Trick or Treat:
How to Deal with Unusual Notary Requests
As notaries, we’ve all encountered those moments when a routine appointment turns into something…unexpected. Maybe it’s a client in costume (yes, Halloween can be every day in this business) or a request so bizarre you’re left wondering if it’s a trick or treat. Notary life is never as predictable as it seems, and those unusual requests are often where your professionalism—and creativity—shine the brightest. Here are some real-world tips to help you handle even the strangest of notary situations gracefully and confidently.
1. Stay Calm and Ask Questions
When faced with an unusual request, it’s easy to feel flustered or out of your depth. The key? Don’t panic! Instead, take a breath and ask clarifying questions. Whether it’s a last-minute jail signing or an out-of-the-ordinary document you’ve never seen before, gathering all the information is crucial. Ask about the nature of the request, the document's purpose, and any additional requirements. Sometimes, the more context you have, the easier it becomes to handle.
2. Know Your Limits (and Your State Laws)
No matter how outlandish the request, it’s essential to know the legal boundaries of your commission. Familiarize yourself with your state’s notary laws—this will help you avoid illegal requests like notarizing blank documents or going outside your jurisdiction. Politely but firmly decline requests that violate the rules. You can explain that while you'd love to help, your job is to uphold the law, and that's non-negotiable. Trust me, your clients will appreciate your professionalism.
3. Carry the Right Tools for the Job
Unusual requests often require more than just a stamp. You may find yourself dealing with clients in unique situations, like someone with limited mobility or a signer in a high-security facility. Having extra tools on hand—like signing guides for the visually impaired or pens designed for arthritis sufferers—can make all the difference. It’s all about being prepared for the unpredictable. When you walk into a signing with the mindset that anything could happen, you'll handle even the strangest requests with ease.
4. Keep Your Sense of Humor
The notary profession can be serious, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your sense of humor. Some requests might catch you off guard, but they can also make for great stories later on. Whether it's notarizing in costume during the Halloween season (it happens!) or helping a client who unexpectedly bursts into song, keeping a lighthearted perspective will help you navigate these quirky moments. And who knows? You might make someone’s day while you’re at it.
Some of the Unusual and Funny Notary Appointments I have encountered, especially around Halloween:
The Zombie Signer
One Halloween, I arrived at an appointment expecting a standard signing, only to be greeted by a signer dressed as a full-on zombie—fake blood, torn clothes, and all. Trying to maintain professionalism while asking for their ID was a challenge, especially when they growled, staying in character the entire time.
Costumed Confusion
I once had a signer show up for an appointment dressed as Batman. Full cape, mask, the works. When I asked for ID, they deadpanned, “I’m Batman, isn’t that enough?” It took everything I had not to laugh out loud. Definitely one of my most memorable signings!
Pumpkin-Signed Deeds
I had the chance to notarize a real estate document at a pumpkin patch—definitely a first for me. The signing happened right in the middle of a corn maze, with everyone dressed in Halloween costumes. We used a pumpkin as the makeshift signing table, making it a festive and fun appointment.
Witching Hour Signings
I once received a request to notarize a will for someone fully dressed as a witch, complete with a broomstick. The signing was scheduled right at midnight, and as we finished, they laughed and said, “Perfect timing—witching hour is ideal for legal matters!” It was definitely a spooky but fun experience.
Some other non-Halloween unusual notary requests I and other notaries have encountered:
The Drive-Thru Notarization
One day, a Notary from Los Angeles got a request to meet a couple in a fast food drive-thru to notarize their loan documents. They were on their lunch break and didn’t want to waste time. So, they signed papers between burgers and fries in their car—definitely one of the most fast-paced signings she’s ever done!
Jailhouse Drama
I’ve done my fair share of jail signings, but one stands out. The signer, facing some serious charges, suddenly decided mid-signing that he wanted to renegotiate with his lawyer. There I was, sitting in a cement box while he tried to make a deal over the phone. It took hours, but we finally got the documents signed.
The Poolside Power of Attorney
I had a signing where the client lounged by the pool at a fancy house, sipping on a cocktail. They had an urgent power of attorney to sign, so we completed the notarization poolside while they stayed in their swimwear. It was an odd juxtaposition of formality and relaxation, but it worked!
Notarizing from the Backseat
A particularly unusual request came from someone who needed to sign some estate documents while en route to the airport. They had a tight schedule, so this fantastic Oregan notary notarized the documents from the backseat of their car as they were driven to catch their flight. They zoomed down the highway while making sure all the signatures were in the right place!
At the end of the day, dealing with unusual notary requests is part of the adventure of being a mobile notary. Whether it’s jail signings, urgent documents in strange places, or last-minute requests that push you out of your comfort zone, staying calm, knowing the law, being prepared, and keeping your sense of humor will get you through anything.
If you’ve enjoyed these tips, be sure to subscribe to the blog for more practical advice and insights into the ever-interesting world of notary services. Stay ready for anything—because in this field, you never know what’s coming next!
