FAQ · Reliable Notary

Question 1

What ID do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

A current, unexpired government-issued photo ID — Florida or out-of-state driver license, state-issued ID card, US passport, or US military ID. The original is required; photocopies and digital photos do not satisfy the Florida notarial ID requirement. Every signer on the document must have one. Ernest compares each ID against the notary journal before any signature goes on the page.

Question 2

When are witnesses required, and does Ernest supply them?

Accepted Answer

Most of the documents Ernest notarizes — acknowledgements, jurats, powers of attorney, deeds, and most sworn statements — do not require witnesses. A smaller subset does: some estate-planning originals, certain sworn statements, and a few lender-specific loan documents. Ernest does not supply disinterested witnesses — when your document calls for one (or two), bring them yourself, and Ernest will brief them on their role before the signing.

Question 3

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Cash, all major credit and debit cards, Zelle, and Venmo — pick whichever is easiest at the appointment. Nothing is charged up front and no deposit is required to hold the slot. Payment is due when Ernest arrives, after the signing is complete and the journal entry is on file.

Question 4

What is the cancellation and reschedule policy?

Accepted Answer

Free reschedule or free cancel with at least 24 hours of notice — just reply to the confirmation email. A same-day cancel (less than 24 hours out) is a small fee to cover the trip that was already scheduled. A no-show is the full appointment fee, because the slot was held for you and not offered to anyone else.

Question 5

Am I eligible for Remote Online Notary, and when do you recommend RON vs. in-person?

Accepted Answer

Florida allows Remote Online Notary (RON) for most document types — common exceptions are original estate-planning instruments and certain loan documents. To qualify you need a Florida Real ID or passport, a working webcam, a working microphone, and a stable internet connection. Ernest recommends RON when you are traveling, sick, or short on time, and in-person when the document needs physical witnesses (loan signings, some estate documents) or when wet-ink signatures are specifically requested by the lender or recipient.

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