Frequently asked questions

General Notary Questions

  • A notary public serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Their role is to verify the identity of the signer, confirm their willingness to sign, and ensure the document is completed without fraud or coercion.

  • Yes. A notarization confirms the authenticity of the signatures and identities involved. While it doesn’t prove the truth of the document’s contents, it adds a layer of legal protection and is often required for official acceptance by courts, banks, title companies, and government agencies.

  • No. While based in Knoxville, Knox Notary Co. provides mobile notary services across Knox, Blount, Loudon, Sevier, Anderson, and Union counties, and offers Remote Online Notarization (RON) to clients anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.

Mobile Notary Services

  •  Yes. I frequently work with clients in hospitals, rehab facilities, assisted living, and nursing homes. Please let me know if the signer has limited mobility or requires special accommodations.

  • Yes. I am experienced in providing notary services at correctional facilities. Arrangements must be coordinated with the facility ahead of time, and additional travel/wait time fees may apply.

  • Tennessee sets a maximum fee per notarization, but travel fees vary depending on distance, time of day, and location. I always provide a clear estimate before the appointment.

  • Some documents, such as wills or powers of attorney, may require witnesses in addition to the notary. You are responsible for providing witnesses, but I can advise you on the requirements before your appointment.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

  •  Yes. I frequently work with clients in hospitals, rehab facilities, assisted living, and nursing homes. Please let me know if the signer has limited mobility or requires special accommodations.

  •  You’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, along with a stable internet connection. A valid government-issued ID is also required for identity verification.

  •  RON uses secure methods like credential analysis of your ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions drawn from your personal history (for U.S. residents). This ensures the highest level of compliance and fraud prevention.

  • Most common documents — powers of attorney, affidavits, financial agreements, real estate documents (with title company approval), and personal authorizations — can be notarized online. Some states, agencies, or courts may require an in-person notary; I can advise you if that’s the case.

  • In most cases, yes. Online notarizations performed in compliance with Tennessee law are recognized nationwide. However, acceptance varies by institution and jurisdiction. For real estate or court documents, always check in advance.

Identification & Requirements

  • A current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Expired IDs cannot be used.

  • The notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer. If the signer does not speak English, an interpreter cannot be used for notarization. Instead, you will need to locate a notary who can speak the signer’s language.

  • Yes, as long as the signer can communicate their understanding and willingness to sign. If mental capacity is in question, notarization cannot proceed.

  • In limited circumstances. The minor must have a valid government-issued ID and the document must legally allow notarization by a minor signer.

Payments, Scheduling & Process

  •  Payment is collected at the time of service. For mobile appointments, I accept cash, card, or electronic payment apps. For online notarizations, payment is processed securely through the RON platform.

  • I often provide same-day or next-day appointments. Evening and weekend availability makes scheduling flexible for busy clients.

  • Yes. I can notarize multiple signatures and documents during the same appointment, whether mobile or online.

  • For RON, you’ll receive a secure digital PDF. For mobile appointments, you’ll keep your original notarized document. If needed, I can arrange certified copies depending on the document type.

Disclaimer: Knox Notary Co. provides notarial services in accordance with Tennessee law. We are not attorneys licensed to practice law in Tennessee, and we cannot provide legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. The information below is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for legal counsel. Notarization does not guarantee acceptance of a document by every institution, court, or agency. Please verify with your receiving party if you have questions about specific requirements.