Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to provide clear, concise answers to your most common questions, ensuring you have the information you need for a smooth and seamless experience. If you have further questions or require additional assistance, please don't hesitate to contact a team member. The Signature Pros is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support, ensuring your needs are met professionally and efficiently. Thank you for your interest in The Signature Pros.

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General

Q: What are acceptable methods of payment?

A: Cash, Zelle, Credit Cards, and Cash App.

Q: Do you accept walk-ins for notarizations?

At this time, The Signature Pros does not offer notarizations at our location. We offer Mobile and Remote Online Notarizations to our clients.

For mobile in-person notarizations, we will happily meet the client at work, school, library, soccer field, senior living complex, community recreation center, courthouse, etc.

For remote online notarizations, our client can be in Japan, Netherlands, you name it. Just as long as the notary is located in MD, the transaction is related to the United States, and the signer(s) is willing to be audio and visually recorded and follow all MD-compliant notarial laws.

Apostille

Q: What is an apostille, and why do I need one?

A: An apostille certifies the authenticity of a document for use in a foreign country. It's required for legal processes like marriages, adoptions, or business transactions abroad.

Q: How long does the process take?

A: Processing times vary depending on the document type and location, but The Signature Pros strives to provide fast and efficient service to meet your deadlines. To find out the processing time and fee for your document(s) legalization process, you can submit your request through the Apostille Form and a team member will contact you directly.

Q: Can The Signature Pros help with all types of documents?

A: Yes! We handle birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and other official documents requiring apostilles and translations.

Q: What types of documents qualify for an apostille in Maryland?

A: The following documents are eligible for apostille certification in Maryland:

• Documents notarized by Maryland Notaries Public.

• Certified copies of Maryland vital records, such as birth. marriage and death certificates.

• Certified copies of documents issued by Maryland courts, such as divorce documents.

• Official documents issued by the Maryland Secretary of State.

Q: Are there specific requirements for Maryland birth certificates to qualify for an apostille?

A: Yes, certified copies of Maryland birth certificates must bear the signature of one of the following State Registrars:
• Julia E. Davidson Randall (former State Registrar) - She served as the State Registrar of Vital Records from at least 1984. Source: Prabook

• Geneva G. Sparks (former State Registrar) - She held the position of Chief of the Division of Vital Records, which includes the role of State Registrar, as of 1994.
Source: Maryland State Archives

• Crystal D. Weaver (current State Registrar) - Currently, serves as the State Registrar and Deputy Director of the Vital Statistics Administration within the Maryland Department of Health.
Source: Maryland Department of Health

Q: Can notarized documents in Maryland be used for an apostille?

A: Yes, notarized documents are acceptable for an apostille. However, before submission:

• The notary's signature must be authenticated by the county Circuit Clerk in the county where the notary is registered.

• Please note that this additional step may increase processing time.

The Signature Pros offer this service to streamline the process for you.

Q: Can I apostille documents written in a foreign language?

A: Yes, documents in a foreign language can be apostilled. However:

• The notary’s statement must be written in English, even if the document content is in another language.

Q: What is required for divorce judgments to qualify for an apostille in Maryland?

A: Divorce judgments must be certified by a Maryland Circuit Court clerk before they can be submitted for apostille certification.

Q: How can I apostille academic documents?

A: To apostille diplomas and transcripts, the following steps are required:

• Request a notarized transcript, diploma, degree verification letter or enrollment certification letter from your school, college, or university.

• The registrar's signature must be properly notarized by a Maryland Notary Public if the academic document originated in Maryland. Maryland Notary Publics have the authority to certify a copy of a academic documents.

• The school registrar must certify the documents.

For more details about Maryland apostille requirements for school transcripts, contact The Signature Pros or

visit our education document apostille page.

Q: How long does the apostille process take for Maryland documents?

A: Processing times vary depending on the type of document and the steps required. For example:

• Documents needing Circuit Clerk authentication may take longer.

• Documents already certified by a registrar or issuing authority are processed faster.

Q: How can The Signature Pros help with Maryland apostille services?

A: The Signature Pros simplify the apostille process by handling every detail, including:

• Authenticating notarized documents through the county Circuit Clerk.

• Securing apostilles for vital records, court documents, and other official papers.

• Offering certified translation services for international use.

Contact us today to learn more or request a free quote for your Maryland apostille needs.

Mobile Notarizations

Q: How much does mobile notary service cost for general (non-real estate) documents?

A: You can expect to pay the maximum allowable fee according to the Office of the Secretary of State per notarial act per signer (as of 07.12.24 the fee is $8.00 and subject to change according to Maryland statues and/or regulations). Plus, travel fee of the maximum allowable rate according to the Office of the Secretary of State (as of 07.12.24 the fee is $5.00) + current IRS rate per mile (as of 07.12.24 the rate is $0.670). The fee is based on the roundtrip distance the notary must travel to meet with the signer(s). For example, if the notary has to drive 5 miles to/from the designated location of the signer, the cost of the service would be $5.00 (travel fee) + $6.70 (mileage) + $8 (1 notarial act for 1 signer) = $19.70.

Q: How much does mobile notary service cost for real estate documents?

A: The cost for mobile notary services for real estate documents varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the documents, the number of signatures required, travel distance, and any additional services requested. The Signature Pros strives to offer competitive and transparent pricing. To get an accurate quote for your specific real estate document notarization needs, please reach out to us with the details of your request.

Q: Can the notary print my documents and bring them to the signing?

A: Yes. You can upload your documents in a pdf format when you complete your Notarization Request.

Q: Can a person with a disability direct another person to sign on their behalf?

A: According to the Handbook for Maryland Notaries Public, "If the signer is not impaired and not under duress, but is physically unable to sign a record, the individual may appear before the notarial officer and direct another individual—other than the notarial officer—who is concurrently appearing with the individual before the notarial officer to sign the individual’s name on the record. An individual does not have to designate someone else to sign if they are physically unable to sign a record. An individual signing the record may also sign their signature by making a mark (such as an "X")."

Q: Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my notarization?

Yes. Please click here to watch How To Prepare For Your Mobile Notarization.

Q: Do all signers have to be physically present at the time of a notarization?

A: Yes, all signers have to be physically present in front of the Notary Public, whether known or unknown to the Notary Public, in order for the notarial act(s) to be completed.

Remote Online Notarization

Q: Can I notarize any document remotely?

A: Depends. Maryland law does not prohibit the remote notarization of any document. However, the receiving entity your document will be submitted to may have an issue with a remotely notarized document. Therefore, you should inquire with the title company if remotely notarizing your documents are acceptable before proceeding with the remote notarization.

Q: How does remote online notarization work?

Remote online notarization (RON) is a process that allows a notary public to notarize documents for individuals who are not physically present in the same location as the notary. This is typically done through video conferencing (not FaceTime, not Zoom, not Microsoft Teams, or any platform of the like) and electronic signatures, making it a convenient and secure way to have documents notarized from a remote location. Here's how RON works:

Schedule an appointment with Notary Public
On the day of the appointment, signer(s) complete 2 step identity verification. Then, join the audio-visually recorded notary room with the Notary and sometimes witness(es).
Notary presents document(s) and complies with all state laws such as administering an oath or affirmation if required.
Learn more about notarial acts here.
Signer(s) signs document(s)
Notary notarizes document(s)
Document Finalization (encryption process)
Document and audio-visual recording delivered to notary and signer(s)

Witnesses

Q: Do all witnesses have to be present with the notary at the time of the notarization?

A: Yes. This ensures that the witnesses can verify the identity of the person signing the document and attest that the signing occurred willingly, and the signer was aware of what he or she was signing and not under any duress.