Frequently Asked Questions

No. Do not sign the document in advance unless specifically instructed. For documents requiring an oath or affirmation (jurats) as well as acknowledgments, the signer must execute the signature in the physical presence of the notary. If you pre-sign a document that requires a jurat, the notary cannot notarize it without requiring a fresh, unsigned copy to be executed in front of them.

If additional witnesses are required for your document (such as a Will, Healthcare Proxy, or specific deed instrument), the signer must arrange them in advance unless the provider expressly confirms otherwise. Each witness must be a competent adult who is a disinterested third party (not named or financially benefiting in the document) and must also bring acceptable, current government photo ID. The notary cannot promise to provide witnesses.

Yes. Our mobile notary services travel directly to signers at their private residences, corporate offices, law firms, financial institutions, hospitals, or quiet neutral meeting locations, subject to document requirements, service-area coverage, scheduling, and notary availability.

We coordinate in-person appointments throughout the five boroughs of New York City—specifically Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island—as well as Nassau County on Long Island. Specific location eligibility, scheduling windows, and any applicable travel fees are confirmed prior to booking.

Yes, we regularly notarize New York statutory short form powers of attorney, limited powers of attorney, and durable financial authorizations. The principal (and any co-agents executing acknowledgments) must attend in person, possess valid photo ID, and demonstrate clear mental capacity and willingness to execute the instrument freely. Note that New York power of attorney forms also mandate two disinterested witnesses in addition to the notary.

Important distinction: A notary public generally notarizes a person’s signature or administers an oath; notarization does not certify the legal authenticity of an original birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or government-issued vital record. Under New York law, true certified copies of vital records can only be issued by the relevant government department or registrar (e.g., Department of Health). However, if an individual is signing a sworn affidavit regarding a vital record, the signature on the affidavit itself can be notarized.

No. A notary public cannot notarize documents that lack a notarial certificate, blank documents containing uncompleted critical text, documents where the signer is not physically present, or documents where the signer lacks capacity or acts under duress. Furthermore, notaries are prohibited from certifying public vital records or notarizing instruments in which they hold a direct personal or financial interest. Document eligibility must be confirmed in advance.

You can submit an inquiry through our online appointment form or email us at rizwanrizvi.ny@gmail.com. Please provide the document type, preferred date and time, number of signers, whether witnesses are needed, and the target location or borough. We will review your requirements, confirm notary availability and applicable travel fees, and finalize your appointment time.

If your document will be submitted to a foreign court, embassy, consulate, or overseas government authority, it frequently requires an Apostille (for countries party to the Hague Convention) or formal Department of State authentication following notarization. You should inform us before the appointment so that the notarial certificate conforms precisely to New York county clerk and New York Department of State authentication standards.