Key Terms and Conditions
Right to Refuse Service: Notaries reserve the right to refuse service if the signer is not physically present, seems coerced, appears confused, or if the document is incomplete.
Identification Requirements: Signers must provide satisfactory evidence of identity (e.g., valid government-issued photo ID).
Fee Structure: Services are provided according to state-mandated maximum fees. Travel fees for mobile notaries must be reasonable and separate from the notarial act fee.
Confidentiality and Privacy: Information from documents and identification will be kept confidential and secured, in compliance with state-mandated privacy rules.
No Legal Advice: Notaries are not attorneys, cannot explain legal documents, and cannot recommend specific notarial acts.
Limitation of Liability: The notary is not responsible for the accuracy or legal validity of the documents being signed.
Journal Entries: A journal entry (record book) of the transaction will be made for every act, containing the date, type of act, and identification method.
No Conflicts of Interest: The notary will not notarize documents for themselves or for immediate family members.
Adherence to State Law: All notarial acts are performed in strict accordance with the laws of the commissioning state.
By participating in the Notary Session, I acknowledge and agree to the following:
Purpose of Notary Services
I understand that the notary’s role is limited to verifying identity, witnessing signatures, and administering oaths. A notarization does not confirm the accuracy, legality, or truthfulness of the document’s contents.
Responsibility for Document Accuracy
I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and legality of any document I present for notarization. ABPWS and its representatives do not review, interpret, or provide advice regarding my documents.
No Legal Advice Provided
I understand that ABPWS and its notaries do not provide legal advice, guidance, or recommendations. If I need legal assistance, I agree to consult a licensed attorney.
Identification Requirement
I agree to present valid, government‑issued identification. I understand that notarization may be refused if proper identification is not provided.
Limitation of Liability
I release and hold harmless ABPWS, its staff, volunteers, and notaries from any and all liability, claims, damages, or losses arising from:
- my use of notary services,
- the content of my documents,
- any consequences resulting from notarized documents, or
- any refusal to notarize a document for legal or procedural reasons.
Voluntary Participation
I confirm that I am participating voluntarily and that I may withdraw at any time before the notarization is completed.
Consent to Communication
I consent to being contacted by ABPWS regarding this session or related services.
Cancellation and Withdrawal Policy
Appointment Cancellations: Clients may cancel an appointment up to 24 hours in advance at no charge. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment may incur a cancellation fee (see fee section below).
Mobile Notary Travel Cancellations: If travel has already begun at the time of cancellation, the full travel fee will be charged. If the notary arrives at the location and the appointment cannot be completed due to client issues (missing ID, incomplete documents, signer unavailable, etc.), the full travel fee + a no‑show fee will apply.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Cancellations: RON appointments cancelled within 2 hours of the scheduled time may be subject to a late cancellation fee. If the session begins but cannot be completed due to client technical issues, the platform fee and time-based fee may still apply.
No‑Show Policy:
A client is considered a no‑show if:
The signer is not present within 15 minutes of the scheduled appointment time
Required identification or documents are missing
The signer refuses or is unable to proceed
No‑show fees will apply, including travel fees for mobile appointments.
Identification Requirements: If the appointment cannot proceed because the signer lacks valid ID, it is treated as a no‑show.
Rescheduling: Clients may reschedule once at no charge if done at least 24 hours in advance. Additional rescheduling or last‑minute rescheduling may incur a fee.
Notary Right to Cancel - Non refundable
The notary reserves the right to cancel or refuse service if:
• The signer appears coerced
• The signer lacks capacity
• The document is incomplete or suspicious
• The situation presents safety concerns
No fees will be charged if the notary cancels for reasons unrelated to the client.
Effective Date: September 03, 2020
Privacy Notice: Notarization Services
A&B Paperwork Services ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you use our notarization services in Maryland, in compliance with Maryland law.
Information We Collect
To perform notarial acts, we are required by Maryland law to verify your identity and retain records of the transaction. We collect: Identifiers: Name, mailing address, email address, phone number. Sensitive Personal Information: Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport), biometric data (facial recognition analysis), and personal answers to identity-proofing questions (KBA). Audio-Visual Recordings: A recording of the entire notarial session. Electronic Journal: A log of the notary transaction, including the date, time, type of act, and signer information. Document Data: The document being notarized.
How We Collect Information
Directly from You: Information you provide during the RON session. Authorized Vendor: We use a secure, authorized third-party RON platform to facilitate the session, analyze ID credentials, and record the audio-visual session. Third-Party Database: We use KBA (knowledge-based authentication) to confirm your identity.
Purpose of Collection (Why We Need It)
We collect your information to: Verify your identity as required by COMAR 01.02.08.04. Create a secure, tamper-evident record of the notarial act. Prevent fraud and protect the security of your documents. Maintain the mandatory electronic journal.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We only share information in limited circumstances: Authorized Vendors: Our platform provider, which must also comply with the Maryland Personal Information Protection Act. Legal Obligations: To comply with a lawful subpoena, court order, or request from the Maryland Secretary of State. Security Breach: In the event of a security breach, we are required to notify the Maryland Secretary of State.
Data Retention
Maryland law requires that audio-visual recordings and electronic journals of remote notarial acts be maintained for at least 10 years. Information will be retained in accordance with this requirement.
Your Rights
Under the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act, you have the right to: Access/Know: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you. Correct: Request correction of inaccurate information. Delete: Request deletion of your data, subject to our 10-year retention obligation for notarial records.
Security
We use industry-standard security measures, including authorized, encrypted RON platforms, to protect your sensitive information.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this privacy notice, please contact us.
Fee Schedule
Original Document
$30.00
Per signature on the original/first copy
$8.00
Additional Signers (1st signer is free)
$0.00
Per signature on each additional copy
$4.00
Authenticated Witness
$25.00
Witness as a Service (using BN network)
$25.00
Late Cancellation Fee
$25.00
No‑Show Fee
$40.00
Travel Fee: Based on mileage or flat rate
< $5.00
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