ll send me your completed document in PDF format so I can upload it to the secure platform. You’ll also complete a brief identity verification step to confirm eligibility. Once we’re connected by secure video, I’ll verify your ID, review your document, and guide you through the signing process. You’ll sign electronically while I observe, and I’ll complete the notarial certificate. After we finish, you’ll receive a copy of the notarized document for your records. The process is designed to be smooth, secure, and supportive from start to finish.
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Knowledge-Based Authentication is a secure identity verification process required for remote online notarization. Before your session begins, you’ll answer a short series of questions based on your personal history—such as past addresses or financial accounts. These questions are generated from public records and must be answered correctly within a limited time. This step helps confirm that you are who you say you are and ensures the notarization meets legal standards. If you are located outside the United States, please contact me ahead of time to confirm whether KBA will be available to you.
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Yes. If multiple signers need to participate, I can include them in the same remote session as long as each person has their own device, internet connection, and valid photo ID. Everyone must be able to complete the identity verification process, I will guide each participant through the steps to ensure everything is handled smoothly.
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Yes. Remote online notarization is legally recognized in Washington State and allows me to notarize documents for individuals located in any of the 50 states and internationally. I follow all state-approved procedures to ensure each notarization meets legal standards. If your document will be used outside of Washington, I recommend checking with the receiving party to confirm they accept remote notarization. I’m happy to help clarify requirements before we begin.
Preparing Your Documents
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All blank sections in your document must be filled in before your appointment unless the instructions say otherwise. If you’re unsure what belongs in a particular section, I recommend checking with the person or organization that provided the document. I’m not permitted to advise on how to complete your paperwork, but I’m happy to help you understand what’s required for notarization.
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All pages must be present and in order before your appointment. I’m unable to notarize incomplete documents, even if the missing sections don’t require signatures. If you’re unsure whether your document is complete, I recommend checking with the person or organization that provided it. I’m happy to review it ahead of time to confirm it’s ready for notarization.
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No. These vital records cannot be notarized in their original form. If you’ve been asked to have one notarized, it’s likely the request involves a copy. In some cases, the required wording may call for a “Copy Certification”, which affirms that the copy is true and complete. While I can’t determine whether this form is appropriate for your situation, I can let you know if that’s what the notarial certificate is requesting.
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No. Personal items like photographs, greeting cards, or keepsakes cannot be notarized on their own. Notarization applies to written statements or documents that meet specific legal requirements. If you’ve been asked to notarize something unusual, I recommend confirming with the requesting party what exactly they need. I’m happy to review the request and let you know what’s possible.
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In most cases, the document must be signed during your appointment while I’m present. If it was signed ahead of time, it may still be eligible for notarization—but only if the notarial wording calls for an acknowledgment, which allows for prior signing. I’m not permitted to change the type of notarization, so it’s important that the document includes the correct language before we begin. I’m happy to review it and let you know what’s legally permitted under Washington State law.
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Every notarized document must include a notarial certificate—a section with specific wording that tells me what type of notarization to perform. If your document doesn’t include one, you’ll need to confirm what type of notarization is required. Once that’s clear, I can provide the appropriate certificate and ensure it meets Washington State requirements.
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Possibly. Corrections must be initialed by all signers and clearly legible. If the changes affect the meaning or raise questions about completeness or intent, I may not be able to proceed. I’m happy to review your document ahead of time to confirm whether it’s eligible for notarization.
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If you are having trouble converting your document to a PDF for easy uploading, you can take careful photos of each page and email them to megan@mksnotaryservices.com and I will convert them for you before your appointment. Please see guidelines for sending document photos.
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No. I’m not permitted to help you complete your documents or decide what information belongs in each section. If you’re unsure how to proceed, I recommend checking with the person or organization that provided the paperwork. I’m happy to review your document ahead of time to confirm it’s complete and ready for notarization.
Legal & Ethical Boundaries
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No. The signer must be physically present for in-person notarizations, or appear live on video for remote online notarizations. I’m required to verify identity and witness the signing in real time. If the signer isn’t available, we’ll need to reschedule for a time when they can join the appointment directly.
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I may need to decline a notarization if the document is incomplete, the signer cannot be properly identified, or the situation doesn’t meet legal requirements under Washington State law. I’m also not permitted to proceed if the signer appears unwilling, confused, or unable to communicate clearly. My role is to protect all parties involved, and I’ll always explain the reason if I’m unable to move forward.
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I’m a commissioned Notary Public in Washington State, certified to perform both Mobile and Remote Online Notarizations. I carry $100,000 in Errors & Omissions insurance (valid through October 29, 2026) and maintain a $10,000 Washington State notary bond (valid through October 27, 2028). My credentials are current and fully compliant with state requirements, offering added protection and peace of mind for every client.
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For mobile notarizations, your government-issued ID can be expired up to three years from the date of signing. For remote online notarizations, expired ID’s are not accepted at this time as they will not pass KBA.
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Washington State law requires that your ID be government-issued and include a photo, signature, and physical description. Commonly accepted forms include a state-issued driver’s license, passport, military ID, or permanent resident card. If you’re unsure whether your ID qualifies, I’m happy to review it ahead of time to confirm it meets the legal requirements.
Accessibility & Special Situations
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Yes. I offer mobile notarization services and can travel to hospitals, care facilities, or assisted living residences when the signer is alert, willing, and able to communicate clearly. If you’re coordinating on someone’s behalf, I recommend checking with the facility in advance to ensure visitors are permitted. I’m happy to work with you to create a calm, respectful experience that meets legal requirements.
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I’m happy to accommodate signers who need additional time, space, or support. Whether we’re meeting in person or online, I’ll ensure the process is calm, respectful, and unrushed. If mobility is a concern, I can adjust my setup or travel to a location that’s more comfortable. My goal is to make every signer feel safe, seen, and fully supported throughout the appointment.
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I don’t provide witnesses directly, but I’m happy to help you understand what’s required and how to prepare. Some documents require one or more witnesses who are not named in the paperwork and who meet specific criteria. If you’re unsure whether your document needs witnesses, I recommend checking with the person or organization that issued it. I’ll gladly review your setup in advance to make sure everything’s in place for a smooth appointment.