Frequently Asked Questions

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A notary verifies your identity, awareness of what you’re signing, and your willingness to sign, then witnesses your signature, and completes a notarial certificate for your document.

 A valid government issued ID, the unsigned document, and any required witnesses. Let us know in advance if you need us to provide witnesses.

 A state issued driver’s license or ID card, passport (but not passport card) or other government issued photo ID that is current.

 Yes. For most notarial acts, the document must be signed in the notary’s presence.

No. A notary cannot provide legal advice. You must know what type of notarization your document requires.

No. You must bring a complete document. A notary cannot fill in blanks, draft language, nor provide paperwork. The notary cannot help you complete your forms either verbally or physically.

We charge the state fee of $10 per notarization. A notarization is every time the notary signs, stamps, and dates, after the signer signs. 

Yes. A notary may refuse if the signer lacks proper ID, appears unwilling or unaware, or if the signer is being coerced.
 

 Yes, as long as the notary can communicate directly with the signer and the notarial certificate is in English or a language the notary understands. The signer must demonstrate that they understand the document they are signing
 

We notarize signatures, not documents. In most cases you’ll be signing at the end of the document. It’s actually unlawful for a notary to “notarize” where no signer has signed. 

 Yes. The Notary Stop has referral sources for Remote Online Notarization.

Notarization confirms the identity and willingness of the signer. It does not guarantee the legality or accuracy of the document itself.

In Michigan an expired ID is not acceptable. ID must be current and government issued.However, if you have the expired ID and your renewal slip, we will accept the two of them together.

Yes, as long as the notary can read the ID, and communicate with the signer.

No. You keep your document. 

Since we notaries signatures, not documents, we will notarize on any type of paperwork, except Medallion Signature Guarantees. 

Since we notaries signatures, not documents, we will notarize on any type of paperwork, except Medallion Signature Guarantees. 

The library offers notarization as a public service, which your taxes pay for. They are limited as to what types of documents they will notarize on, because of liability and contestability. The Notary Stop is independently owned and operated by Leslie Hocker, the owner of Mobile Notary of Macomb, and the President of the Michigan Notary Association.