Notary Services
General Notary Work
Affidavits, consent letters, powers of attorney and everyday forms notarized in Brooklyn by a New York notary public.
Notary Services
Wills
Notarization of self-proving affidavits and related signatures for New York wills. We don’t draft wills or give legal advice.
About this service
A will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever sign, so it helps to understand where a notary fits in. In New York, a will is generally made valid through formal execution: the person making the will signs it in front of two witnesses, who then sign it as well. Notarization is not what makes a will valid.
Many New York wills include a self-proving affidavit, which the witnesses sign under oath before a notary. This affidavit can make the probate process simpler later, because the court may accept it instead of requiring the witnesses to testify. Kay’s Notary Travel can notarize self-proving affidavits and other signatures related to your will.
We do not draft wills, advise on their contents or supervise will signings in place of an attorney. Because the formal requirements are strict and mistakes can cause problems for your loved ones, we strongly recommend working with an attorney to prepare your will and guide its signing. When you book, bring your witnesses if your attorney has asked for them, or ask us in advance about witness options. Everyone signing in front of the notary will need a current, valid government-issued photo ID.
What we can help with
- Self-proving affidavits signed by witnesses
- Related signatures your attorney has asked to be notarized
- Identity checked for everyone signing before the notary
- Office or mobile appointments
- Notarization only, with no drafting or legal advice
How it works
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Step 1: Work with your attorney
Have your will and any self-proving affidavit prepared by an attorney, who can explain how they should be signed.
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Step 2: Plan your appointment
Tell us what needs to be notarized and who will attend. Bring your witnesses if your attorney has asked for them, or ask us in advance about witness options.
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Step 3: Verify identities
The notary checks a current, valid government-issued photo ID for each person signing before the notary.
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Step 4: Notarize the affidavit
The witnesses swear to and sign the self-proving affidavit in front of the notary, who completes the notarial certificate.
What to bring
- A current, valid government-issued photo ID for each person signing
- The self-proving affidavit, complete and not yet signed
- Your witnesses, if your attorney has asked for them
- Any written instructions from your attorney
Frequently asked questions
Does my will need to be notarized to be valid in New York?
Generally, no. A New York will is usually made valid by being signed in front of two witnesses who also sign it. A notarized self-proving affidavit signed by the witnesses can make probate simpler later. Please ask an attorney about the requirements for your situation.
Can you write or review my will?
No. We do not draft, review or give advice about wills. We recommend working with an attorney to prepare your will.
Do you provide witnesses?
Please bring your witnesses if your attorney has asked for them, or ask us in advance about witness options. Your attorney can tell you who may serve as a witness.
Can you come to a hospital or care facility?
Our mobile notary service visits homes, hospitals and care facilities in Brooklyn and nearby areas. Everyone signing must have a valid photo ID and must be alert and able to understand what they are signing, and we recommend involving your attorney in any will signing.
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Notary Services
Remote Online Notarizations (RON)
Have your document notarized from home over a live video call with a New York electronic notary. No trip to the office needed.
Notary Services
Mobile Notary Services
We bring the notary to you at home, at work, or in a hospital or care facility in Brooklyn and nearby areas of New York City.
Not sure which service you need?
Call us or send a quick request. We’ll point you in the right direction and get you booked.