Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Service Questions:
What forms of identification do I need to provide?
Virginia law requires a government-issued photo ID that is current or expired for less than five years. Common examples include a driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
Do you offer mobile services, and what are the fees?
Yes! While the state-mandated fee is $10 per notarial act (each seal/signature), I charge a separate $35 base travel fee based on mileage and time traveling from the Ballston Metro (Orange/Silver Metro Lines) location of Arlington, VA. Please contact me for a quote before we meet.
Can you notarize documents in a language other than English?
Yes, provided that the notarial certificate (the part I sign) is in English and I can communicate effectively with the signer to ensure they understand what they are signing. I speak French, Italian, Tagalog and Spanish.
What are your fees?
Virginia notaries may charge a maximum of $10 per notarial act (for each signature/stamp) for basic services and $25 per notarial act if a Remote Online Notarization (RON). I charge a separate $35 base travel fee based on mileage and time traveling from the Ballston Metro (Orange/Silver Metro Lines) location of Arlington, VA. Please contact me for a free notary eligibility check and quote before we meet by clicking on any “Contact Us” button on my website.
Limitations & Legalities:
Can you give me legal advice on my document?
No. As a Virginia Notary, I am not an attorney and cannot draft documents, choose the type of notarization for you, or give legal advice. Doing so would be the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL).
Can you certify a "True Copy" of my Birth Certificate?
No. In Virginia, notaries cannot certify copies of “Vital Records” (birth, death, or marriage certificates). You must contact the Virginia Department of Health for official copies.
Can you notarize a document if the signer is not present?
No. Virginia law strictly requires the “personal appearance” of the signer before the notary, whether in person or via a secure, state-approved audio-video feed (for eNotaries).
International & Special Requests:
Summary of Authority by Act Type
(Source: 2024 Notary Handbook, Code of Virginia Title 47.1. Notaries and Out-of-State Commissioners, Chapter 3. Powers and Duties § 47.1-13. Jurisdiction; Virginia notarial powers outside the Commonwealth)
I need an Apostille for a foreign country. Can you help?
Yes, I can notarize the document, which is the first step. Clients can save the most money by choosing to submit the notarized document themselves to Virginia’s Secrtary of the Commonwealth’s Authentications Office to obtain the Apostille. A Genuine Consul is also available to do this task as a premium service. Please see my “Fees” page for more of a cost breakdown.
Do you perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON)?
Yes, I am a commissioned Remote Online Notary (RON) on BlueNotary, allowing us to complete the process via a secure video platform.
Can you notarize a document for use in a U.S. state other than Virginia?
Yes, please see the table above that summarizes notarizations that I may perform either in-person or as a remote online notarization (RON).
Can you notarize a document for use in the United States by a non-U.S. citizen?
Yes, I can assist non-U.S. citizens located outside the U.S. for documents intended for use within the United States, provided you have a valid passport for verification purposes. Please see the table above that summarizes notarizations that I may perform either in-person or as a remote online notarization (RON).
Are you available for notarizations in Northern Virginia jails and prisons?
Yes, given my former career as a U.S. Consul, I am experienced visiting detainees and accessing detention facilities. Please see my “Fees” page for more of a cost breakdown.
Administrative Details:
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept prepayment via credit/debit cards via Stripe or PayPal, and electronic payments via Zelle or Venmo.
How do I book an appointment?
You can schedule directly here via any “Contact Us” button or https://tidycal.com/gracegenuino
Safety-First FAQ:
Can you come to my house for the signing?
No, in order to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved, my business policy requires that all signings take place in a publicly accessible location. I am happy to suggest several quiet, well-lit public spots in your neighborhood that are perfect for reviewing and signing documents.
Please contact me for a free notary eligibility check and quote before we meet by clicking on any “Contact Us” button on my website.
Still Have Questions?
DISCLAIMER:
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and may not give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matter, or accept fees for legal advice. I am not accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice to represent you in immigration matters or before any government agency. I am a retired U.S. Consul and am not a currently accredited diplomat; I cannot comment on, advise on, or facilitate U.S. Department of State or consular policy/procedures. I am a commissioned Virginia Notary Public. My services are limited solely to the notarization of signatures on documents. I am not authorized to select, draft, or fill out immigration forms, or provide assistance with the immigration process (VA Code § 47.1-15.1). Notarization does not constitute legal advice or guarantee document acceptance.
Information, articles, and links provided from U.S. Government sources (e.g., .gov or .mil sites) are external, government-owned websites for educational and informational purposes only. The inclusion of these links does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of A Genuine Consul by the U.S. Government, the Department of State, USCIS, Department of Treasury, or any other federal agency. While we aim to share accurate, current information, we cannot guarantee the content is up-to-date or exhaustive. The official version of any government document is that which appears on the official government website.
Links on this website to articles, documents, or resources from the Commonwealth of Virginia (including virginia.gov and its affiliated agencies) are external, government-owned websites provided solely as a helpful, public-domain resource for our users. We do not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of this information. The Commonwealth of Virginia does not endorse A Genuine Consul or the content of this website. Information accessed through these links may be changed or updated without notice. Any reliance on information obtained from these links is at your own risk.
PUBLIC MEETING POLICY DISCLAIMER:
I specialize in ‘Public-Point’ mobile notarizations. To ensure an efficient and secure environment for document completion, I meet clients at convenient public hubs like Starbucks or Panera Bread, Arlington County Public Library branches, or your office building’s main lobby.