How to Contact a Mobile Notary: What I Need From You
By Kim
When you need a mobile notary, you may think the first thing you should ask is, “Are you available?” While that may seem like a reasonable place to start, there is actually much more information I need before I can determine whether I can help you.
As a part-time mobile notary in Colorado Springs, my schedule can fill up quickly. I stay quite busy accepting assignments through professional signing platforms such as Snapdocs and Signing Order, in addition to working directly with my own clients. I also have another part-time job that takes time away from being a mobile notary. Because of this, I need some advance notice when you are looking for a notarization. I may not always be able to accommodate a last-minute request, even if I would love to help you. You can always pop-in to a UPS store for a fast notarization.
Please understand that I am a mobile notary—which means I come to you. Where you expect to meet is important!
I do not have a traditional office where you can simply walk in and wait for me. And although I do not maintain an office, I also do not conduct notarizations at my personal residence. My business is designed around mobility and convenience. I travel to a location that works for you.
That might be a coffee shop, restaurant, hotel, Airbnb, workplace, assisted living facility, or another appropriate public or private location where the notarization can be completed.
Because I am traveling to you, location is extremely important when determining whether I am available and what I charge for the appointment. Travel takes time and involves expenses, so I need to know where you will actually be located before I can give you an accurate answer. An address is extremely important.
What Should You Tell Me When You Contact Me?
Instead of simply sending a message that says, “Are you available?” please provide me with a few basic details right from the beginning. And, yes this is verbatim from several texts…and when I have responded that I was booked, the replies were not nice.
When contacting me, please tell me:
1. Your name
Let me know who I am speaking with. A name helps me keep track of your request and communicate with you professionally.
2. What you need notarized
Tell me what type of document or signing you need. For example, you might need a power of attorney, affidavit, real estate document, acknowledgment, jurat, or another document requiring notarization. If you aren’t sure what type of notarization you need, simply explain what you are trying to accomplish.
3. When you need it done
Please provide the date and, preferably, the specific time or a reasonable time window. Your expectations may be valid, that I can just ‘come on over’ but my availability can change throughout the day, particularly when I am completing other mobile appointments or accepting assignments through signing platforms.
4. Where you will be located
This is especially important for a mobile notary. Please provide the location where you would like me to meet you. A general area is helpful, but the actual address is best when you have it available. I am not a native of the Springs, thus cannot recall ‘the Starbucks at so and so…off the top of my head.
Why All of This Information Matters
A mobile notary appointment isn’t simply about finding an available 15 or 30-minute window. I have to consider travel time, mileage, scheduling, the nature of the signing, and the logistics involved in getting to you.
That’s why asking only, “Are you available?” doesn’t give me enough information to determine whether I can accept your appointment.
I truly want to make the process as easy as possible for my clients. The best way to help me help you is to provide the necessary information from the beginning.
Your name. What you need. When you need it. And where you will be.
With those four pieces of information, I can quickly review your request and determine whether I can accommodate you.
Thank you for understanding how a mobile notary business works—and for giving me the information I need to provide you with professional, timely service.