Frequently Asked Questions

What identification is required?

Signers generally need an acceptable, current government-issued photo ID. Requirements can vary by notarial act and online identity-verification process.

Can every document be notarized online?

No. Eligibility depends on the document, signer, jurisdiction, and receiving party. Confirm that the recipient will accept a remote online notarization.

Should I sign before the appointment?

Usually no. Keep the document complete but unsigned unless the notary or document instructions specifically direct otherwise.

Can a notary give legal advice?

No. A notary cannot choose a certificate, explain legal consequences, or advise which document you need unless separately authorized as an attorney.

How are loan packages priced online?

Eligible RON buyer packages are $150 and seller packages are $100 for up to two signers. Required notarizations are included. When a witness is required, Arkansas eNotary can provide one for $5 per witness. A customer-provided translator or observer adds no fee.

Important: confirm your document requirements before you sign

• Ask the receiving organization first. A court, agency, employer, title company, school, medical provider, foreign authority, or other recipient may have its own rules for remote notarization, witnesses, wording, identification, and originals.
• Notarization does not make an invalid document legally effective. A notary verifies identity, witnesses a signature or administers an oath, and completes the notarial certificate. A notary does not decide whether the document is legally sufficient or enforceable.
• Witness and attorney requirements may differ. Ask the receiving party or a qualified attorney what is required before scheduling.
• Arkansas eNotary does not prepare legal documents or give legal advice. This includes choosing or drafting custody, guardianship, child-support, power-of-attorney, estate, immigration, or other legal forms.

Out-of-state signers and Arkansas RON

Arkansas guidance states that an Arkansas remote online notary must be physically located in Arkansas, while the signer may be outside the state. The document, receiving party, destination jurisdiction, and approved technology still determine whether the transaction is eligible. Confirm acceptance with the recipient and review the Arkansas Secretary of State eNotary and RON guidance.

Minor travel, custody, guardianship, and child-support documents

A notarial act may be possible when the completed document contains an appropriate certificate and the requested act is eligible. Parents and guardians should ask the airline, destination country, school, court, medical provider, attorney, or other receiving organization exactly what is required. The U.S. Department of State's International Traveler's Checklist discusses travel with children. Arkansas eNotary does not select, write, or advise on custody, guardianship, or child-support documents.

Apostilles and international documents

Notarization and an apostille or authentication are separate steps. For qualifying Arkansas public documents, review the Arkansas Secretary of State apostille and certification instructions. The destination country determines what it will accept.

For federal documents and general authentication information, use the U.S. Department of State authentication guide. For country-specific requirements, contact the receiving institution and the appropriate embassy or consulate using the State Department's foreign embassy and consulate directory.

Form I-9 employment verification

Form I-9 is not automatically a notarization. An employer may designate a person, including a notary, as its authorized representative. In that separate role, the representative follows the employer's instructions and does not apply a notarial seal merely because they are a notary. Review USCIS Form I-9 employer guidance and ask the employer what process it requires.