The Most Common Questions People Ask a Notary (Pittsburgh Edition)

The Most Common Questions People Ask a Notary (Pittsburgh Edition)

If you're getting a document notarized for the first time — or if it’s been a while — it’s completely normal to have questions. As a mobile notary in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, I hear many of the same questions every day. Here are the most common ones and the answers you need to feel prepared for your appointment.

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1. What ID do I need?

For most notarizations, you’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID. Common examples include:

• Driver’s license
• State-issued ID card
• Passport
• Military ID

Each signer must have their own ID, and the name on the ID should match the name on the document as closely as possible.

2. Should I sign the document before the notary arrives?

No — wait until you’re with the notary.

Part of my job is to watch you sign. I need to confirm:

• You are the person on the ID.
• You understand what you’re signing.
• You are signing willingly.

If your document is already signed when I arrive, we may need to redo it.

3. What type of notarization do I need?

There are different types of notarial acts, such as:

• Acknowledgment – you confirm you signed the document.
• Jurat/Oath/Affirmation – you swear the contents are true.
• Copy certification – in some cases, certifying a copy of an original.

A notary cannot tell you which type you need. If you’re unsure, ask:

• The person or office that gave you the document.
• Your attorney.
• The agency, lender, or school requesting it.

4. How much does it cost?

Under Pennsylvania law, notaries may charge up to $5 per notarial act (per signature notarized). However, that $5 fee only covers the stamp itself, not the full service.

As a mobile notary, I come to your location, prepare for the appointment, verify IDs, ensure the documents are completed correctly, and provide professional service where you need me. Because of that, mobile notary appointments include both:

• The state-regulated $5 notarial act fee per notarization.
• A separate mobile travel and service fee, which depends on your location, the type of notarization or signing, and the time required.

I always provide your total fee upfront before we confirm your appointment so there are no surprises.

Why notary prices are different for each service

Pennsylvania allows notaries to charge $5 per notarization, but that fee only covers the stamp itself — not travel, time, printing, preparation, after-hours service, or the complexity of the document.

Mobile notary pricing works the same way other professional mobile services work:

• You are paying for the service, not just the tool.
• Travel, scheduling, expertise, and document type all affect the total fee.
• Every fee is clearly quoted upfront, so there are no surprises.

This is why a Power of Attorney signing or a real estate seller package may have a higher total fee. The pricing reflects the full service provided, not just the cost of the stamp.

5. Can you visit a hospital or nursing home?

Yes. As a mobile notary, I regularly travel to:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Nursing homes
• Assisted living facilities

For these appointments, it’s important that:

• The signer is alert and able to communicate.
• The signer has valid ID, or we discuss options ahead of time.
• Family or staff help make sure the signer is ready at the appointment time.

If you’re not sure whether your loved one is able to sign, we can talk about the situation before scheduling.

6. Do all signers need to be present?

Yes. Every signer must appear in person in front of the notary with valid ID.

That means:

• If two people are signing a Power of Attorney, both must be present.
• If witnesses are required, they may also need to be present at the same time.
• Everyone should be ready to sign during the scheduled appointment window.

If your document needs witnesses, let me know ahead of time so we can plan properly.

7. Can you notarize for family members?

Sometimes, but not always.

In general, a notary should not notarize a document if they:

• Are named in the document.
• Will benefit financially from the document.
• Have a conflict of interest.

If I’m not listed in the document and I don’t benefit from it, I may be able to notarize for family. If there is any conflict, I will decline. This protects you and keeps the notarization neutral and trustworthy.

8. Can you notarize online?

Pennsylvania has authorized forms of remote online notarization under certain conditions, but I currently do not offer remote online notarization.

Right now, my services are focused on in-person mobile notarization, where I travel to you in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

If online notarization is important for your situation, I am happy to explain what I can do, and you can decide what works best for you.

9. What if I still have questions?

That’s completely okay — you do not have to figure everything out by yourself.

You can:

• Call or text me and briefly explain your situation.
• Tell me what kind of document you have (Power of Attorney, will, title, school form, etc.).
• Ask what you should have ready for the appointment.

I can’t give legal advice or tell you how to fill out your forms, but I can explain the notary process and help you feel more prepared.

Need a mobile notary in Pittsburgh?

If you have a document that needs to be notarized in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Allegheny County, I would be glad to help.

• I travel to homes, offices, hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, and more.
• Same-day and last-minute appointments are often available.
• I always tell you your total fee upfront.