Iowa Mobile Notary Publics

Once the law of Iowa has authorized the notary public, the individual can:

• Identify a document holder’s identity as authentic based on sufficient ID.
• Verify according to the following standards: personal appearance, willingness to appear (not being forced), and awareness by the individual that they’re signing.
• Verify the identity of an individual who comes to the notary for a statement on oath or an affirmation.
• Confirm and attest to the fact that this individual is the same person whose signature appears on the document.
• Certify or attest to the copy of a record, essentially determining and claiming that this copy is an accurate and authentic reproduction of the original.
• Administer something known as a “protest.” When a payment on a check or promissory note is refused, it’s known as a “dishonor.” The protest noted by the officer simply certifies that dishonor has occurred.
• Create a Certificate of Notarial Act. In Iowa, the notary public must always complete a notarial certificate either included as wording at the end of a document or attached as a separate certificate based on the information in a form.

Notaries certified in Iowa can perform their notary services anywhere within the state. But while some states require that the Notary Public keep or make a journal entry, Iowa doesn’t — although it is considered good practice to use it if you have it. 

Iowa also doesn’t require a notary bond either. But what the law does require from an Iowa mobile notary is to check all signers’ identities and stamp all notarized documents to ensure their validity. A public notary may also be required to scan legal documents for blanks to ensure all signing parties are aware and appropriate comments are made. 

With this critical step in validation, it is no surprise that all services offered by a public notary in Iowa are essential pieces across different communities — be it business, legal, financial or real estate. 

Remote Online Notarization in Iowa

Iowa allows remote online notarization (RON). Virtual notaries can carry out document notarizations via video call as long as the individual is located within Iowa for whom it is done. Keep in mind that remote online notarization typically comes at an additional cost.