The answer depends upon the type of notarization being performed.  All notarizations fall into one of two basic categories: (1) acknowledgments and (2) jurats.  (Not to worry; you don't have to know which is which; that's part of the notary's job.)

Documents requiring an acknowledgment do not have to be signed in the notary's presence.  However, the signer must appear before the notary to acknowledge that he or she freely signed the document.  An acknowledgment certificate (completed by the notary) indicates that the signer personally appeared before the notary, was properly identified by the notary, and acknowledged to the notary that the document was freely signed.

On the other hand, documents requiring a jurat must be signed in the notary's presence, as indicated by typical jurat wording: "...subscribed and sworn to before me..."  In executing a jurat, a notary guarantees that the signer personally appeared, was administered an oath or affirmation by the notary, and signed in the notary's presence.

Regardless of whether the notarization requires an acknowledgment or a jurat, all signers must also sign the notary's official journal (the "journal of notarial acts").

A fax or photocopy may be notarized only if it bears an original signature.  That is, it must be signed with pen and ink.  For the protection of the document's signers, a photocopied or faxed signature cannot be notarized.

Note that some public recorders will not accept notarized signatures on faxed or photocopied pages because they often do not reproduce legibly (e.g., when microfilming, photocopying, scanning, etc.).  Also, if a document has been faxed onto glossy paper, the fax should be photocopied onto bond paper, and that copy then signed and notarized, as wording on glossy fax paper often fades quickly and illegibly.

When carbon copies are made, the notary will sometimes be asked to conform, rather than to notarize, the copies.  To conform a copy, the notary must reaffix his official seal on the copy (carbon usually does not readily transfer a seal impression) and write "Conformed Copy" prominently across the copy.

Typically, wills should not be notarized unless clear instructions and notarial wording are provided by an attorney.

Because wills are such sensitive and often-contested documents, there can be certain inherent risks for notaries - and signers - involved with them.  Notaries who - even with the best of intentions - make the mistake of helping others prepare a will may be sued by would-be or dissatisfied heirs.

Some individuals prepare their own wills and bring them to notaries with the intent of having them "legalized".  They may even depend upon the notary to recommend what kind of notarial act is appropriate.  But notaries have no legal authority to offer such advice.  And, whether notarized or not, these wills may subsequently prove to be of little value in a court of law if they are not properly prepared.

However, it is not illegal for a notary public to notarize a will.  Two impartial witnesses are required to sign as well.  Some lawyers would have you believe that they are the only ones qualified to prepare a valid will.  But many people prepare their own valid wills without any legal assistance whatsoever.  And many lawyers prepare wills that are later ruled invalid because of mistakes by the lawyer.

A certified notary signing agent is a notary public who has proven himself to be an expert in real estate loan document signings.  He has passed a formal test designed to demonstrate his knowledge and understanding of these relatively complex transactions, and is especially well-prepared and qualified to serve his client's needs with a high level of expertise and extensive firsthand experience.

In order to become certified as a notary signing agent, one must successfully complete an examination administered by a credible, independent entity.  I am certified as a notary signing agent by the National Notary Association (NNA), the most recognized and respected notary organization in the United States.  I am also a member of the NNA's Notary Signing Agent Section and the National Association of Signing Agents.

I truly appreciate your business, and while I may not always match another notary's lowest price, I will make every effort to be as competitive as possible, while providing you with the finest service available anywhere!

If you're an individual or a local business: For notarizations in Berkeley, Oakland, and the immediate area, I charge a $35 travel fee and $10 per notarized signature.  For example: if you require one notarized signature, the cost is $45 ($35 travel fee + $10 to notarize one signature); if you require four notarized signatures, the cost is $75 ($35 travel fee + $40 to notarize four signatures); and so on...  For San Francisco and other areas located beyond the immediate Berkeley / Oakland area, my travel fee is slightly higher.  (Travel fees vary depending upon the distance and location involved, so please inquire to obtain a precise quote for your specific needs.)

If you represent a lender, mortgage broker, title company, or signing service, and would like me to serve as the notary signing agent for a loan document package: My fee can be negotiated based upon such factors as: number and type of documents; method by which the documents are transmitted (email, courier service such as FedEx or UPS, etc.); amount of lead-time provided; urgency with which the documents must be completed and returned; travel requirements; and reasonable consideration of other any other special circumstances.

And, unlike many others, I do not charge extra for holidays, weekends, or evenings.  Whether it's Christmas or Kwanzaa, Easter Sunday or July 4th, New Year's Eve or Thanksgiving, my rates do not increase.  So if you need it done on a special day, not to worry.  Likewise, if you require my services at 10:00 p.m. (or even later), there's no additional charge.  And that includes weekends.

Whatever your notary needs may be, I'm always sincerely interested in earning your trust and your business.  I strive to keep my fees as reasonable as possible while maintaining the highest standards of quality in the industry.  If you have any questions regarding my fees or what I would charge for your specific needs, feel free to call me at 510-847-9323 and it will be my pleasure to assist you.  Please understand that while I must charge what is reasonable for the premium level of service I offer, I'm always glad to work with you in an effort to arrive at a fee you can comfortably afford.

What does "premium level of service" mean?
- It means that I treat you with the courtesy, respect, and dignity that everyone deserves.
- It means that I don't add any extra, unexpected charges, or quote you a lower figure and charge you a higher one.
- It means that when you schedule an appointment with me, I arrive punctually at the appointed location as promised.
- It means that I do the job honestly, accurately, and completely.
- It means that I do not require payment at the time of service.  I can send you an invoice afterward so that you can pay at your convenience.
- It means that I stand 100% behind the quality and integrity of my work.
- It means that if there is any problem whatsoever as a result of a mistake on my part, I will re-do the notarization at no cost to you.
- It means that you can call or email me with any questions you may have, and I'll do my best to help you, free of charge and with no obligation.
- It means that I provide an award-winning website full of information and resources designed with your needs in mind.
- And it means that if I cannot provide you with the service you require at a date and time that accommodates your schedule, or at a price that fits within your budget, I'm committed to helping you find other available notaries in the area.