Frequently asked questions

Yes — I hold notary commissions in both Kansas and Missouri, so I can notarize documents on either side of the Kansas City metro as well as in the Topeka area. Let me know which state the signing needs to be commissioned in when you book.

A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) for every signer, and the unsigned document. Don't sign it beforehand — it needs to be signed in front of the notary.

Notary fees are set by state law and are separate from the travel fee for coming to you. Local mobile visits typically carry a small travel fee; longer trips into the wider Topeka area or the Kansas City metro have a higher travel fee. Ask for an exact quote when you book — it depends on distance and number of documents.

I can notarize documents in languages I can read enough of to confirm the signer is executing it knowingly, but for documents in a language I can't read, most states require an interpreter to be present. Ask when you book and I can walk through what's needed.

An acknowledgment confirms the signer appeared before the notary and acknowledged signing the document (it can be signed before the appointment). A jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence and swear or affirm the contents are true. Read more on the blog: acknowledgment vs. jurat in Kansas.

Yes — general and mobile notarizations for real estate closings are one of the most common requests, especially in the Kansas City metro. Title companies and signing services are welcome to reach out directly.

That's a large part of why mobile notary service exists — I can come to a home, hospital, or care facility. The signer still needs to be mentally competent and able to communicate their understanding of the document at the time of signing.

An apostille is a separate step handled by the Kansas Secretary of State after notarization, used to authenticate a document for use in another country. I can notarize the document and walk you through the apostille submission — see the apostille services page for details.

Same-day or next-day appointments are often possible in the Topeka area. Kansas City metro appointments — especially on the Missouri side — are easier to fit in with a few days' notice, since they're a longer round trip.

Kansas allows remote online notarization under certain conditions. If an in-person mobile signing isn't practical, ask whether your document qualifies for RON — there's more detail on the blog.