Terms, privacy, and legal notice.
1. Terms of Service
These terms govern the relationship between you (the client) and Notary by Myrah when you engage any of my services.
Who I am and what I do
I am Myrah Mercado, a Notary Public commissioned by the State of California, operating as Notary by Myrah. I offer remote online notarization (RON), mobile notarization, apostille and legalization handling, estate planning, simplified divorce preparation, and wedding officiating. My role is to notarize, verifying identities and witnessing signatures, and to guide you through the process, as authorized by California law.
What my service does NOT include
I am not an attorney and I do not provide legal advice, I do not draft the legal content of your documents, and I do not represent you before any authority. When I prepare or transcribe forms, I do so using the information you provide. The accuracy of that information and any decisions about content are your responsibility or your attorney’s.
Client responsibilities
- Present a valid, current, unexpired ID.
- Provide complete and truthful information.
- Be present (all signers) at the time of notarization.
- Sign freely, knowingly, and voluntarily.
Quotes, pricing, and payment
Most of my services are handled by quote, since the final price depends on the type of transaction, the number of documents and signers, the format, and the location. The price is confirmed before the service is performed. I accept payment by Zelle, debit or credit card, and cash.
Third-party fees
Third-party charges, such as court, state, consular, or courier fees (for example FedEx), are not included in my price. They are paid separately and are non-refundable, as they belong to those entities.
Cancellations and refunds
- Services already performed: once the notarial act is complete, there is no refund.
- Cancellation 24 hours or more in advance: full refund of the amount paid.
- Cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice, or no-show: 25% of the amount is retained as a cancellation fee.
- Weddings: the 50% deposit is non-refundable, as it holds your date and blocks that day on my calendar.
- Third-party fees: non-refundable (see above).
Remote online notarization (RON)
Remote notarization is performed live, through a state-approved online notarial platform, with identity verification. The session is recorded in audio and video, and both the recording and the electronic journal are securely retained in accordance with California law (see Privacy Policy). RON notarizations performed in accordance with the law are valid throughout the United States.
Right to refuse service
As a Notary Public, I have both the obligation and the right to refuse a notarization when the legal requirements are not met. For example, if the identification is not valid, if the signer does not understand the document, if they are not signing voluntarily, or if there is suspicion of fraud, coercion, or incapacity.
Limitation of liability
My liability is limited to the proper performance of the notarial act under California law. I am not responsible for the content of the documents, for the client’s legal decisions, for delays or rejections by third parties (courts, states, consulates, couriers), or for indirect damages arising from the use of my services. I carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance as a safeguard.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California.
2. Privacy Policy
Your information is handled with care and confidentiality. Here I explain what I collect, how I use it, and how I protect it.
What information I collect
- Contact details: name, phone number, email address.
- Identification details required for the notarial act (the type and details of your ID).
- The documents you share with me for the transaction.
- For RON sessions: the audio and video recording and the electronic journal entry for the notarization.
- Basic technical data from the website (for example, cookies or analytics), where applicable.
How I use it
I use your information solely to provide the service you requested: to schedule the appointment, verify your identity, perform the notarization, handle apostilles or filings, process payment, and follow up with you. I do not sell your information.
Who I share it with
I share information only when it is necessary to complete your transaction: with the approved RON platform, with payment processors, with courier services (for example FedEx), and with the relevant authorities (courts, the state, consulates) as required by the transaction or by law.
Record retention (RON)
California law requires that the electronic journal and the audio-video recording of each remote notarization be securely retained for at least 10 years from the date of the notarial act. The California Secretary of State retains jurisdiction over these records to investigate notarial misconduct for that same 10-year period.
Security
I take reasonable measures to protect your information and your documents from unauthorized access. Even so, no method of transmission or storage is 100% infallible.
Your rights
You may request access to the information I hold about you, or ask me to correct inaccurate data, by writing to myrahmobilenotary@gmail.com. Please note that certain notarial records must be retained by law and cannot be deleted before the required period has passed.
3. Legal Notice
Notary by Myrah is not a law firm and Myrah Mercado is not an attorney. Services are limited to notarial acts authorized by California law (California Government Code sections 8200–8230) and to guidance through processes and filings.
The information presented on this website is general and informational in nature and does not constitute legal, tax, or any other kind of professional advice. It should not be taken as a substitute for the advice of an attorney or another qualified professional. If your situation requires legal advice, I recommend consulting a licensed attorney.