Frequently Asked Questions

A mobile notary is a Pennsylvania-commissioned notary public who travels to your location to notarize documents. Instead of you having to find and visit a notary office, we come to you - whether that's your home, office, hospital, or nursing facility. This is especially convenient for time-sensitive documents, elderly or mobility-impaired individuals, or busy professionals.

You need a valid, government-issued photo ID such as:

• Pennsylvania Driver's License or State ID
• U.S. Passport or Passport Card
• Military ID
• Other state driver's license or ID

The ID must be current (not expired) and the photo must be recognizable. Photocopies are not acceptable.

Yes! We specialize in elder care and medical facility notarizations. We regularly visit hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice centers. We understand the sensitive nature of these situations and work compassionately with patients and families. Our zone-based flat-rate pricing applies to these visits ($45 or $65 depending on location), which includes travel and the first notary stamp.

We recommend scheduling at least 24-48 hours in advance when possible. However, we understand that notary needs can be urgent. We often accommodate same-day appointments and offer emergency rush service (within 4 hours) for urgent situations. For loan signings, title companies typically schedule 2-3 days ahead.

Yes! We're available 7 days a week, including weekends and evenings. For after-hours or same-day emergency service, there's a $35 premium added to the base flat-rate price. This flexibility ensures you can get documents notarized when it's convenient for your schedule.

Yes, we are a certified loan signing agent! A loan signing is when mortgage documents (for purchases, refinances, or reverse mortgages) are notarized at closing. As a certified signing agent, we're trained to guide borrowers through the closing documents professionally and ensure everything is properly executed and returned to the title company. Our flat rate of $125 includes all signatures in the package and travel within 30 miles.

Yes! Power of Attorney (POA) documents are one of the most common documents we notarize. We can notarize both financial and healthcare POAs. The person granting the power (the principal) must personally appear before us with valid ID and sign in our presence. They must also be of sound mind and acting willingly. We cannot notarize for someone who cannot understand what they're signing.

Pennsylvania law does not require wills to be notarized - they only need to be signed by the testator and two witnesses. However, we can notarize a "self-proving affidavit" that accompanies the will, which can streamline probate later. For will signings, we recommend consulting with an attorney to ensure the document is properly executed according to PA law.

The signer must be able to communicate with the notary directly. If the signer doesn't speak English, we can proceed if:

• You provide a qualified interpreter (not a family member with interest in the transaction)
• The signer can confirm they understand what they're signing
• The signer can provide valid ID

We cannot notarize if we cannot communicate with the signer or if we doubt their understanding of the document.

No. As a notary public, I am not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice. I cannot tell you:

• Whether you should sign a document
• What the legal consequences of signing are
• How to fill out or prepare legal documents
• Which type of notarization is required

My role is solely to verify your identity, confirm you're signing willingly, and witness your signature. For legal questions, please consult an attorney.

Yes! I maintain:

• Valid Pennsylvania Notary Commission
• $1,000,000 Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance
• $10,000 Notary Bond (required by PA law)
• Background check verification
• NNA (National Notary Association) Certification for loan signings

These protections ensure you're working with a qualified, professional notary.

No, notaries in Pennsylvania are not permitted to keep copies of notarized documents (with rare exceptions for specific document types). However, I maintain a detailed notary journal that records:

• Date and time of notarization
• Type of document
• Signer's name and ID information
• Type of notarial act performed

This journal protects both of us and can be referenced if questions arise later.

Pennsylvania law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents for:

• Themselves
• Spouses

I can notarize for other family members (parents, siblings, children, etc.) as long as I'm not named in the document or receiving direct benefit from the transaction. However, best practice is to use an independent notary when possible to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest.

Our pricing is simple and transparent with flat-rate zone pricing:

• Zone 1 (0-15 miles): $45 flat rate (includes travel + 1st stamp)
• Zone 2 (15-30 miles): $65 flat rate (includes travel + 1st stamp)
• Additional stamps: $5 each (PA state maximum)
• Loan Signings: $125 flat rate (includes all signatures & travel within 30 miles)
• Emergency premium: +$35 for after-hours/same-day service

See our complete pricing page for details.

We accept:

• Cash
• Check (made payable to Archer Notary)
• Venmo
• Zelle

Payment is due at the time of service. For loan signings coordinated through title companies, we invoice the title company directly.

No separate travel fees! Our flat-rate pricing includes travel within each zone:

• Zone 1: $45 total (0-15 miles from Slippery Rock)
• Zone 2: $65 total (15-30 miles from Slippery Rock)

This single price includes travel, the appointment, and your first notary stamp. Additional stamps are $5 each. For locations beyond 30 miles, contact us for a custom quote.