Documents families and attorneys usually need
- Powers of attorney, so someone can handle finances or property
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Vehicle title and property transfer documents
- Minor travel consent and school or custody-related forms
- Documents an attorney has prepared for signature
How it works
- You call or text with the facility, the signer's full name, and the document.
- We confirm the facility's procedure. Each facility sets its own rules for professional visits: who schedules, what may be brought in, and when. Some require the visit to be arranged through the signer's attorney or the facility's own staff.
- We settle identification. This is the most common obstacle. I need to be satisfied of the signer's identity, and personal ID is usually held in the facility's property room. Tell me what identification exists and I will confirm what will work before the visit.
- I meet the signer under the facility's rules, verify identity, confirm they are signing willingly, and complete the notarization.
- The document comes back to you or to the attorney, as arranged.
What to have ready
- The complete document, unsigned, with nothing left blank
- The signer's full legal name, date of birth, and facility ID number
- The facility name and housing location if you know it
- Witnesses, if the document needs them. A New York power of attorney needs two disinterested witnesses, and whether outside witnesses can attend depends on the facility. Ask before you book.
What it costs
The notarial fee is set by New York law at $2 per oath or acknowledgment. Facility visits are quoted in advance and include travel and the time the facility's entry process takes.
Limits
I am not an attorney and cannot prepare documents or give legal advice. If the facility will not permit the visit, or identity cannot be established, the notarization cannot happen, and I will tell you that before you pay for a trip.
Related guides
Common questions
Can a notary go into a jail?
Often, yes, as a professional visit arranged under the facility's rules. Each facility sets its own procedure, so it has to be confirmed in advance.
What ID does someone in custody use?
It depends on what identification exists and what I can rely on to be satisfied of identity. Tell me what is available when you call and I will confirm before the visit.
Can you bring the document in for us?
Usually the family or attorney gets the document to me beforehand. What may be carried into the facility is set by the facility.
Which facilities do you visit?
County jails and correctional facilities in Orange, Ulster, Rockland, Westchester, and Dutchess counties and New York City, subject to each facility's rules.