FAQs – The Bluest Ink

What is a notary public?
A notary public is a state-appointed official who verifies the identity of signers, confirms they are signing willingly, and helps deter fraud by witnessing signatures.
Why do documents need to be notarized?
Many legal and financial documents require notarization to help verify authenticity and reduce the risk of fraud.
What types of documents can be notarized?
We notarize a wide variety of documents, including:
Powers of Attorney
Affidavits
Wills (where permitted)
Trust documents
Real estate documents
Vehicle title transfers
Medical authorizations
School forms
Business agreements
Adoption paperwork
Travel consent forms
Divorce documents
Custody agreements
Employment verification forms
And many more.
Can you explain my legal documents?
No. A notary public cannot provide legal advice or explain the legal meaning of documents unless they are also acting as your attorney in a legal representation.

What identification do I need?
Generally, you’ll need a current government-issued photo ID such as:
Driver’s license
State ID
Passport
Military ID
Can I use an expired ID?
In most situations, no. Your identification should be current or otherwise acceptable under state law.

Do I need an appointment?
No. Appointments are not needed for simple notary matters. However, appointments are necessary for legal matters.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
We can accommodate same-day appointments when scheduling permits.
How long does a notarization take?
Most notarizations take between 5 and 15 minutes.
What if I need multiple documents notarized?
No problem.

Do you travel to homes, hospitals, nursing homes, or businesses?
Yes. We provide mobile notary services at your preferred location.
How far do you travel?
Travel areas vary. Contact us with your location for availability and travel fees.
Is there an additional travel fee?
Yes. Mobile notary services include a travel fee in addition to the notarization fee. You can find current mobile notary fees on our price list.

Do you offer online notarization?
Yes. Eligible documents can often be notarized securely through an approved online notarization platform.
What do I need for an online notarization?
Typically you’ll need:
A computer or smartphone
High-speed internet
A government-issued photo ID
Access to email
Your unsigned document
Are online notarizations legal?
Yes, when performed in accordance with applicable state law.

Should I sign my document before arriving?
No. Unless instructed otherwise, wait until the notary tells you to sign.
Can I bring an unsigned document?
Yes. In fact, most documents should remain unsigned until you’re with the notary.
Do I need to bring witnesses?
We usually have witnesses available in our office, except on Saturdays. If your document requires witnesses, please call ahead to ensure witnesses will be present in the office.
Can the notary serve as my witness?
No. In Louisiana, notaries are prohibited from serving as both the notary and a witness in the same transaction.

How much does notarization cost?
Fees vary depending on the type of notarization, state regulations, travel, and any additional services requested. Please check our price list for current prices.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, major credit cards, debit cards, and other electronic payment methods.
Are there extra fees for evenings or weekends?
After-hours, weekend, holiday, or emergency appointments may include additional travel or convenience fees.

Can you notarize documents for someone in a hospital?
Yes, provided the signer is aware, willing, and able to communicate their intent.
Can you notarize documents for someone with dementia?
A notary may only notarize documents for individuals who appear to understand what they are signing and are signing willingly.
Can you notarize documents in a nursing home?
Yes.
Can you visit correctional facilities?
Depending on facility policies and scheduling, yes.
Can you notarize documents in another language?
Yes, as long as the notarial certificate complies with applicable law and the signer understands what they are signing.

Can you notarize mortgage closing documents?
Yes.
Can you notarize vehicle title transfers?
Yes. We also assist with motor vehicle paperwork where permitted.
Can you help with vehicle registration services?
Yes. Contact us to learn about available vehicle title and registration services.

Do you provide notary services for businesses?
Yes. We serve banks, law firms, healthcare providers, title companies, dealerships, and businesses of all sizes.
Can you notarize large document packages?
Absolutely.
Do you offer recurring business notary services?
Yes. Businesses can schedule recurring mobile notary visits.

Can a notarized document be rejected?
Yes. A notarization verifies identity and proper execution—it does not guarantee that a document is legally valid or enforceable.
Does notarization make a document legal?
Not necessarily. Notarization verifies the signing process but does not determine the legality or accuracy of the document.
Can you notarize copies?
Some states permit copy certifications for certain documents, while others do not. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Can a notary provide legal services?
No. We have an attorney on staff who provides legal services.
What legal services do you provide?
Our attorney provides uncontested legal services such as uncontested divorces, successions, name changes, and adoptions. Please contact us for a full list of legal services provided.

How do I schedule an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome for most matters. Please contact us directly to schedule in-office appointments. You can book an online notary appointment here.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve our local Baton Rouge community and surrounding areas. Contact us to confirm service availability in your location.
What if I need an emergency notarization?
Emergency, evening, weekend, and holiday appointments may be available based on scheduling.

Do you handle complex notarizations?
Yes. We have extensive experience with documents that require extra attention, including estate planning documents, business transactions, and specialized notarizations.
Do you offer vehicle title and registration services?
Yes. In addition to notarizations, we assist with many title transfers, registration transactions, and other motor vehicle paperwork.
Are you insured?
Yes. We maintain the required commission, bond (where applicable), and professional liability insurance.
Why choose The Bluest Ink?
Our clients choose us because we combine professionalism, convenience, and years of experience with responsive customer service. Whether you need a single document notarized or assistance with a complex transaction, we’re committed to making the process smooth, accurate, and efficient.