Thank you for considering CEK Enterprises, Inc. for your notary needs. Cory, the notary, is commissioned to perform all Notarial Acts that are enshrined to Notaries Public by the laws and regulations of the State of Ohio. Our Notary Public (Cory) has lengthy experience in the field and across many document types. Not an Ohio resident? No problem! Cory can perform all Acts as long as you are in Ohio at the time. Learn more about our services below!
Click to Call or Text Directly or Request a Notary Appointment now. Or, get ahold of us for more information.
Notary Signing Agent Services – Real Estate, Home Buying, Loan Signing, Titling, Escrow
As a National Notary Association (NNA®)-certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA™), we’re proud to offer mobile, on-call notarial services for real estate transactions, like buying a new home, refinancing an existing mortgage, or any other such transaction—whether the package is 10 pages or 200: been there, done that, exceptionally pleased signers, and wonderful comments from signing services/title companies!
We come to you (whether home, office, a public venue, or other)…or if you’re a lender, we will go to your signer to notarize applicable documents related to your signer’s new home loan, related real estate signing transaction, home inspection, vehicle inspection, and other trust-based, identity verification services.
Cory, our Notary Public, is a proud member of the National Notary Association and is trained on the most recent Ohio laws (especially ORC § 147.) and follows the industry work group’s best practices. He is fully vetted by NNA and their third-party background check and credential verification company: he successfully passes every criminal background check to-date and is required to repeat this process and continuing education frequently.
Background Checked? Check!
Notary is background checked at least annually. For additional peace of mind, to you–as a company hiring us for a transaction or as a consumer expecting a visit from the notary–company policy is to repeat rigorous background checks and criminal identity history searches at least once annually, while we also tend to run another check via a separate vendor in between NNA periods.
These background checks meet and exceed NNA- and industry standards in terms of items sought and robustness, and our other non-NNA vendor digs even deeper. The notary is regularly checked against lists like U.S. terrorist watch lists, multiple INTERPOL lists, court records from city to federal, and many more.
Our Notary also holds a digital certificate (PKI) for e-signing forms, such as PDFs–this is among the highest level of security and includes yet another, separate, thorough vetting process to prove Cory’s identity.
For NSA or related notary services, please contact us using the web form, noting the date(s), time(s) and transaction type. We’ll get back to you promptly with our availability.
Notary Public: Additional Credentials
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Our Commitment to Quality, Integrity & Service: Unparalleled Results Worth Every Penny—In Surveys, Signers Agree that We Provide the Best Possible Notary Service for Them
We believe that our fair, Northeast Ohio (NEO) and Cleveland-area market-competitive rates accurately reflect the results you and each party to your signing expect for timely results on the first time, every time. Please take a moment to learn how signers consistently rate us the highest possible across various metrics and to learn about our robust, rigorous commitment to quality results. We take pride in service and hope you’ll return for your future loan signings and related needs.
To-date, our mobile notary has never had even one single document nor one single signing rejected, nor has he been sent back to a signing table to fix errors. Plus, signers consistently agree that our service is top-notch: In our surveys, which span 12 simple, straightforward questions across areas related to our notary’s service, every single signer has consistently rated our notary at 5/5 points (for the 10 questions with 1-5 ratings), and they also consistently rate “Yes” on the 2 Y/N questions, including ‘Would you work with this notary again”.
That’s right: Not one single signer has ever rated less than 5/5 for even a single question in the survey, spanning multiple years of signings! Further, we’ve never had a “No” to either of the Y/N questions, meaning signers agree that we provide exceptional service.
We take exceptional care to ensure accuracy and completeness from the moment we receive documents up to the last moment before leaving the signing table. That’s why we request you provide all documents at least two (-2-) hours prior to the travel time (departure) of the signing (at least one (-1) hour prior to departure for seller packages of 20 pages or fewer).
We request that time because our notary takes exquisite care and goes out of the way to add sticky flags to all areas needing any kind of response: checkmark, initial, date, signature, or notarization—ensuring that nothing is missed at the table. Signers feel like they’re in great hands because of this diligence and have faith that their package will be completed correctly the first time and shipped on-time.
Signers also know that we’ll get the appropriate person on the line right away should a question arise that’s beyond the scope of the legal constraints of signing agents: Our notary mentions this at the start. He also looks for signs of hesitation of lack of understanding throughout the signing and offers to clarify or make a call.
We also perform a quality control (QC) check at the end of each signing while still at the signing table to ensure all fields were completed properly, accurately, and in full, without disruption to the signer: They are invited to leave the table for the efficient review and then return to make any necessary amendments. We also utilize a multi-point checklist during the QC out of extra care.
So you can see: Our rates are indeed competitive considering the whole picture, from experience to service. That’s why we encourage you to consider CEK Enterprises, Inc.’s proven track record when reviewing our rates. You won’t be disappointed, nor will your signers, title company, banking institution, signing service, or other interested parties.
Contact via Cell for Fastest Response or Book via Web
You can always request to schedule notary service in advance via our web form.
For truly emergent notarizations of any kind—including Power of Attorney, end-of-life paperwork (including at hospitals, hospice and/or home), home loan (this MUST be via your loan/title company or their contractor), or even simple “traditional” documents—please Click to Call or Text Cory directly.
We encourage sending a text message, as some calls are routed to spam. If you do not hear back within 5-10 minutes, please call or text Cory. If your text/SMS isn’t answered within -3- minutes, please follow up with another call.
Note Regarding Fees
Please note: While the Secretary of State of Ohio caps billing for traditional Acts at $5.00 each, we will charge for travel at a rate no less than the IRS-recommended mileage rate of $0.70/mi (current as of publication). Some transactions are also or alternatively subject to convenience fees as allowed by law. Any surcharges will be made clear to you in advance. Advanced Acts, like loan documents and vehicle titles, will be charged a premium, from a minimum of $85.00 to $200.00+, as allowed by State law and per industry standards. The bank/title agency with which you work determines these fees and pays us, so signers (loan customers) have no part in the fees. Contact your lender if you are concerned about the fees they impost.
A Matter of Trust: Insurance, *Bonding, Commissioning & More
Insurance: Rest assured that we’re properly protected against many common accidents that may occur during notarizations.* These accidents are known as, and limited to, “errors and omissions.” Such E&O policies are also known as “professional liability insurance.” We carry sufficient coverage for nearly all notarial acts. Further, we have a policy specifically dedicated to notarizations for your assurance. Contracting Companies: We also carry secondary coverage applicable to NSA work, available only to the contracting company involved in such works—this policy is not available for consumer-direct services.
*Coverage is beyond industry standard, but this does not mean that every and all issues or errors are covered. ACORD statement available to companies (only) upon request.
*Bond: We are not bonded because the laws and regulations of the State of Ohio do not require it, and we have sufficient insurance. In general, bonds exist to protect the public from harm/losses. However, insurance essentially protects all parties involved, even if one party IS “the public” (like an officer or county trustee, for instance). The primary difference is who submits the claim and where payouts go. Carrying sufficient liability coverage essentially makes bonding irrelevant. While some Notaries Public in the State of Ohio may carry a bond, it would be incredibly risky and irresponsible not to carry insurance–or to lack enough insurance to cover the value of a transaction. Unfortunately, not all notaries choose to carry sufficient coverage, or any–and they may put YOU at risk! *Note: This is for illustrative purposes only and is not an agreement, offer and/or contract between our company/our Notary and any person(s) purchasing and/or receiving such services.
In almost all cases, your title, loan, or escrow company or their contractor will verify our insurance coverage and limits prior to doing business with us. They also should review the notary’s background check (which must be no older than 12 months). However, due to privacy and generally-accepted good business practices, we do not disclose our limits to consumers. We will only confirm that we hold a policy and only upon request.
License: In the truest sense, Notaries Public are not licensed and cannot become licensed in any US State. Instead, Notaries are commissioned by any of the several States, typically by the Secretary of State. Holding an active commission is required by law in order to work as a Notary Public, even if said Notary is an attorney.
In Ohio in order to earn such a commission, the Notary must demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of the relevant law via a 2+ hour exam, pass a State background check (and, in our case, be appointed by the Probate Court as an upright citizen), complete continuing education, re-test every 5 years, and pass a State (BCI) background check at each renewal (every 5th year). Notaries Public, being State Officials, are scrutinized on an ongoing basis, so a commission may be revoked at any time. In Ohio, commission status may be verified online at no cost.
We go above and beyond the background Ohio-imposed background check (which is only run at the State level) by requiring our notary to also pass an FBI check at least every 5th year.
Professional Membership & Credentials: Beyond the above, our Notary has gone further to demonstrate knowledge and professionalism. He also commits to continuing education for changes and best practices. He is a member of the National Notary Association (NNA®). Further, he has training in Notary Signing Agent services–which require additional and more frequent and more robust background checks, spanning from local courts to FBI, federal agencies, and international checks (every 12 months). These checks are conducted by a third party partner of the NNA. Our notary has been fully-certified as a Notary Signing Agent (“NSA™”) and has held and worked under his active commission since 2018.
Limitations and Right to Refuse Service
In Ohio, Notaries Public are officials of the State. In general, no Notary may refuse an Act under normal circumstances. If they do refuse service, you generally should report it to your county’s Bar Association and perhaps to the Ohio Secretary of State. It’s best to report it to the Bar in the county where it was notarized. But, you can also report it to the Bar of our home county (click here to report a notary’s misconduct to the Lake County Bar Association, Lake County, Painesville, OH).
However, certain exceptions allow for refusal. These situations include ones for which the Notary reasonably expects fraud, misrepresentation, identity theft, is unable to fully or properly verify identity; presentation of pre-signed documents if it is required to be performed in the presence of a Notary (certain Acts only); insufficient documentation of identity; reasonable suspicion of duress/coercion to sign; inability to understand what/why the person is signing; and more. Also, a Notary is never required to travel or to meet you. This is a courtesy we offer.
Did You Know?
Notaries Public in Ohio and every State are disallowed by law to advise you as to which type of certificate/form/Act you need, regardless of your circumstances. We can explain to you the general descriptions of such certificates/forms/Acts. We carry ”loose” certificates for that—but we cannot fully explain the best option or the specific/potential outcomes/liabilities/benefits in your situation. The one exception to this rule is that attorneys who hold a commission are allowed to do it. So, contact your lawyer or notary-lawyer, or seek other legal assistance when in doubt. A good rule of thumb is that a non-attorney Notary CAN answer “What…?” questions but never “Why…?” questions!
Prepare For Success: How You Can Expedite the Signing—Loan Signings & General Notarizations in Northeast Ohio (NEO)
General Services: To avoid delays, or worse yet, refusals: We recommend that you contact us in advance, and mention the type of document(s) to be notarized. Also, do NOT sign or date it in advance (unless, perhaps, if advised by an attorney)–wait until in the presence of the Notary. Be sure to have the document(s) otherwise selected for notarization.
Loan/Lender-Related Services (e.g., home loan, refinance, home sale, debt modification, etc.): Disregard the above “General Services” if you are scheduled for a signing via a financial institution, like a bank, lender, title company, or the likes—in this case, we already know exactly what you’ll need. We’ll also reach out to you ahead of the signing.
If your financial institution shipped you documents ahead of the signing, please do NOT sign any of those documents because we will bring everything to you, including a copy for your records—sometimes things change from the time you received a shipment (if at all) vs. the time we receive the finalized documents. You’re still encouraged to review anything that was shipped to you (if at all) before our visit, but it’s not mandatory: We will review the documents together.
All Signers: Have your original identity document in hand for immediate review upon arrival. More below on acceptable form(s) of ID that are also verifiable and unexpired.
Acceptable Identification Documents for Notarizations
May include -1- or more valid, original, and unexpired. We prefer that it also be signed. Surprisingly, a Driver’s License or State ID (BMV/DMV-issued non-driver card) is usually the best form of ID you can have. That’s because besides being government-issued, it also contains critical identifiers that help properly identify you. Sometimes, another party will require multiple or alternative forms of ID (see below); and sometimes, we’ll ask for a secondary ID if we have doubts.
If you have an “Interim Document” from a BMV/DMV—like the paper document they give you when you renew your drivers license before you receive the physical card—please know that this is NOT an acceptable form of ID for notarizations. You’ll need to select another photo ID.
Other great IDs for notarization include: Some international drivers licenses, U.S.- or international passport, CBP Trusted Traveler Program ID (Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS), USCIS-provided, stamped Visa (as part of a foreign passport, for instance), USCIS Form I-551 (a/ka/a “green card” or “MRIV”). Two types of international driver permits, such as the one issued by AAA, are never acceptable.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IDs: If we’ve been hired by a third party to notarize for you, then usually we have to scan your ID. It is unlawful to scan or print any US Military ID, US DoD ID (“CAC”), or any other Federally-issued ID: Therefore, these are NOT accepted in such cases. Be sure to have an alternative that we can scan and print.
All IDs are subject to physical scrutiny to evaluate genuineness. That means you must always give your ID(s) to the notary to hold and to inspect. We are also allowed to write down information about your ID and save that information in a private journal. Also, as above, some companies require us to scan and/or print a copy of your ID(s) for their records.
YOUR PRIVACY & OUR JOURNAL: Company policy is that the notary journal is sealed from any inspection. That means only the notary can inspect it. The only time we’ll let somebody review the journal is when they have a court order or other lawful, clear reason, or in the course of litigation.
ID: Photograph & Physical Description Preferred
Identification including a relatively-recent photograph is strongly preferred, though we understand circumstances exist where this is impossible, such as a lost license or passport. In this case, please consider: an original- or *certified* copy- of a domestically-issued Certificate of Live Birth combined with 1+ other document(s) (utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, IRS Form 1040, etc.), university or school ID, work ID, and/or others.
It is the notary’s discretion whether to accept or reject any of your documents, and he may refuse to notarize. When in doubt, call, email, or text us before your appointment.
Ideally, your ID will also have a physical description of you (height, weight, eye color, hair color) and will also have an issue and expiration date.
We may refuse to notarize even if one or more of these documents is/are presented (especially if we suspect any impropriety, as above). Please call, text, email, or contact us in advance if you know your photo government ID is missing. All IDs are subject to physical scrutiny to evaluate genuineness.
High Risk Transactions: Typically B2B Only
We may also refuse to Notarize/perform an Act on any kind of traditionally- or perceived high-risk document because it exposes us to liability and risks. Typically, this is based on transaction value, high rates of fraud with such a transaction, and similar reasons. We may recommend seeking another Notary specialized in such Acts or, for your protection, a Notary with substantially higher insurance limits. Another good idea may be to take it to the Clerk of Courts in your county’s Court of Common Pleas, in case we cannot help you—it may be necessary to consult an attorney.
Medallion Requests: Not Notarizations
Finally, please note that certain financial transactions—typically within/between brokerage firms, and sometimes real estate transfers—require a Medallion Signature Guarantee. This is NOT the same as a Notary’s seal. A Medallion Guarantee necessarily includes a specific, very high amount of insurance per document payable for many reasons (beyond traditional notarial insurance–ours covers many issues). The financial firm(s) requiring the Guarantee often specify the precise amount of insurance required, often starting at $250,000.00 per document (not per transaction). Because being a Guarantor requires affiliation with a financial institution, by law, we cannot offer this service. Instead, you’re likely to find this at a well-known bank (regional or national) or a brokerage firm’s local branch. Please call ahead to confirm which branch(es) offer Medallion Guarantees and whether you need an appointment and/or to be a customer—unlike a Notary Public, a Guarantor is not a Public Official, so they can decline/refuse any customer/transaction for any reason (including not being a customer).
Other Terms & Conditions
By using our services, you agree to The Uniform Policy and…
- To treat the company and the notary with respect
- To follow applicable laws, including ORC § 147., et al.
- To not coerce the Notary into committing an unlawful Act
- To not deceive or attempt to deceive the Notary for any reason, anywhere, at any time
Please see our Policies page for more complete policy information and clarification. You’ll also find acceptable forms of payment and payment terms. Note: Payment, including applicable travel surcharge, is generally due on receipt (at time of notarization); exceptions include pre-arranged terms and if your lender/title company will be collecting payment on our behalf. Please note: We only accept checks from businesses, per our policy, unless otherwise pre-agreed; in signing agent situations, your closing company will handle payment in nearly every case.