What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a state-commissioned official authorized to witness and certify the signing of important documents. Their primary role is to verify the identity of signers, ensure they are willing and aware, and help prevent fraud.
Notaries perform services such as:
• Administering oaths and affirmations
• Witnessing signatures on legal documents
• Certifying copies of certain documents
• Completing notarial certificates

A Notary does not provide legal advice or determine the validity of a document. Their role is to ensure the proper execution of notarizations according to state laws.

What are common documents that require notarization?

Notarization is often required for a variety of legal, financial, and business documents to verify authenticity and prevent fraud. Common documents that may require notarization include:

Legal & Personal Documents
• Power of Attorney (POA)
• Wills & Trusts (some states require attorney involvement)
• Affidavits & Sworn Statements
• Divorce Agreements
• Adoption Papers

Real Estate Documents
• Deeds (Grant, Warranty, Quitclaim)
• Mortgage & Loan Documents
• Property Transfers & Title Documents
• Lease Agreements

Financial Documents
• Promissory Notes
• Loan Agreements
• Bank Forms & Financial Affidavits

Business & Corporate Documents
• Articles of Incorporation
• Business Contracts & Agreements
• Partnership Agreements
• Employee Verification Forms (I-9, in some cases)

International Documents
• Apostille & Authentication Documents
• Consent Forms for Minors Traveling Abroad

Other Common Documents
• Vehicle Title Transfers
• Medical Authorization Forms
• Permission Slips & Parental Consent Forms

Notaries ensure the signer’s identity and willingness to sign, but they do not provide legal advice or validate document content. If you're unsure whether your document needs notarization, check with the requesting agency.

What forms of identification are accepted to get a document notarized?

• State driver’s license
• State identification card
• U.S. military identification card
• Resident alien identification card (green card)
• U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of

How can you prepare for a Notarization?

To ensure a smooth notarization process, please follow these guidelines:


• Bring Original, Valid ID – Identification must be current and include a photo, physical description, signature, and serial number.
• Do Not Sign in Advance – Sign the document only in the presence of the notary.
• Complete All Blank Spaces – Fill in all required fields before the notary arrives, but do not sign. Incomplete documents cannot be notarized.
• Consult the Document Issuer – If you have questions about completing the document, contact the person or agency that prepared or requested it. A notary cannot provide legal advice or drafting assistance.
• All Signers Must Be Present – Every signer must physically appear, be coherent, and provide valid ID at the time of notarization.
• Original Documents for Copy Certification – If requesting a copy certification, you must present the original document.
• Vital Records Cannot Be Notarized – Birth, death, and marriage certificates cannot be notarized.
• Know Your Notary Certificate – Notaries cannot advise on which notarial certificate to use, interpret documents, or provide legal guidance. If unsure, consult the issuing agency or a legal professional.

Following these steps ensures a seamless and efficient notarization process!

What is a notarial certificate?

A notarial certificate is essential for legal documents that require notarization, as it verifies that the notary witnessed the signing and confirmed the signer’s identity.


Important: The client must specify which notarial certificate to attach. Notaries are not authorized to select the certificate on behalf of the signer. If you are unsure, please consult the issuing agency or the requesting party for guidance.

What are the authorized Notarial Acts that our Notaries can perform?

1. Take an acknowledgment of a record;
2. Take a Verification on oath or affirmation of a statement;
3. Witness or attest to a signature;
4. Certify or attest a copy of a record or an item that was copied; and
5. Certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is an accurate copy of the electronic record.

What are acceptable forms of payment?

We accepts Cash, Zelle and Credit Card payments through Square.

What is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for international use. It is required for legal matters such as marriages, adoptions, and business transactions in foreign countries.


If you need an apostille, ensure your document meets the necessary requirements for the destination country.

How long does the Apostille process take?

Processing times vary depending on the document type and issuing location. However, we are committed to providing fast and efficient service to meet your deadlines.


For an estimated processing time and fee, or if you have specific questions, contact us directly via phone or email, and our team will be happy to assist you.

What is the cancellation & rescheduling policy?

We understand that unexpected situations may arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please notify us at least 1 hour before the scheduled start time.


Cancellation & Travel Fees:
• Cancellations Within 1 Hour: Cancellations made less than 1 hour before the appointment may be subject to administrative fees and additional charges for travel, including mileage.


• Travel Fees: If we have already started traveling to your location, travel fees will apply regardless of when the cancellation occurs.

Note: All fees incurred are non-refundable.

Do you offer same-day appointments?

Yes, we offer same-day appointments based on availability. Please contact us to schedule.

What areas do you cover?

We primarily serve montgomery county, Maryland. Contact us for more information on the surrounding areas.

Terms of Use

 

Effective Date: April 1, 2025

Welcome to PMY Notary Services, LLC ("PMY Notary Services," "we," "our," or "us"). By accessing or using our website, services, or engaging with our notarial offerings, you agree to be bound by the following Terms of Use. Please read them carefully.

 

1. Use of Website and Services

You agree to use PMY Notary Services' website and offerings for lawful purposes only. You may not use our website or services to:

  • Violate any local, state, or federal laws or regulations;

  • Interfere with or disrupt the operation of our website;

  • Transmit any malware, viruses, or other harmful code;

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any systems or accounts.

We reserve the right to restrict or terminate access if any misuse is detected.

 

2. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and service descriptions, is the property of PMY Notary Services and is protected by applicable copyright and trademark laws. Reproduction, distribution, or unauthorized use of our content is strictly prohibited.

 

3. Payment and Refund Policy

Payment for services is due at the time of booking or upon completion, as agreed. We accept major forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, and approved digital payment platforms.

Refunds will be issued under the following conditions:

  • If a service is canceled at least 24 hours in advance;

  • If a notary or apostille service could not be completed due to our fault.

No refunds will be provided for missed appointments, client non-compliance, or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance.

 

4. Cancellation Policy

Clients may cancel or reschedule an appointment up to 24 hours before the scheduled time without penalty. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance may incur a fee or be non-refundable.

 

5. Shipping Disclaimer – Apostille Services

PMY Notary Services may ship apostille documents through third-party mail carriers (e.g., USPS, FedEx, UPS) upon client request. Once a package has been handed over to the carrier, PMY Notary Services is not liable for delays, damage, or loss caused by the carrier. Tracking information will be provided, and the client assumes all risk upon shipment.

 

6. Limitation of Liability

PMY Notary Services is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of your use of our website or services. All services are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind.

 

7. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland. You agree to first attempt to resolve any issue with us directly. If resolution cannot be reached, you agree to submit to binding arbitration in Montgomery County, Maryland.

 

8. Modifications

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms of Use at any time without prior notice. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of our services indicates your acceptance of the revised terms.

 

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact:

PMY Notary Services, LLC
Email: info@pmynotaryservices.com
Phone: (240) 869-1749

 

Address

Gaithersburg, Maryland