Most notarizations take only a few minutes, but choosing the wrong notary can cost you a trip, a rejected document or a missed deadline. Here are the things worth checking before you book a notary in the Portland area.
Looking for a notary now? PDX Fingerprinting offers office notary services in Hillsboro, Beaverton and Lake Oswego, plus mobile notary visits across the Portland metro. Book an appointment online.
1. A current Oregon notary commission
An Oregon notary must hold an active commission from the Oregon Secretary of State. A professional notary will show you their commission details if you ask, and their seal will show their name and commission expiration date.
2. Availability that fits your deadline
If your document is due tomorrow, a notary with walk-in or same-day appointments and Saturday hours matters more than anything else. Check office hours before you go. Our offices are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
3. Mobile service if you can’t travel
For hospital patients, care-facility residents, busy offices or anyone who cannot get to an office, a mobile notary comes to you. Ask what the travel fee covers and how many signers and signatures are included.
4. Witnesses, if your document needs them
Some documents, such as certain wills, powers of attorney or foreign documents, need one or two witnesses in addition to the notary. The notary cannot usually act as a witness on the same document. Ask whether the office can supply witnesses. We offer a notary witness service.
5. Experience with your type of document
Real estate papers, powers of attorney, affidavits, vehicle titles and documents going overseas each have their own quirks. If your document will be used in another country, choose a notary who can also help with the next step, such as an Oregon apostille or certified translation.
6. Clear pricing
Ask for the price per signature and any travel fee up front. At our offices, notarization is $10, and mobile notary service is $70. Full details are on our pricing page.
7. A notary who won’t give legal advice
A notary verifies identity, watches you sign and completes the certificate. A notary who is not also an attorney cannot draft your document or tell you which form to use. Be cautious of anyone offering legal or immigration advice as a “notario”. In the U.S., a notary public is not a lawyer.
What to bring to any notary
- Your unsigned document, complete except for the signatures
- A current government photo ID for every signer
- Any witnesses your document requires, unless the notary provides them
- All pages of the document, not just the signature page
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment for a notary?
Booking ahead guarantees a time slot and is best for documents with several signers. Book online to choose a time.
Can a notary notarize a document in another language?
A notary can usually notarize your signature even if the document is in another language, but the certificate is in English. If the receiving office needs an English version, order a certified translation.
Can the notary be related to me?
An Oregon notary cannot notarize a document in which the notary or their spouse is a party or has a direct financial interest. Choosing an independent notary avoids the question.
