Retaining a Notary who has experience in different areas. although it may not be necessary , there are advantages in hiring a professional who has  experience in different types of transactions.  Most notaries will display their qualifications on their website or social media profiles, so look for specializations that indicate knowledge base. For example if you need someone with a legal background, seek a notary that focuses in law; when you need a notary with an in-depth understanding of real estate transactions, hire a Loan Signing Agent who has experience with mortgage loan signings ask about their experience & or hire a multifaceted notary who is experienced in all areas! 
What are the examples of Specialty Notary Work?

1. Split Signings:  is a type of notary appointment that requires one notary to meet with a set of signers and another notary to meet with the other signers because not all signers cant attend at the same time.  These are popular specifically in Mortgage Loan Signings for Real Estate Transactions . An Example would be for out of state properties where one signer is in one state & the other in a different state.
2. Hybrid Signings:  is a type of signing where some of the loan package is signed or notarized in ink (wet signatures)  in person, and the rest is e-signed digitally. The bank or lender will dictate which documents should be paper signed or ink signed vs e-signed. 
3.  Estate Planning is the type of signing which includes a Power of Attorney, Will and a Trust sometimes other legal documents pertaining to real estate property & healthcare directive this is in the industry of the Law , Paralegals or Estate Planning Attorneys. 
4. Mail-Away Signings:  a common reason for needing a mail-away closing is when the seller had to quickly relocate for a new job and could not fly back to the property’s area to sign the documents. Typically all parties to a real estate transaction would be physically present at the closing table with a mail-away closings the documents are sent to the signers via email or by overnight delivery in advance to the out-of-town signer . Once the mail-away closer receives all documents he or  she must sign the forms in front of a notary. Once everything has been signed, initialed, and otherwise handled, then the out-of-town closer is responsible for mailing all the documents back to the sender.  If you are conducting a mail-away closing, you can choose to send the documents back overnight. This also applies to any legal transaction such as an Estate Planning package. Some signers hire Estate Planning firms to prepare their legal documents,  outside of the area in which they live in once the documents are ready, the firm either mails the original documents to the signers or directly to the notary to coordinate the signing. 
5. General Notary Work:  This type of Notary Service can be anything that needs to be notarized from 1 single document pertaining to Vital Records, Deeds, Retirement Paperwork, Fictitious Business Name for business, Death of Joint Tenant, Structure Settlements and so much more! 
6. Auto Loan Signings: Specifically an  Auto Equity Loan allows a person  to borrow money based on the current value of a  vehicle owned.  Notaries are hired to conduct the closing on those transactions and take pictures of the vehicle including the VIN number. once the notary sends all the info to the lender, they transfer the funds to the borrower by wire/electronic transfer or by cash through western union & or sometimes when the notary gets the documents sent to her,  a cashiers check is included in the loan documents package to give to the signer once the documents are completed. . 

Fees:
A mobile notary that travels onsite to execute documents is allowed to levy charges separate from the fees for actual services. These “convenience” fees are intended to cover the costs of transportation and can be as high as $150 in addition to the notary fee. This is why it’s important to ask about fees beforehand hiring a notary. 

Notary Service provider since 2008  

Mobile Notary vs. Storefront Notary Services: Which One Works Best for You?

When you need a document notarized, you might automatically think of heading to your nearest UPS store, AAA office, or local DMV. These brick-and-mortar locations often provide notary services as part of their broader range of offerings, but is that really your best option?

For many, a Mobile Notary Service offers more convenience and flexibility. In this post, we’ll explore why a mobile notary might be the better choice for you, especially when it comes to specialized services, time management, and avoiding unnecessary hassles.
What Does a Mobile Notary Do?
A mobile notary is a notary public who comes to you—whether you’re at home, at the office, or another location that’s most convenient for you. They’re fully trained and certified to notarize a wide variety of documents, including:

Mortgage Documents: Loan modifications, refinancing, closing documents
Estate Planning Documents: Wills, trusts, power of attorney
Affidavits, Prenups & Sworn Statements: Legal declarations
Other Legal and Business Documents: Contracts, certifications, and more

Mobile notaries are often highly trained, with many going above and beyond the basic certification required by the state. For instance, a Notary Signing Agent specializes in notarizing sensitive documents such as mortgage loans and typically carries additional insurance (Errors and Omissions) to protect against mistakes.

Why Choose a Mobile Notary Over a Storefront Notary?

At first glance, going to a storefront notary (like those offered at UPS, FedEx, or AAA) may seem convenient. After all, you simply show up, present your ID, and get your document notarized, right? 
However, there are several hidden inconveniences with this approach:

1. Limited Hours and Locations:  
   Most notary services at big-box stores have restricted hours and can require you to travel to their location sometimes at inconvenient times. If you forget your ID or need a document notarized last-minute, you might end up in a stressful situation.

2.Long Wait Times:  
   Depending on the store’s schedule, you may have to stand in line or wait your turn, which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight timeline.

3. Potential for Mistakes:  
   Notaries working at big-box stores may not have the specialized training required to handle sensitive documents like mortgages, estate planning, or other legal paperwork. Mistakes can happen, and some documents may even be **rejected** due to improper notarization or insufficient knowledge of specific requirements.

4.Lack of Flexibility:  
   Traditional notary services are often offered within fixed hours, and scheduling an appointment may not align with your needs or availability. You could find yourself rescheduling important work or personal obligations just to make it to a notary during regular office hours.
Mobile Notary Advantages
Choosing a mobile notary can eliminate many of these frustrations. Here’s why:

1. Convenience & Flexibility:  
   You choose the time and location that works best for you. Whether it's a weekend, evening, or even Sunday, a mobile notary can come to you—no need to take time off work or rearrange your day.
2. Personalized Service:  
Mobile notaries often work one-on-one with you, ensuring that your documents are properly notarized, signed, and verified. They have specialized knowledge in handling complex documents, such as loan modifications and legal affidavits, reducing the risk of errors.
3. Stress-Free Process:  
   he convenience of a mobile notary means you don’t have to travel to an office, stand in line, or wait for your turn. Plus, there’s no need to worry about forgetting your ID or driving across town to find an available notary—your mobile notary comes to you with everything you need.

4.Expert Certification:  
   Many mobile notaries hold additional certifications, such as becoming a Notary Signing Agent for mortgages or legal documents, ensuring that the notarization is legally binding and performed correctly. 
5. Availability After Hours:  
   Mobile notaries are often available outside of normal office hours, making it much easier to get documents notarized at your convenience.
When Should You Choose a Mobile Notary?
A mobile notary is an excellent choice if you:
- Need a notary outside of regular business hours (weekends, evenings, holidays)
- Are signing important legal documents (e.g., mortgages, estate planning) and need expert assistance
- Want to avoid the hassle of traveling to a storefront and dealing with wait times or scheduling conflicts
- Want to save time and reduce stress in completing time-sensitive paperwork

Conclusion: What Works Best for You?
When deciding between a mobile notary and a storefront notary, the most important factor is convenience. While traditional storefront services may seem convenient at first, the extra time, travel, and potential for mistakes may make them a less-than-ideal choice for frequent or complex notarization needs.

If you're looking for a stress-free, reliable, and flexible option, mobile notary services offer a solution that works around your schedule and provides peace of mind knowing your documents will be properly handled.

Thank you for visiting my blog! If you, or someone you know, are looking for a notary, feel free to text me for more information or to schedule your mobile notary appointment today.

​ 
Myth One:  A Notary Can Give Legal Advice
A notary cannot give legal advice.  Although there are notaries who are also paralegals people tend to think that paralegals can give legal advice. In fact, both notaries and paralegal are prevented from giving advice under any circumstance. The only exception is if they were both also an attorney who is acting in a legal capacity for the client. A Notary CAN provide you with legal information which is open and available to the public by a simple online search.
 
Myth TWO:  Drafting Documents
Just as a notary cannot give legal advice, a notary cannot help the person they’re signing for draft documents. The only time that they are allowed to do so is if they are a paralegal, working under the supervision of a licensed attorney.  A Notary CAN draft a document only if the notary is also a legal Document assistant and working in the capacity of an LDA.  You can find a Document Legal Assistant in California on this site.   https://calda.org/
 
Myth THREE: Provides Services to US Citizens
A notary provides services to the public, not just US citizens. Being able to do this makes sense because non-citizens often require notarizations for documents related to immigration and citizenship. When notarizing for a non-US citizen, the notary is still required to follow their state procedures to verify the identity of the signer
 
Myth FOUR A Notary’s Job Is Easy
There is so much more to it than show up, stamp, and leave. Training to become a notary is involved as well as specific training to handle mortgage loan documents. Not only does a notary need to be versed in the type of paperwork they are handling, but also the type of notarization that is required. There are different types of notarizations and specific language for the notarization that must be correct on the document. Also, there is pressure placed on notaries to meet timelines, and have legal responsibilities (and repercussions) should they fail to follow state-mandated protocol.
 
Myth FIVE:  A Understanding the details of the documents they are notarizing.
A notary must verify that the client meets the requirements to sign the document and that the notarial language on the document is correct. Beyond that, a notary is under no obligation to understand or explain the specifics of a document. If the client is uncomfortable signing a document, the notary has a good faith obligation to not notarize the document and refer the client to the document issuer for clarification.
 
Myth #SIX: A Notary from a foreign country is the same as a Notary Public in the USA
The US is the only country in which notaries do not need to be Attorneys, to provide notary services, Foreign Notaries from different countries offer advanced legal services, services that surpass those of a notary public in the United States. Unfortunately, this causes confusion for Spanish speakers in the US, and some unscrupulous companies draw in people with the title and then charge them an exorbitant fee for simple notary services. More information can be found in the National Notary Association’s article, Important Differences Between Notaries & “Notarios“.
 
Myth SEVEN:  A Notary Must Provide Services
Some people believe that a notary is required to provide services when contracted to do so. While is it rare for a notary to refuse services, some of the most common reasons that a notary can — and sometimes, legally must — refuse to notarize something. Is if they suspect fraud, if they cannot identify the signer, or the signer is not willing or is being coerced.  A notary is providing signing services for perfectly legitimate legal documents 99.9% of the time. But there are those very rare occasions where something just doesn’t look or feel right. Sometimes it goes beyond just a feeling, and the fraud is obvious.  The primary job of a notary is to verify the identity of the person who will be signing the document. If they are unable to do so, whether because the person hasn’t brought valid identification or the notary signing agent suspects that the identification isn’t authentic, then they must refuse to provide the notarization. Notaries see a lot of interactions between people. In general, the interactions are between people who have the same goal and are entering into an agreement willingly. But if the notary believes that a particular signer is being coerced into signing, the notary must refuse to provide notarization.
 
 
Myth EIGHT:  A Notary can help complete Immigration Documents.
Just like the myth where a notary can give legal advice, there is also a misconception that a Notary CAN help fill out Immigration Documents, the only time a notary can fill out Immigration Documents is if the Notary is also an Immigration Specialist Consultant the California Secretary of State can help you find an Immigration consultant on their website. https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/immigration-consultants
 
Myth NINE: Notaries Only Work Normal Business Hours
While the bank might only be open to offer notary services during normal business hours, that’s just not the case for most notary signing agents. Most notaries work independently and offer flexible hours to accommodate a wide range of clients. Many mobile notaries offer service well beyond business hours, including weekends.
 
Myth TEN:  Notarizing a Document Makes It Legal
No, a notarized document simply means that the person who signed the document was verified by the notary to be that person. It means that the notary was presented with the proper identification and verified the signer’s identity and that the document was not signed under duress. A notarization alone does not make a document legal or binding.
 
When something isn’t completely understood, it’s fertile ground for myths and misconceptions.
 
I provide notary services to all companies, attorney’s mortgage companies, lenders, people who need the services of the notary to finalize their paperwork. I am happy to have the opportunity to provide some clarification. How can I assist your company and its document signing needs?
Susana Landa Notary Service Provider serving the Kern County area. Thank You 

Grateful to all of my customers, clients and contacts who continue to use my services all these years !
Thank you for the referrals  Looking forward to serving you in 2021 :) 
 Proudly Serving Kern County and Surrounding Communities!
Since 2008 here to serve your needs.
If you need a service that you don't see listed call or text

Below is an example of the services I provide:  

General Notary Documents: Deeds, Agreements, Birth Certificate Request forms, Power of Attorney, Letters, Real Estate and Mortgage Documents & anything that needs to be Notarized.

Certified Mortgage Loan Signing Services or Loan Signing Agent Services 
•             Coordination of the appointment
•             Document Receipt; Duplication; Transportation; to the parties
•             Presentation of closing documents to the parties for signatures; & Notarization
•             Delivery to shipping carrier of closing documents.
Refi’s √Purchases √LoanMod √Sellers Packages √Commercial          √HELOC
 
RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) also known as Application Signing 
I  come in & provide homebuyers, borrowers or  sellers with complete settlement cost disclosures collect signatures and  gather up the documents such as bank statements, pay stubs, divorce decree, W-2s, tax returns, insurance information, homeowner's association information, letters of explanation, etc. Whatever underwriting software told the loan officer that would be needed in order to approve the loan, nothing to notarize. This service is popular for the community who does not have access to a computer, fax or is unable to email, or e-sign. Notaries are good in-betweens when a customer is applying for a loan to collect the information, watch the customers sign and send the info back to the requestor. These are known in the Mortgage/Real-estate/Notary community as Application Signings.  

Auto Title Notary or DMV Signings
 Receive Title Loan Documents, travel directly to the vehicle owner and execute documents on the spot, Verify the VIN Number, Take Pictures (if needed) Notarize any documents needed to be notarized,
Send back.
Estate Planning – Binders or Portfolios
Attorneys: Send your client’s portfolio to me and I will arrange the appointment to meet with them at their convenience, to sign & notarize.
OR
If you have sent the portfolio or binder to your client to find a notary, I can take care of the signing at their convenience. Recently, I received a request to conduct the signing of Estate Planning package (s) for 3 clients, these documents were organized in a binder referred to as a portfolio. These came in directly from an Estate Planning company who sent them to me through overnight shipping, requesting I contact the customers set up the appointment and execute the documents including the notarization of their signatures.  In other instances, I have conducted the same type of signing and execution of documents, when attorney is sending the documents directly to the clients leaving them to find a #notary.
,
Document Retrieval   of public records for Felony, Misdemeanor, and Civil Court cases in the county of Kern state of California
ensure faster delivery and accurate results.

• Order dockets and documents from all federal and state courts.
• Receive order confirmation and communication throughout the process.
• Drive to the court house go to the clerk’s window request specified documents of the case by providing the Case number to the clerk, wait while the clerk prints the documents, pay the clerk & drive back to my location to deliver documents to requestor either by fax, email, overnight delivery or snail mail or any combination.

Most orders are completed in 48 to 72 hours unless in archives in that case it may take 7 to 15 days to retrieve a file. Copies can be returned to you electronically as an email attachment or by fax. Fee is broken down, by travel, waiting time, cost per page-copies, and fax backs. Also, in some cases a 2nd trip will have to be made for the documents requested that need to be pulled from the records warehouse. All fees are negotiable, please call for a quote
​
​Copy Fax & Print:  
Faxing? Yes  need your documents faxed after they have been notarized? I can do that too.
Scanning? yes, I can scan the documents for you and email them to whoever you want me to 
Copies? Yes $1 per page. 
Printing? yes you don't have a printer but need something printed? that can be arranged. 

Typing or Secretarial Service available. If you want me to type a document that can be arranged, keep in mind I will not be acting as Notary when I do. That service falls under Secretarial or Typing Service. 

​I also make Natural Products like Soaps, Lotions and Hand Sanitizer 
So, why use natural soap?
Here are the top 3 reasons:
Natural soap won’t dry out your skin or cause any other skin irritation as all the ingredients are gentle and skin safe.
Natural soap does not contain synthetic ingredients, which can be absorbed by the skin (the body’s largest organ) and sometimes get into the bloodstream causing problems.
Natural soap is often subtler scented with natural essential oils & are colored naturally by the ingredients used.  For example, honey gives a soap a golden color, coffee gives a nice dark brown, carrots give the soap a nice orange color, and coconut milk gives the soap a nice natural off-white tone. Sweet Orange essential oil gives the soap a nice soft tangerine color. If you’re looking to try out a natural soap, my soaps contain all-natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals, with a selection of different blends and subtle scents. 

Recently I received a request to conduct the signing of Estate Planning package (s) for 3 clients, these documents were organized in a binder referred to as a portfolio.These came in directly from an Estate Planning company who sent them to me through over night shipping, requesting I  contact the customers set up the appointment and execute the documents including the  notarization of their signatures.  In other instances I have conducted the same type of signing and execution of documents, when attorney's send the documents directly to the clients leaving them to find a #notary. 
What is Estate Planning? 
Estate planning is the process of arranging, during a person's life, for the management and disposal of that person's estate during the person's life  and after death, while minimizing gift, estate, generation skipping transfer, and income tax. Estate planning includes planning for incapacity as well as a process of reducing or eliminating uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximizing the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. The goal of estate planning can be determined by the specific goals of the client and may be as simple or complex as the client's needs dictate. Guardians are often designated for minor children and beneficiaries in incapacity. 
Estate planning involves the will, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of appointment, property ownership (joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, tenancy in common, tenancy by the entirety), gift, and powers of attorney, specifically the durable financial power of attorney and the durable medical power of attorney.

#Wills
Wills are a common estate planning tool, and are usually the simplest device for planning the distribution of an estate. It is important that a will be created and executed in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction where it is created. If it is possible that probate proceedings will occur in a different jurisdiction, it is important also to ensure that the will complies with the laws of that jurisdiction or that the jurisdiction will follow the provisions of a valid out-of-state will even if they might be invalid for a will executed in that jurisdiction.
 
#Trusts
A trust may be used as an estate planning tool, to direct the distribution of assets after the person who creates the trust passes away. Trusts may be used to provide for the distribution of funds for the benefit of minor children or developmentally disabled children. For example, a spendthrift trust may be used to prevent wasteful spending by a spendthrift child, or a special needs trust may be used for developmentally disabled children or adults. Trusts offer a high degree of control over management and disposition of assets.[9] Furthermore, certain types of trust provisions can provide for the management of wealth for several generations past the settlor. Typically referred to as dynasty planning, these types of trust provisions allow for the protection of wealth for several generations after a person's death.
 
#Advance directives
An estate plan may include the creation of advance directives, documents that direct what will happen to a person's estate and in relation to their personal care if the person becomes legally incapacitated. For example, an estate plan may include a healthcare proxy, durable power of attorney, and living will.
 
Some estate planning attorneys often advise clients to also create a living will. Specific final arrangements, such as whether to be buried or cremated, are also often part of the documents.

If you or a someone you know received estate planning packet, binder or portfolio and were left to find you own #Notary
Give me a call and will arrange a meeting where you can sign your documents and have them #notarized at the same time. 

https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/estate-finance

There are a few things you will need to apply for a real ID
Proof of Identity: Original or Certified US Birth Certificate, unexpired US Passport, employment authorization document, permanent resident card or foreign passport with a valid US visa and approved I-94 form
Proof of Social Security Number(SSN Card, W-2 or pay-stub with full SSN) 
Proof of California Residency (printed copy of home utility bill, vehicle registration card, mortgage or lease agreement, bank account or property tax bill) 
Read ID requires proof of 2 residency documents 
A name change document such as a certified marriage certificate  or divorce decree, is required if the name on your identity document is different than the name on your application . Multiple name change documents are needed if your name has changed multiple times
www.dmv.ca.gov or call 800-777-0133

Vital Records
If you cannot find  your Birth Certificate you can apply for one form the  Vital Records of the county in which you were born. Download the application fill it out , the form titled "Sworn Statement" needs to be signed in front of a #notary. 
Application For Certified Copy Of Marriage Record and Application For Certified Copy Of A Birth Record are the names of the Applications that are required to be signed in front of a #notary. 
County Registrars and Recordershttps://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/County-Registrars-and-Recorders.aspx
Social Security Card 
If you lost your Social Security Card you can apply for a new one 
The first step is to learn what documents you need. You’ll need to show us a U.S. driver’s license, a state issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport to prove your identity. Sometimes you may also need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful non citizen status with a birth certificate or passport. Keep in mind that all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies are not acceptable, nor #notarized copies of documents. Once you’re clear on what documents you’ll need, the second step is to print the Application for a Social Security Card, so you can fill it out. Finally, the third step is to  mail your application and original documents to the your local Social Security Office or go to the  Social Security Website and it will take you to a screen where you can find the address of your local office
https://www.ssa.gov/

Hey! I just found $30 of unclaimed money from Kaiser Foundation Health Plan!! sitting on the Unclaimed Property Website of the California State Controller’s office YAY♥
 One of the best feelings is finding money you didn’t know you had whether it's on the street or in the pocket of an old pair of jeans, in the washing machine or dryer,  finding money feels like you have won the lottery.
So, what is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed Property is generally defined as any financial asset that has been left inactive by the owner for a period of time specified in the law, generally three (3) years. The California Unclaimed Property Law does NOT include real estate. Unused gift certificates are also generally excluded from unclaimed property and are not sent to the State as unclaimed property. The most common types of Unclaimed Property are:
 

• Bank accounts and safe deposit box contents
• Stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and dividends
• Uncashed cashier’s checks and money orders
• Certificates of deposit
• Matured or terminated insurance policies
• Estates
• Mineral interests and royalty payments
• Trust funds and escrow accounts

 
While finding money might seem like a fluke there is actually billions of dollars sitting with state governments right now. The cash comes from uncashed paychecks, forgotten bank accounts, unclaimed refunds, and insurance payments that were never collected. After a company or financial institution loses touch, that cash is considered abandoned and is handed over to the state government until it's claimed.
 
How Do I Find Out If You Have Unclaimed Property? 
 
Search here, to find out. https://www.sco.ca.gov/upd_msg.html
 
Follow the prompts, if you do have unclaimed property or funds, there will be options on claiming your funds electronically or paper. Each state has its own rules about filing a claim online or by mail. If the money is over a certain amount, the state may require the claim form be notarized. Check your unclaimed money status today If you decide to print the paper claim form there will be an area you need to sign In front of a #Notary (that’s where I come in) print it and bring it to me to have it notarized , mail it off. That’s IT!!! Simple
 
Good Luck! and hope you find some unclaimed money 😊
 

​Why have a document Notarized? is the question I get time and time again, today being one of those days. A woman called my office asking me why does a document need to be notarized, my reply? for the purpose of "Self-Authenticating."
What is self-authenticating? According to the law of evidence (Rule Number 902) in the United States, self-authenticating documents are that which can be admitted into evidence at a trial without proof being submitted to support the claim that the document is what it appears to be. In short, these are documents those which do not require outside evidence of authenticity in order to be admitted in evidence. Several categories of documents are deemed to be self-authenticating. 
Under Rule Number 902 of the Federal Rule of Evidence there are 14 Items of evidence which are self-authenticating; they require no extrinsic evidence of authenticity in order to be admitted: Item 8 Pertains to the #Notary
Acknowledged Documents. A document accompanied by a certificate of acknowledgment that is lawfully executed by a notary public or another officer who is authorized to take acknowledgments.


What is a Notary Public?

• Is an official of integrity appointed by state government typically by the secretary of state
• Serves the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents.
• Screens the signers of important documents — such as property deeds, wills and powers of attorney — for their true identity, their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction.
• Puts the signer under an oath, declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct.
• Certifies the proper execution of many of the life-changing documents of private citizens whether those diverse transactions convey real estate, grant powers of attorney, establish a prenuptial agreement, or perform the multitude of other activities that enable our civil society to function

Thanks for reading this article I hope you find it useful. Give me a call or checkout my website blog for more information on how I can help you