Question 1

Do you accept walk-ins?

Accepted Answer

Yes — walk-ins are welcome during posted hours (Mon–Fri 11a–7p, Sat 1p–7p). For fingerprinting, apostille drop-offs, and longer signings we recommend booking an appointment so we can have your paperwork ready and avoid wait time.

Question 2

Where are you located and is there parking?

Accepted Answer

We're at 2622 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd in Harlem, between 151st and 152nd Street. The B and D trains stop one block away at 155th St. Street parking is metered; there is a paid lot on 153rd.

Question 3

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Cash, all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Zelle, and CashApp. A receipt is emailed at the end of every appointment.

Question 4

Do you offer mobile or after-hours service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We travel across the five boroughs for mobile notary, fingerprinting, and DNA collection. After-hours and weekend visits are available by arrangement; a $35 surcharge applies.

Question 5

What documents do I need to bring to a notarization?

Accepted Answer

Bring the unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID — driver license, passport, NYC IDNYC, or military ID. Do not sign the document beforehand; the notary must watch you sign. All signers must be present at the same appointment.

Question 6

What is the difference between an apostille and a notarization?

Accepted Answer

A notarization verifies a signature in front of a New York notary public. An apostille is a separate certification, issued by the NY Department of State, that authenticates a notarized or state-issued document for legal use in another Hague Convention country. Most apostille requests need a notarization first, then the apostille on top.

Question 7

Can you notarize for someone who doesn't speak English?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the signer can communicate directly with the notary in a shared language. We have French-speaking staff available. We cannot use a third-party translator for the signing itself.

Question 8

Can you notarize a will?

Accepted Answer

We can notarize affidavits, self-proving affidavits, and health care proxies. New York does not require wills to be notarized to be valid — but they do require two witnesses. We can arrange witnesses with advance notice.

Question 9

How long does fingerprinting take?

Accepted Answer

The capture itself takes about 10–15 minutes. Live-scan submissions are transmitted electronically the same day. Ink card sets are handed back to you for mail-in submission and take about 20 minutes.

Question 10

What do I need to bring for fingerprinting?

Accepted Answer

A valid government-issued photo ID and any agency-issued form, ORI number, or submission code that the requesting agency gave you. If you're not sure, forward us the agency's instructions and we'll confirm before your appointment.

Question 11

Do you handle FBI background checks?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we are an approved FBI channeler partner. Results are typically returned to you within 24–72 hours by email as a sealed PDF.

Question 12

What agencies do you submit to?

Accepted Answer

NY State (DCJS), FBI (FD-258), FINRA, NYC Department of Education, DOH, TLC, real estate boards, and most professional licensing bodies. If your agency isn't listed, send us the form — we almost certainly support it.

Question 13

How long does an apostille take?

Accepted Answer

Standard turnaround through the NY Department of State is currently 5–10 business days. Expedited service (+$50) returns most documents in 2–4 business days. We pick up and ship at cost.

Question 14

What documents can be apostilled?

Accepted Answer

Birth, marriage, and death certificates; diplomas and transcripts; corporate documents; powers of attorney; FBI background checks; and any document signed in front of a New York notary public.

Question 15

Do you offer certified translations?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate certified translations through a partner agency for documents submitted in over 40 languages. Translation is priced separately and typically adds 2–3 business days.

Questions, answered.

Visiting the office

Notary public

Live-scan & ink

International documents

We'll answer.