Frequently Asked Questions
WATERLOT NOTARY HELP CENTER
Notary Fees & Pricing
How much does a mobile notary cost?
The total cost of a mobile notary appointment depends on the type of signing, number of notarizations, travel distance, appointment requirements, witnesses, printing or document handling, and any additional services requested. Oregon notaries may charge up to $10 per notarial act, with separate fees for travel and other services. To keep pricing simple, Waterlot Notary charges $75 for standard mobile notarization appointments within the Salem area. For appointments involving additional travel, multiple documents, witnesses, or other services, please contact us for a customized quote.
Is the travel fee separate from the notarization fee?
Mobile service pricing can include both the authorized notarial act fee and additional service/travel charges. All pricing is communicated and agreed upon before the appointment.
How much does it cost to have witnesses provided?
Waterlot Notary can coordinate professional third-party witnesses for $75 per witness. The total witness service fee is based on the number of witnesses needed and the specific requirements of the signing appointment.
Does online notarization cost more than an in-person notarization?
No. Waterlot Notary’s online notarization service is generally less expensive than an in-person mobile appointment. Online notarization includes a one-time $10 service fee, plus $25 per notarization completed during the session. For example, a session requiring two notarizations would total $60. This simple pricing structure makes Remote Online Notarization a convenient and cost-effective option for eligible documents.
How much does an estate planning signing cost?
Estate planning signing packages are $250 in the Salem/Keizer area, reflecting the multiple notarizations typically involved with Will and Trust packages. If witnesses are needed, Waterlot Notary can provide them for $75 per witness.
Will I know the price before my appointment?
Yes. Waterlot Notary reviews basic appointment requirements and communicates all applicable pricing to you before the signing occurs.
Online Notarization (RON)
Can I get a document notarized completely online?
Yes, Waterlot Notary offers Remote Online Notarization (RON) services for eligible documents through secure platforms.
Do I have to be in Oregon for an online notarization?
No, one of the benefits of RON is that the signer does not need to be physically present in the state at the time of the signing.
Can I use online notarization if I live in another state?
Yes, RON allows Oregon notaries to serve signers located anywhere, provided the document and receiving agency accept online notarization.
Is online notarization just a Zoom call?
No. It uses a specialized online notarization platform with multi-factor identity verification, electronic signing, and legally required recordkeeping including a digital video recording.
What do I need for an online notarization?
You will need a valid government-issued ID, an internet-connected device with a camera and microphone, the document(s) to be signed, and the ability to complete the platform's identity verification process.
Can more than one person sign during an online notarization?
Multiple signers may be accommodated depending on the document and session requirements. Please share how many signers are involved when scheduling your appointment.
Can every document be notarized online?
No. Document requirements and recipient acceptance vary. Waterlot Notary does not decide whether a particular recipient or agency will accept a RON document; we recommend verifying beforehand. Learn more on our RON Services page.
Witnesses & Notarization
Is a notary the same thing as a witness?
No, they perform different functions. A notary performs a specific notarial act and verifies identity, whereas a witness simply observes the signing when required by the document. Waterlot Notary does not make legal determinations regarding witness roles.
Does notarizing my document mean I don't need witnesses?
Not necessarily. Notarization and witnessing are separate requirements depending on the document type and legal jurisdiction. Advise following document instructions or consulting your attorney.
How do I know whether my document needs witnesses?
Waterlot Notary does not determine legal witness requirements. Please direct these questions to your attorney, document preparer, or the receiving agency.
Can Waterlot Notary provide witnesses?
Yes. Waterlot Notary can coordinate professional third-party witnesses for eligible signing appointments for $75 per witness. Visit our Witness Services page to learn more.
Can you bring both the notary and the witnesses to my home?
Yes. We can coordinate a notary and arranged witnesses to meet you at homes, offices, hospitals, senior living communities, and other agreed mobile locations.
Can you provide witnesses for an estate planning signing?
Yes. This is a common request for estate planning sessions when witnesses are required by the document preparer or the documents themselves.
Can you provide witnesses at a hospital or senior living community?
Yes. We provide mobile signing and witness coordination for these locations, subject to facility access and specific arrangements.
Appointments, Identification & Preparing for Your Signing
What forms of identification are acceptable?
We accept valid government-issued photo IDs such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The ID must be current or expired within the last 3 years.
What should I have ready for my signing?
Please have your physical government ID ready, all pages of your documents (do not sign before the notary arrives), and any required witnesses present at the scheduled start time.
Oregon Apostille Services
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a specialized certificate issued by the Secretary of State that authenticates a document for international use in countries that are members of the Hague Convention.
Do I need notarization before I can get an apostille?
Most private documents (like powers of attorney or affidavits) must be notarized by an Oregon notary before the Secretary of State will issue an apostille.
How does Waterlot Notary's Oregon apostille service work?
We can handle the entire process for you: notarizing the document correctly, preparing the application, and managing the submission to the Oregon Secretary of State for processing and shipping back the document.
Mobile Notary Services
What areas do you serve with mobile notary services?
We serve Salem, Keizer, the Willamette Valley, and surrounding communities throughout Oregon.
Where can mobile notary appointments take place?
We can meet you at your home, office, a local coffee shop, healthcare facility, or any other safe and agreed-upon public location.