Frequently asked questions
Notary
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Appointment fees are non-refundable.
If your appointment is canceled or the notarization cannot be completed because signer requirements are not met (such as not having valid identification, failing identity verification for remote notarization, or refusing to sign), the appointment fee will be retained. Any remaining prepaid notarization fees will be refunded.
If the notarization cannot be completed due to an issue on Hilaire Notary’s end, you may choose to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Once a notarization has been successfully completed, all fees are non-refundable.
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I require a valid, government-issued photo ID for all notarizations. Acceptable forms of identification include:
Drivers License
State ID Card
U.S Passport
Military ID
Other government-issued photo identification permitted under New York law
The ID must be current or otherwise acceptable under New York State notary requirements and must match the name on your document.
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New York State allows notarizations to proceed without a government-issued ID through a process called a credible identifying witness — someone who personally knows you and can swear under oath to your identity before the notary.
Requirements for your witness:
Personally knows you
Has zero financial interest in the document
Brings their own valid, government-issued photo ID
Is willing to sign a sworn affidavit and take an oath at the appointment
Family members may serve as a witness as long as they have no financial stake in the document being notarized.
Typically 2 witnesses for a notary appointment, since the notary is unlikely to personally know your witness. Only 1 is needed if the notary personally knows them.
Important: This option is not available for every document type and is not a substitute for simply forgetting your ID at home. Please contact me before your appointment if you think this may apply to your situation—do not wait until we meet
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Some documents, such as wills, healthcare proxies, powers of attorney, and estate planning documents, may require witnesses. Requirements vary by document. Please contact me before your appointment if you are unsure.
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Please have your documents ready, bring valid identification, and do not sign documents before the appointment unless instructed by the issuing agency or attorney.
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Powers of attorney, wills, healthcare proxies, trust documents, affidavits, contracts, and more. If you’re unsure whether your document needs notarization, feel free to reach out before booking.
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No — I am not an attorney and therefore cannot provide legal advice or help prepare or interpret documents. My role is to verify identity, witness signatures, and notarize documents in compliance with New York State law.
If you need assistance choosing or completing legal documents, please contact a licensed attorney or the document’s issuing agency before scheduling your notarization. -
RON allows you to get documents notarized entirely online via video call — no in-person meeting required. All you need is a phone or a computer with a camera. I verify your identity digitally and apply my electronic seal. This service is available to clients anywhere in the world for New York documents.
Documents not eligible for RON:
Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare proxies, Trusts, and Do-Not-Resuscitate orders cannot be electronically notarized. I-9 Verifications. Apostilles
Visit the Notary Services tab to find instructions on what to expect for an online appointment!
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Yes — as long as I’m physically in New York during the session and the documents pertain to New York, clients can sign from anywhere globally.
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Availability varies. Contact me directly for urgent requests, and I will do my best to accommodate.
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Closed on Sundays. However, I offer flexible scheduling on Saturdays. For appointments outside of operating hours, please reach out directly.
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I primarily serve Orange County and the surrounding areas. Travel fees may apply based on distance. Appointments beyond my standard service area may require a custom quote.
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An apostille authenticates a document for use in another country. If you’re sending a birth certificate, power of attorney, diploma, or other official document abroad, the receiving country may require it to be apostilled first. I can assist with the apostille process and help determine the requirements for your document
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When a company hires a remote employee, federal law requires someone to physically verify that employee’s identity documents. I act as the employer’s Authorized Representative to complete this verification on their behalf. This is not a notarization.
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Yes, I may notarize certain loan-related documents. Please contact me with details about your documents for availability and pricing
Wedding Officiant
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Throughout Orange County, and the Hudson Valley, NY (not including NYC). Travel fees may apply. Contact me to confirm your venue location.
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As soon as possible — especially for peak wedding season (May-October). Weekend dates fill quickly. I recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance for smaller ceremonies and 2-3 months out for larger weddings
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Absolutely. Every couple is different, and your ceremony should reflect that. I work with you to craft words that feel true to your relationship—whether you want something traditional, modern, spiritual, secular, or a little of everything. Vow assistance is also available upon request
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Every ceremony includes a pre-ceremony consultation, a personalized ceremony script, and legal filing of your marriage license. Package details vary—see the pricing menu for whats included at each level
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Yes. I am ordained through the American Marriage Ministries (AMM) and fully authorized to perform legal marriage ceremonies in New York State (not including NYC)
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Yes!! As a commissioned New York State Notary, I can bundle notary services into your wedding package—perfect for couples who need documents witnessed or notarized the same day. Ask about add-on options when you book
Making It Official —
In Every Way That Matters.
Remote & Mobile Notary Services