1. What type of ID is acceptable? Any one of the following Valid Identifications (providing they are current) are acceptable: Driver’s License, State Identification Card, credible witness (for a person who does not have current ID), US Passport, US Military ID Card,  ID Card

2. What is your service area? I come to you at your home, office, job site or any place that is most convenient for you.   I primarily offer coverage in and around Carroll County, MD.  I also commonly offer service to surrounding counties including Frederick, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel.

3. What do you need at the time of signing? Please review all documents for the correct spelling of names and correct dates. Please complete all forms except signatures and notarized areas. Make sure to bring a valid identification for the signing.

4. What form of payment do you accept? I accept cash, check, CashApp, Venmo, Zelle, and ApplePay.  For your convenience, I also provide invoicing for companies and repeat clients.

5. How do I schedule an appointment, request a quote, or ask questions? Please text 410-929-2555 or email info@ashliethenotary.com for all inquiries. Response time is less than 30 minutes.

1. What is a notary public? A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government —typically by the secretary of state — to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents. These official acts are called notarizations, or notarial acts. Notaries are publicly commissioned as “ministerial” officials, meaning that they are expected to follow written rules without the exercise of significant personal discretion, as would otherwise be the case with a “judicial” official. 

A Notary's duty is to screen 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. Some notarizations also require the Notary to put the signer under an oath, declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct.

Impartiality is the foundation of the Notary's public trust. They are duty-bound not to act in situations where they have a personal interest. The public trusts that the Notary’s screening tasks have not been corrupted by self-interest. And impartiality dictates that a Notary never refuse to serve a person due to race, nationality, religion, politics, sexual orientation or status as a non-customer. As official representatives of the state, Notaries Public certify 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.

2. What types of documents do you notarize? Power of Attorney, Divorce Agreements, Affidavits, Oath Cards, Parental Consent Letters, Bonds, Copy Certifications, Wills & Trusts, Guardianships, Domestic Partnerships, Bill of Sale, Passport & Visa Authentications, Adoption Documents, Contracts, Corporate Documents, Vehicle Title Transfers, Spousal Consent Forms, Condo Conversions, Advanced Health Care Directive, Estate Plans, Proof of Life Documents, Real Estate Documents, Proof of Residency, And many more!

1. What is a signing agent? A Notary Signing Agent is a Notary who has special expertise to handle and notarize loan documents. For lenders, Notary Signing Agents are the critical final link to complete the loan. A Notary Signing Agent is hired as an independent contractor to ensure that real estate loan documents are executed by the borrower, notarized and returned for processing on time. Completing this critical part of the loan process enables the loan to be funded.

2. What types of loan signings do you handle? Seller Packages, Purchases, HELOC, Refi Packages, and more. I am a NNA certified Loan Signing Agent, Maryland Title Insurance Producer, background screened, and E&O insured.

3. What can a notary signing agent do & not do? 

   • A notary public can: Attest documents and certify their execution for use in the USA and abroad; Certify Powers of Attorney, contracts, deeds, wills and numerous other legal documents; Administer oaths for local and international documents; Witness signatures to statutory declarations, powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts and other legal documents; Certify copy of documents for use in the US and abroad; 

   • A notary public cannot: Offer legal advice, or modify any terms on a document; Notarize blank or incomplete documents; Notarize signatures of people who are not present

1. What is an Apostille? An Apostille is the name for a specialized certificate, issued by  the Maryland Secretary of State. The Apostille is attached to your original document to verify it is legitimate and authentic so it will accepted in one of the other countries who are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

2. How do I get an Apostille? The priority apostille service saves you time and money by processing your documents directly with the Secretary of State Office in Annapolis, MD. Book an appointment and I will meet with you to pick up your documents and get the process started.