Notary FAQ

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.

  • A notarization documents that the notary completed the required notarial act, which may include verifying the signer’s identity, witnessing a signature, receiving an acknowledgment, or administering an oath.

  • No. While Knox Notary Co. is based in Knoxville, I also provide mobile notary appointments in nearby parts of Knox County and surrounding East Tennessee communities when my schedule allows.

    Travel availability and pricing depend on the exact appointment location, so contact me with the address and I’ll confirm the fee before the appointment is scheduled.

    For eligible documents, Remote Online Notarization (RON) is also available for qualifying signers in other states and, in many cases, while traveling internationally.

Mobile Notary Services

  • Knox Notary Co. provides mobile notary service throughout Knoxville and nearby portions of Knox County, with appointments also available in surrounding East Tennessee communities.

    I regularly travel to areas such as Farragut, Powell, Halls, Karns, Hardin Valley, Fountain City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Maryville, Alcoa, Lenoir City, Loudon, and Sevierville when my schedule allows.

    Because travel distance can vary significantly within these areas, availability and pricing are based on the exact appointment address. Contact me with the location and I’ll confirm the travel fee before the appointment is scheduled.

    If an in-person appointment is not convenient, eligible documents may also be completed through Remote Online Notarization, allowing qualifying signers to connect with a Tennessee Online Notary from another state or, in many cases, while traveling internationally.

  • 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.

  • For a standard appointment within my immediate Knoxville-area service zone, the $75 fee generally includes travel to your location and up to three notarizations.

    The final price may vary based on the exact appointment location, number of signers, number of notarizations, timing, and any additional services required. I provide pricing before the appointment whenever possible so you know what to expect before I arrive.

  • Some documents, such as wills or powers of attorney, may require witnesses in addition to the notary.

    You are responsible for providing any required witnesses unless other arrangements are made in advance. If you are unsure whether witnesses are required, please confirm with the document preparer, attorney, or receiving party before your appointment.

    I’m happy to help coordinate the appointment once the witness requirements are known.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

  • Yes. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is legal in Tennessee. Tennessee notaries who are approved by the Tennessee Secretary of State as Online Notaries may perform notarizations remotely using live audio-video technology and an approved online notarization process.

    The signer does not need to be physically located in Tennessee during the appointment, but the Tennessee Online Notary must be physically located in Tennessee when performing the remote notarization.

    Remote online notarization allows eligible documents to be signed and notarized electronically without the signer and notary being in the same physical location.

    Knox Notary Co. provides Remote Online Notarization services from Tennessee for signers located across the United States and, in many cases, internationally. Acceptance requirements can vary depending on the document and the agency or organization receiving it.

  •  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.

  • Many common documents may be eligible for Remote Online Notarization — 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.

  • 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. I accept cash, check, Venmo and Zelle.

  • 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.