What do I need to bring? The unsigned document and a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID - driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If your document requires witnesses, plan to have them present.

Should I sign before you arrive? For most documents, wait for us. If you've already signed, tell us - some documents can still be acknowledged, others have to be re-signed.

What if I don’t have a photo ID? There are alternatives, including a credible witness who knows you and has their own ID. Call before you book so we can talk through your specific situation.

Can you notarize a document for someone in a hospital, rehab facility, or nursing home? Yes, this is a large part of what we do. The signer must be alert, aware of what they’re signing, and able to communicate that willingly on their own. If a facility has visitor requirements, let us know when scheduling.

Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Iowa? For a financial power of attorney, yes, in practice. Iowa law says the person creating it (the principal) signs it and has that signature acknowledged by a notary, or signs in front of two witnesses. Banks, hospitals, and title companies are used to the notarized version, and it is the one least likely to get questioned later, so that is the route most people take. Bring the power of attorney unsigned, plus the principal's photo ID. The person being named as agent does not sign at the same time and cannot be the notary on it. Health care powers of attorney are a separate document with their own signing rules, and we notarize those too. We cannot fill the form out for you or tell you which one you need. That part has to come from your attorney.

Can you tell me if I’m using the right form? No. Choosing a document or explaining its effect is legal advice, which we’re not permitted to give. Your attorney or the agency requesting the document can help.

Do you notarize wills? We can notarize a self-proving affidavit attached to a will. We can’t advise on how the will should be executed or witnessed - talk to an attorney first.

Can you notarize a quitclaim deed? Yes. A deed has to be notarized before the county recorder will record it, and quitclaim deeds are one of the most common documents we stamp. The person giving up their interest in the property (the grantor) signs in front of us with their photo ID. The same goes for warranty deeds and other property transfers. We do not prepare deeds or tell you which kind you need. That comes from your attorney or title company. Once it is signed and notarized, recording it at the county recorder is your next step, and we can point you to the right office.

Can you give me a POA form or another legal document to use? No. We're notaries, not attorneys, and handing out legal forms or telling you which one fits your situation counts as legal advice. We can't do that, and honestly you wouldn't want a non-lawyer picking your legal documents anyway. Where to get forms: Iowa Legal Aid has free forms and self-help resources online. For something like a POA, we'd really recommend talking to an attorney. Getting that one wrong is expensive.

Can you notarize divorce or custody papers? Yes. Affidavits, sworn statements, agreements, and other family court paperwork often need signatures under oath, and that part is us. Bring the papers unsigned, with your photo ID, and we will handle the notarization. What we cannot do is fill the forms out, choose them, or tell you what they should say. That is attorney territory, and the court clerk's office can tell you which filings they require. If both parents or both spouses need to sign and cannot be in the same place, ask us. Between meeting in person and signing online, we can usually find a way to get both signatures done.

Are you able to print our forms? Yes. Text or email the document to westdesmoinesnotary@gmail.com and we'll print it. Small print jobs are on us with a notarization. Bigger ones, we'll give you a straight price before we hit print.

What are your hours? Are you available in the evening or on weekends? Yes - we work around your schedule. Weekday mornings, afternoons, weeknights (including after 7pm), and weekends like Sunday afternoons are all available. If you need a specific time, just call or text and we'll tell you honestly whether we can make it work.

How fast can you get here? Often the same day. Mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends are available. Call or text and we’ll tell you honestly what we can do.

How long does an appointment take? It depends on the notarization. Some are done in 10 minutes; others run closer to an hour depending on document complexity, how familiar you are with the forms, and how smoothly things go. Honestly, logging our notary journal often takes longer than the notarization itself.

My car got towed. Can a notary help me get it back? If someone else is picking your car up for you, many impound lots ask for a notarized letter from the registered owner saying that person has permission, or a power of attorney for the vehicle. Call your lot first and ask exactly what they want, since every lot is a little different. Once you know, we can meet the owner wherever they are, at home, at work, even at the hospital, and get the letter signed and notarized so the car can be released.

I just started a new job. Can you complete my I-9? Yes. Your employer can name us as their authorized representative to look at your original documents and complete Section 2 of the Form I-9. This is not a notarization, so there is no stamp on the form. That is how the federal rules want it done. Bring your original, unexpired documents (a passport on its own works, or a driver's license plus a Social Security card are the common pair), and keep the deadline in mind: Section 2 has to be finished within three business days of your first day of work. Ask your employer to confirm they want us as their representative before we meet.

My child needs a passport and the other parent cannot be there. What do we do?

When one parent cannot appear in person, the passport office uses Form DS-3053, a statement of consent. The parent who is not going signs that form in front of a notary. Bring the form filled out but not signed, plus that parent's photo ID, and we will take care of the notarization. If the other parent is somewhere else entirely, we can usually handle their signature online instead. Ask us how.

My kids are traveling with their grandparents. Do we need a notarized letter?

It is not always required, but airlines, cruise lines, and border officers can ask for a notarized consent letter when a child travels with someone other than both parents, especially leaving the country. A short letter naming the child, the adults traveling with them, where they are going, and the dates, signed by both parents in front of a notary, saves a lot of arguing at a check in counter. We can meet both parents together, or handle one signature in person and one online.

My insurance company wants a sworn statement. Can you notarize that?

Yes. A sworn statement is signed under oath, which means it needs a notary. Bring the unsigned statement and your photo ID, and do not sign it before we meet, since we have to watch you sign and swear to it. If the insurer sent the form, bring the whole packet they gave you so nothing gets missed.

My spouse is out of town and we have papers that need both signatures. What are our options?

It happens more than you'd think, especially with house closings and vehicle paperwork. If your spouse is somewhere with a phone or computer camera, we can often do their signing online with remote online notarization while you sign in person. If the document allows the signatures on different days, we can also handle yours now and theirs when they are back. Call or text us what the document is and we will tell you honestly which route works.

Does an Iowa car title have to be notarized?

Usually, no. Iowa does not require a notary on a standard vehicle title transfer between a buyer and seller. What does come up: bills of sale, affidavits about the vehicle, and powers of attorney used for title work often get notarized, and some other states do require it on their titles, which matters if the car came from out of state. If you are not sure about your paperwork, send us a photo of it and we will tell you straight whether it needs us.

Can you sign at my house, on the porch, or in my vehicle? Yes, whatever's easiest for you. We're comfortable notarizing outside, in your vehicle or ours, or wherever works. Weather permitting, location isn't an issue.

Do you offer remote online notarization (RON)? Yes - if you don't need us in person, we can notarize your documents online via video call on a 3rd party platform, often the same day. Learn more about our RON service

How much do you charge? Most general notarizations start at $25. Other notarizations, POAs, and witness signings vary - call or text and we'll quote you before we come out. Remote Online Notarizations (RON) start at $35.

Why does mobile notarization cost more than a free notary at my bank? Bank notaries are free because you go to them - during their hours, if someone's available and willing to help. We come to you - home, hospital, office, wherever you are - on your schedule, and take on personal liability for every notarization we perform. The fee covers that convenience, knowledge and accountability, not necessarily the stamp itself.

How do I pay? Card, tap-to-pay, cash, and other common methods accepted on site. Title companies and signing services are invoiced per their standard terms.

Do you work with title companies directly? Yes. We accept direct assignments and platform-based orders. Get in touch and we’ll get set up in your system.

Still have questions or ready to get it signed?

Call or text

(515) 850-0038

or

(515) 518-0707