Notary Services — Your Questions Answered

Question 1

What is a mobile notary and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A mobile notary is a commissioned notary public who travels to your location — your home, office, hospital, or any convenient meeting place — to notarize your documents. Instead of you driving to a notary office, we come to you. Simply call or book online, tell us what documents you need notarized and where you are, and we'll schedule a time that works for you.

Question 2

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Birmingham, Fultondale, Gardendale, Tarrant, Hoover, Irondale, Homewood, Forestdale, Center Point, and Vestavia Hills, as well as surrounding communities throughout Jefferson and Blount counties. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us at 256-384-3876 and we'll let you know.

Question 3

Are you available on weekends or evenings?

Accepted Answer

Our regular hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Sunday appointments are available by phone — call 256-384-3876 to arrange. We understand that legal matters don't always happen during business hours and we do our best to accommodate your schedule.

Question 4

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alpha Mobile Notary Alabama is a commissioned notary public in the state of Alabama, fully insured and bonded. We are also a member of the National Notary Association (NNA), which requires background screening and adherence to professional standards. You can trust that your documents are handled with expertise and care.

Question 5

What types of documents can you notarize?

Accepted Answer

We notarize a wide range of documents including affidavits, acknowledgements, powers of attorney, wills and trusts, loan documents, real estate deeds, divorce documents, wedding certificates, adoption documents, and more. We also offer ink fingerprinting and translation certification services. If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, just give us a call.

Question 6

How much does notarization cost?

Accepted Answer

Notarization fees in Alabama are set by state law. Our pricing includes the state-regulated per-signature notarization fee plus a travel fee based on your location. Because every appointment is different — number of documents, distance, and complexity — we provide exact quotes when you call or book. There are no hidden fees; we tell you the full cost upfront before your appointment.

Question 7

Is there a travel fee for mobile notary services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mobile notary services include a travel fee in addition to the per-signature notarization fee. The travel fee varies depending on your location relative to our service area. We always disclose the full cost before confirming your appointment so there are no surprises.

Question 8

Do you charge extra for after-hours or weekend appointments?

Accepted Answer

Saturday appointments are available at our standard rates. Sunday appointments arranged by phone may carry an additional after-hours fee. We'll always confirm the full pricing before your appointment is confirmed.

Question 9

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, major credit and debit cards, and digital payment methods. Payment is typically collected at the time of service. If you have questions about payment options, let us know when you book.

Question 10

How do I schedule a mobile notary appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book an appointment by calling us at 256-384-3876 or by using the contact form on our website. When you reach out, please have ready: the type of document(s) you need notarized, the number of signatures required, your preferred date, time, and location. We'll confirm availability and provide a quote before finalizing your appointment.

Question 11

How much notice do I need to give to book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance when possible, though we do our best to accommodate same-day and last-minute requests depending on availability. For time-sensitive situations — such as hospital visits or closing deadlines — call us directly at 256-384-3876 for the fastest response.

Question 12

What should I bring to my notary appointment?

Accepted Answer

You must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The ID must be current and not expired. You should also bring the unsigned document(s) — do not sign them beforehand, as the notary must witness your signature. If other signers are involved, each person must bring their own valid photo ID.

Question 13

Can you come to a hospital or care facility?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly visit hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers throughout our service area. We understand that health situations can make it difficult to travel, and we are experienced in working sensitively in these environments. Please call us to arrange a hospital or facility visit.

Question 14

What documents do I need for a will notarization?

Accepted Answer

To have a will notarized in Alabama, you will need: the completed, unsigned will prepared by your attorney, a valid government-issued photo ID for each signer, and two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the will. The witnesses must also bring valid photo ID. Do not sign the will before the appointment — all signatures must be made in the presence of the notary and witnesses.

Question 15

Can you notarize a trust document?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We notarize living trusts, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and related estate planning documents. Trust documents often require multiple signatures and witnesses. When booking, let us know the number of signers and pages so we can allocate enough time for your appointment.

Question 16

Do I need an attorney to prepare my will before the notary appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A notary public witnesses and authenticates signatures — we do not draft or provide legal advice on the content of your will or trust. Your documents should be prepared by a licensed Alabama attorney before your notary appointment. If you need a referral, we are happy to point you in the right direction.

Question 17

What is a power of attorney and how is it notarized?

Accepted Answer

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes one person to act on behalf of another in financial, medical, or legal matters. In Alabama, a POA must be signed in the presence of a notary public. You will need a valid photo ID and the completed, unsigned document. We notarize general, durable, limited, and healthcare powers of attorney.

Question 18

What is a loan signing appointment?

Accepted Answer

A loan signing appointment is a notarized signing session for mortgage, refinance, or other real estate loan documents. As a certified loan signing agent, we guide you through each document in your loan package, identify where to sign and initial, and notarize the required pages. The completed package is then returned to the title company or lender.

Question 19

What should I expect during a loan signing?

Accepted Answer

A typical loan signing takes 45 minutes to an hour. You'll review and sign a package of documents — often 100–150 pages — including the promissory note, deed of trust, closing disclosure, and other loan-related forms. We'll walk you through each document, explain what you're signing, and notarize the required pages. Bring a valid photo ID and any items your lender or title company specified.

Question 20

Do you offer both DIY and full-service loan signings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For DIY loan signings, we notarize the documents you've already reviewed with your lender. For full-service signings, we guide you through the entire package from start to finish. Both options are available — let us know which you prefer when booking.

Question 21

Can you handle last-minute or same-day loan signings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we understand that real estate closings often have tight deadlines. We do our best to accommodate same-day and rush loan signing requests throughout our service area. Call us directly at 256-384-3876 for the fastest scheduling on time-sensitive closings.

Zone	Distance	Travel Fee	Includes
Fultondale & Immediate Area	0 – 5 miles	$15	Fultondale, Gardendale, Tarrant
Greater Birmingham	6 – 15 miles	$25	Birmingham, Center Point, Forestdale, Homewood
Extended Metro	16 – 25 miles	$35	Hoover, Irondale, Vestavia Hills
Outer Service Area	26 – 40 miles	$50	Surrounding Jefferson & Blount counties
Beyond Service Area	40+ miles	Call for quote	Available by arrangement

Notary Services — Your Questions Answered

General Notary Services

Pricing & Fees

Booking an Appointment

Wills, Trusts & Estate Documents

Loan Signings

Still have questions?