- Choosing a New York Mobile Notary Public
New York City! There is no place like it in the world, the city that never sleeps. Notary service is no exception. Service offerings range from "in the gutter" to the "skyline of New York" and all areas in-between. This article will help you to select a service, and covers key questions you should ask of a prospective service provider. Also covered is how to read, really read, a web site offering New York Mobile Notary Public services.
A notary is a notary is a notary. Not exactly; there are significant differences in the level of skill, preparedness (variety of forms, stamps and embossers), and fees charged. Some offer "walk in" service, others are mobile only. Everyone knows that New York City has very high rents. Operations with walk in service have major expenses not incurred by a mobile (goes to you) notary service such as http://newyorkmobilenotarypublic.com.
You should look very carefully at claims (boasts?) made on web sites. The more substantiation of claims - made by factual evidence, photos or "off site" links that prove the statement, the better. It's easy to "cut and paste" a logo - having the logo "clickable" to a link on "their" site - that proves the membership or other claim is what to look for. The most positive assurance of reputable practices is the name and home address of the owner of the firm. Be wary of unproven claims of headcount or greatness. It's time to "stop reading" when you hit the first instance you feel is "baloney". You can be sure if there is some fabrication, more will follow later in the text.
Perhaps the most distinguishing aspect of http://kenneth-a-edelstein.com (my other web site) is my very full disclosure about myself. Not to brag - but to let you know that I am very sincere about my consumer first policies. Few of my competitors have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau of New York, or are members of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Links to my accreditations are on both sites. Many of the calls that I receive do not result in revenue for me - but they are given the most help I can provide - short of legal advice - which I am forbidden to provide.
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- What if you have no fingerprints and need fingerprint clearance?
NewYorkMobileNotaryPublic.com
What if you have no fingerprints and need fingerprint clearance?
As a fingerprint technician I, Ken Edelstein am frequently asked to fingerprint people, generally for immigration or licenses, who literally have no fingerprints whatsoever. The causes are legion. Some are taking medication that has the effect of removing their fingerprints. Others, thru their professional activities have worn away all traces of their natural fingerprints. Some of the occupations include: medical workers who wash their hands literally dozens of times a day, guitar players not using a pick and rubbing their ridges off with each tune, sailors working with ropes, and artists working with paints and paint thinners who clean up by just wiping their hands on their aprons.
Fingerprinting is more of an art than a science, whereby the analysis of the fingerprints is the reverse. Proper fingerprint techniques can enhance shallow ridges, or faint fingerprints. All the basics must be carefully observed including: a cool room, proper lighting, proper fingerprint station height, use of ink & roller with a very thin ink layer, and a careful briefing of the subject as to the proper procedures. Additionally proper hand washing and application of fingerprint ridge raiser chemicals can help - when there is something to work with......
But, sometimes there is just nothing - nada, not a trace of a friction ridge. The fingertips are sometimes as smooth as glass; more like a marble than a human fingertip. How then can these people be accepted by the FBI database by submitting classifiable fingerprint cards? The answer is they can't. But, that is not the end of the story. Just because someone does not have fingerprints that can be classified in the standard procedure does not inhibit them from their employment goals, licensing requirements or opportunity for immigration or adoption.
For the fingerprintless among us there is a procedure for clearance. It's a bit lengthy and tedious, but eventually succeeds. The procedure is to submit standard, best efforts, fingerprint cards three times; and probably receive each time a rejection due to poor print quality. On the fourth submission, NewYorkMobileNotaryPublic.com as the fingerprint technician, I also submit an Affidavit of Best Obtainable. This details the nature and history of the problem, the techniques I attempted to overcome it. It includes my statement that the fourth submission contains the best possible images, in my professional opinion; considering the situation.
Ken Edelstein is an All Purpose New York Mobile Notary Public come here NewYorkMobileNotaryPublic.com for all your questions and Notary Public needs
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- How can I tell if the Notary is authentic and reliable?

How can I tell if the Notary is authentic and reliable?
It is rare for someone to impersonate a notary. Most reputable rubber stamp and embosser shops require the notary ID card for them to process an order. However, there are now walk-in facilities that will take any image and turn it into a rubber stamp - without a glance! Your first line of defense is to ask to see the notary ID card - issued by the Department of State. It has the name of the notary and the expiration date of their current commission. In New York State a notary commission is for four years. The notary ID card does not have a picture - ask to see photo ID - compare the name on the notary ID card to the photo ID.
There is a wide range in the quality of notary service. At one extreme is the totally incompetent notary who just stamps and initials your document. Ken Edelstein is at the other end of the spectrum. I take each assignment personally, doing the best job possible. Many times I spend a long time explaining procedures and giving advice - with the knowledge that the discussion will not lead to me earning a fee. There is an aspect of public service to my profession that I accept, not as "overhead"; but as "giving back" to the community as NewYorkMobileNotaryPublic.com.
Examine the web site of the notary carefully. When you read boastful "baloney" - move on. Sites that claim to be able to respond anywhere in 15 minutes, or that have been in every hotel in New York City - are - to put it gently - not being totally honest. My notary "kit" is second to none - it weighs over 20 pounds. Two sizes of embossers, two sizes of rubber stamps, a wide variety of notary forms, National Notary Association receipts, gold seals, etc.
Some notary services attempt to "trade up" the job. They will totally abandon one client if an assignment that pays more wants the same time slot on the same day. My word is my bond. I am almost never late - actually, I usually arrive early. My home address is on my site - very few notaries do that - I do not make enemies. Kenneth A Edelstein from NewYorkMobileNotaryPublic.com. has a policy of full refund or redo (at your option) if you are not satisfied with my work. My A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau of New York, and other references on my "about me" page - are aspects of my full disclosure policy. I welcome your call.
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- Do you need notarization, apostille or legalization?

Do you need notarization, apostille or legalization?
I am often asked if a document needs to be notarized; an apostille affixed or should be Embassy/Consulate legalized. Not being an attorney, I can not give legal advice. But, I can say the answer is: it depends on the requirements of the person or organization receiving the document. They have their requirements - it is those requirements that determine what processing the document must receive.
It is rare for documents originating in the US and to be used in the US to require an apostille or legalization. Those processes are generally for documents that originate in the US and are destined to be used in a different country. But, ever there; there are exceptions to the general rule. I have had cases where a locally used document required an apostille on the chance that it might be used in evidence in a foreign court!
In New York State even the notarization procedure has an option. After the notary affixes their seal and stamp; an additional step, authentication of the notary signature can be requested. Usually this additional step is part of the apostille or legalization procedure. However, I have often been requested to provide authenticated notarizations for documents to be used in court. It's a "best practice" for the notary to always emboss documents when they affix their rubber stamp "seal." The embossing is proof positive that the document is the original.
I have placed checklists and tips regarding the above, and much more on my web site: NewYorkMobileNotaryPublic.com and I invite you to brows the research that I have posted. I often use the "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder" phrase to explain that, while I can provide a variety of service; I cannot specify what service is required. Case in point: marriage license. I have notarized, obtained notary authentication, obtained an apostille; and added legalization to the apostille - for a marriage license destined for use in China. For other clients, just notarizing a copy of the marriage license is what they need. Until next time, Kenneth A Edelstein
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- The Notary Service "Puffer" Fish
The Notary Service "Puffer" Fish
The puffer fish is a small fish. However, the puffer is a sly fish and manages to be rarely eaten by slightly larger fish. It inflates itself with water - to appear to be a bigger fish! In a similar manner, some notary services think you want to deal with a gigantic entity to have a document notarized. I don't understand the logic. Notarization, especially a mobile service that goes to your location - deploys a single agent. What is the benefit of a massive or fictitious organization - when you have an appointment to meet with one person, the notary?
http://newyorkmobilenotarypublic.com is me Kenneth A Edelstein. I always answer my phone and speak to you, no "front end" clerks - and I myself do your work. The only exception is when my wife Sandra answers the phone - because I am with a client and wish to devote my total attention to the task at hand and not take phone calls. However, Sandra and I have walkie talkies so she can reach me in an emergency. The puffer fish notary agent always answers the dispatcher's calls, and makes you wait. Be it from their Call Center, Central Dispatch, Main Operations Office or whatever name "Puffer Central" is currently using. It seems so silly to me. But, some are drawn to the "larger entity" believing they are more equipped to process the task at hand. Nobody has better equipment - more forms - a more complete mobile notary workstation than I do - nobody.
I keep costs down by not having a legal staff, foreign contacts, multiple office locations, or an overly diversified "product line". I specialize in notary related functions - and offer a unique (to the best of my knowledge) guarantee. 100% satisfaction or I redo or refund your money - at your option. As a small, non-"puffer" fish, I can devote my personal attention to every project. I have no aspirations of expanding my services outside of New York State - and mainly operate within my home city - New York City.
Compare my site to others. I really do live in Manhattan - that's my home address at the top of every page. I don't have a lot of sales hype - asking you to CALL CALL CALL on every page. Rather, I prefer to give useful information and obtain your business the old fashioned way - by earning it. I invite you to browse http://newyorkmobilenotarypublic.com - you will not find a bloated "puffer fish" description of my operations, abilities or services. If you only have time to look at a single page - look at the "About Me" page.
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- Proving your Identity to the Notary
...personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual(s) whose name(s) is (are) subscribed to the within instrument.... The law does not further define "satisfactory evidence"; however, the common standard for many notaries is "government issued photo ID". As a http://newyorkmobilenotarypublic.com I have the responsibility of being reasonably certain about the identity of the person whose signature I will notarize.
A driver's license or non-driver ID, or passports are the most commonly presented ID documents. They are excellent for establishing ID to a notary. In New York City, the Metrocard as issued to senior citizens has a photo - another government issued photo ID. I doubt if any notary will accept a "photo ID" from "Freddie's Gym", or any other "pay the money get an ID" commercial operation. Some company ID's are acceptable. However, they often allow a "nickname" - few require the name on the company ID to be exactly the same as on the birth certificate. I have seen major corporate IDs, with picture, that state the name as the employee "likes" to be called. E.g.: "Tom" not "Thomas", etc.
The notary notarizes just the name, no title or marriage status. "Dr. Robert Klein" is notarized as "Robert Klein", "Mrs. Sharon Smith, PhD" is notarized as "Sharon Smith". Some suffixes are actually part of the name: "Fred Reed III" keeps the "III" as that is actually part of the legal name. In the case of very long names, the New York driver's license is often truncated to a single letter - if the name will not fit. This is a minor problem. Other supplementary identity documents - in conjunction with the photo on the driver's license, usually resolves both the identity and legal spelling issues. There is no requirement for the ID to be currently valid. An expired passport - that matches your signature and photo, is perfectly acceptable to http://kenneth-a-edelstein.com.
One of the more challenging environments is the hospital visit. Often the patient's relatives have removed all personal documents for safekeeping. As a notary, I cannot accept the word of the doctor or nurse as to the identity of the patient - not even the wrist band will suffice. Proper ID is always checked - no exceptions. The notary is stating "before me appeared ......", and must have "satisfactory evidence". You should consider obtaining a "non-driver ID" for anyone who currently does not have a "solid" photo ID. Aside from notarizations, many buildings will require a good ID just to enter the premises. This trend will continue as our security awareness increases. It's best to obtain and always carry government issued photo ID.
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- Notarizing Important People
Notarizing Important People
Living in the heart of New York City, Manhattan, http://kenneth-a-edelstein.com - I have had the pleasure of notarizing documents for many "VIPs" or Very Important People. I provide my signature "Key Client Services" to everyone - VIP or not. However, sometimes providing service to a VIP can be a bit of a challenge. Drawing on my degree in Psychology helps - not to manipulate - but to help my clients feel at ease. My background skills help me to understand what not to do, and how to make sure the process goes smoothly - resulting in a perfectly notarized document.
Sometimes the challenge is not being able to speak directly to the client. VIPs often have "front end" assistants. Sometimes the assistant, personal secretary or nurse informs me that: "I sign everything for my employer". Sorry, but not this time, I gently inform the helpful but not authorized employee. I must meet face to face with the person whose signature I will be notarizing - there is never an exception. No email, no FAX, no teleconferencing, (I actually have been asked to notarize that way several times), and certainly not by phone. The employee of the VIP can arrange the appointment, check the calendar, but not sign the document.
Just today I was in the office of a prestigious New York physician - the doctor was to sign off on the health of my clients for an adoption. I prepared the notary sections on various documents, but I did not sign them - I always sign last - after the ID is checked. I asked the doctor to see his driver's license. He was a bit amused, not angry or uncooperative - just amused. "We are in my office, my many degrees are on the wall, my patients (who arranged for my visit) are here - "why would you ask me for my driver's license" - he asked with a polite smile - obviously surprised at my request.
"Doctor, as a http://newyorkmobilenotarypublic.com it is my duty to verify ID in all cases. There cannot be an exception as my license is governed by specific rules. Just as you would never consider writing a prescription without examining your patient - I would never notarize a signature without verifying the ID. It is for your protection. Even though I am being paid by your patients, my ultimate responsibility is to protect you from impersonation and forgery. I do not know you personally. Perhaps the real doctor has the day off and you are an imposter, it is possible. By checking your ID - I protect your good name - that is why I am here."
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- Sorry, but I can't Notarize that
Mobile Notary | All Purpose New York Notary | Apostille Processing | Legalization and Fingerprinting
Brought to you by Kenneth A Edelstein All Purpose Certified New York Mobile Notary
Sorry, but I can't Notarize that
Almost anything can be notarized, with a few key exceptions. Perhaps the most common reason the notary declines to notarize is a lack of proper ID. Most notaries will require "government issued photo ID", however the legal requirement varies from state to state. In New York State the code does not specify what the notary must see; and each notary establishes their own standard for ID. Non Photo ID is never acceptable. A photo ID from "Freddie's Gym" will probably not be accepted; whereas a work ID - might.
A notary must make "face to face" contact to verify ID. It is illegal to notarize via Fax or verify ID on the basis of a telephone call. I have an interesting expansion of this situation of my web site: http://kenneth-a-edelstein.com just click the menu item "Notary Law & Procedures". The wording of the document determines if the notary is required to actually witness the signing of the document.
If the wording is "sworn to and subscribed" then the notary is required to see the signature take place. If already signed - it can be signed again to meet the requirement. If the wording is "this instrument was acknowledged before me" - then the notary is only required to check the ID.
Official records, Birth, Marriage, Divorce, Death Certificates, and some others are not generally notarized by a notary public. The equivalent of a notarization is provided by the certification by the issuing authority. A common problem is clients wanting a photocopy of an official record to be notarized. That procedure is always improper as the signature of the official (who is not present) would need to be notarized, not the holder of the document. It's a good idea to order more than one copy when dealing with official (vital) records. A photocopy of a notarized document, or of a "official record" is not considered to be notarized or official.
Notarization can be performed on a very wide variety of "documents". If you catch a very large fish, and write "I caught this fish", along with your name and the date; I can notarize your fish! The key to notarization is the ability of the notary to verify the ID of the affiant. You will find many tips and suggestions on the process of notarization on my site: http://kenneth-a-edelstein.com - I invite you to learn more about the process.
Must know facts about having your transcript or diploma notarized. Visit Here
More links and update's from Kenneth A Edelstein All Purpose Certified New York Mobile Notary
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[COMMENT]
- Must know facts about having your transcript or diploma notarized.

Mobile Notary | All Purpose New York Notary | Apostille Processing | Legalization and Fingerprinting
Brought to you by Kenneth A Edelstein All Purpose Certified New York Mobile Notary
Must know facts about having your transcript or diploma notarized.
It's your college degree or transcript and you have been asked by your employer to provide a notarized copy or perhaps an Apostille.. It sounds simple, but there are a few things for you to consider, and some decisions for you to make. The simplest procedure is for you to write a statement that the document is yours, and have your signature on the statement notarized.
Alternatively, you can have a notary go to the school, obtain a letter from the registrar that the attached copy is authentic, and have the signature of the registrar notarized. Both procedures involve the notarization of a signature, but the first is your signature; the second is the signature of the registrar.
The first procedure, the notarization of your signature is the valid, but, does not constitute notarization of the degree or transcript. It might be acceptable; but that determination can only be made by the person or institution where you submit the documents.
You can even have http://kenneth-a-edelstein.com obtain an apostille on the document, but it will be an apostille of your signature (on the statement); it will not be an apostille of the underlying document. This procedure often works; it depends on the recipient.
The alternative involves more work. A notary must go to the educational institution, meet with the registrar, obtain a letter stating the attached document (degree or transcript) is valid; and notarize the signature on that letter - that refers to the document. With this procedure the document itself has been notarized and is far more acceptable, compared to your statement of the documents validity. The letter from the registrar should be on official school stationary and the title of the person signing should be on the letter. They must be an official of the school, authorized to make a statement as to the validity of the attached document. Ideally the letter describes the attached document in detail, the signature must me handwritten not imprinted or a stamp.
Educational documents are among the most difficult to process for Apostille or Embassy/Consulate Legalization. The difficult part is arranging for the notary to meet with the proper school official. I have successfully processed many educational documents, generally for use overseas - with Apostille / Legalization. Please understand that these requirements are in place to protect you against forgery and identity theft. You can find more information on this topic, and a variety of other notary related functions at http://kenneth-a-edelstein.com
Why you need more than one Power of Attorney Visit Here
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[COMMENT]
- Why you need more than one Power of Attorney
Why you need more than one Power of Attorney
As a New York Mobile Notary Public, I am often called upon to notarize a single Power of Attorney document. I always advise my clients to prepare multiple copies of the form prior to my arrival. The Power of Attorney basically allows someone else to sign your name on a legal document. You can specify exactly what the "powers" are granted. For example you can restrict your "Attorney in Fact" - the term used for the one who is granted the "power" - to signing the papers for the purchase of a house. The "Attorney in Fact" need not be an actual attorney - you can grant the authority to anyone.
The Power of Attorney (POA) document, when "unrestricted" conveys very broad powers indeed. Careful thought should be given to both what powers are granted, and the character of your representative. An unrestricted POA could be used to "sign you into" a mental institution! Remember you are granting authority to "sign your name." As this is such a profound document; and that someone else is legally signing your name, the POA is often kept upon use. For example: If you grant me the authority to go to your safe deposit box, the bank will retain the POA for their records. The bank will want to keep the original POA to substantiate that your access to the box was duly authorized.
Thus the POA is not a "show and go;" but rather a "surrender upon use" document. That is the reason several copies (each duly notarized), are most generally required. A Xerox copy of a notarized document is NOT a notarized document. To manage the affairs of someone might require over a dozen POA's. Original POA's will be required by each bank, brokerage account, credit card account, etc. It is vital that the notarizations on each POA be preformed without the slightest flaw. My site http://kenneth-a-edelstein.com has tips, suggestions and checklists to make sure the notarization will stand up the close scrutiny always given to this most powerful of legal forms.
Why would I want a Mobile Notary to come to me? >> Visit Here
Mobile Notary | All Purpose New York Notary | Apostille Processing | Legalization and Fingerprinting
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