Rooted Notary and Background Solutions LLC
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What services does Rooted Notary & Background Solutions provide?
We provide professional in-office and mobile notary services, BCI and FBI fingerprinting for background checks, I-9 employment verification, and remote online notarization (where permitted). All services are provided by appointment.
Where are you located?
We are based in Columbus, Ohio and provide in-office, mobile, and remote services throughout Ohio where permitted by law.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Appointments are required for all services to ensure availability, proper preparation, and compliance.
How do I book an appointment?
All appointments must be scheduled online through our website.
Availability, pricing, and service options are displayed during the booking process.
Appointments are not scheduled by phone or text.
To book, please visit our Book Now page.
Can I call or text to book an appointment?
No. To ensure accuracy, availability, and compliance, appointments are scheduled exclusively through our website.
Phone and text support are available for general questions or assistance only, not for booking.
Payments, Pricing & Billing
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit and debit cards and secure digital payment methods available at checkout.
Is payment required before service?
Yes. Payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise approved in writing for business or organizational clients.
Are notary fees charged per document or per signature?
Notary fees are charged per signature, in accordance with Ohio law. Additional service, travel, administrative, or after-hours fees may apply.
Are prices refundable?
No. Payments made in full are non-refundable. If an appointment must be rescheduled, a new booking and payment are required.
Notary Services
What types of documents can you notarize?
We notarize acknowledgments, jurats, affidavits, sworn statements, and other documents permitted under Ohio law.
Should I sign my document before my appointment?
No. Documents must be signed in the presence of the notary unless otherwise permitted by law.
Do all signers need to be present?
Yes. All signers must be present at the time of notarization, either in person or via an approved Remote Online Notary platform.
What identification is required?
A valid, government-issued photo ID is required. Expired, damaged, altered, or photocopied IDs cannot be accepted.
Can you notarize documents for someone who is not present?
No. Ohio law requires personal appearance for notarization.
Can a notary refuse service?
Yes. Service must be refused if identity cannot be verified, the signer appears unwilling or unaware, or the notarization would violate Ohio law.
Do you provide legal advice or prepare documents?
No. Rooted Notary does not provide legal advice or prepare legal documents.
Mobile Notary Services
What is a mobile notary?
A mobile notary travels to your location, such as a home, office, hospital, nursing facility, or another agreed-upon location.
How are mobile travel fees calculated?
Mobile fees are based on distance, time, and service type and are disclosed during booking.
Do you visit hospitals, nursing homes, or correctional facilities?
Yes, when permitted by the facility. Additional coordination time and fees may apply.
Remote Online Notary (RON)
Is Remote Online Notarization legal in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio allows Remote Online Notarization when performed in compliance with state law.
What do I need for a Remote Online Notary appointment?
You will need a stable internet connection, a webcam-enabled phone, tablet, or computer, and a valid government-issued photo ID.
Are Remote Online Notary sessions recorded?
Yes. RON sessions are recorded and securely retained as required by Ohio law.
Fingerprinting & Background Checks
What fingerprinting services do you offer?
We provide electronic fingerprinting for BCI and FBI background checks when applicable.
How long does fingerprinting take?
Fingerprinting appointments typically take 10 to 20 minutes once identity verification is complete.
How long does it take to receive background check results?
Processing times are controlled by the issuing agency and may vary:
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BCI results: Typically 24 to 72 business hours
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FBI results: Typically 3 to 10 business days or longer
Rooted Notary facilitates fingerprinting and submission but does not control processing timelines or results.
How will I receive my background check results?
Results are delivered according to the requesting agency’s instructions. Some results are sent directly to the employer or licensing agency, while others are mailed or electronically delivered to the applicant.
Do you guarantee background check results or turnaround times?
No. We do not control background check outcomes or agency processing times.
Fingerprinting & Background Checks
What fingerprinting services do you offer?
We provide electronic fingerprinting for BCI and FBI background checks when applicable.
How long does fingerprinting take?
Fingerprinting appointments typically take 10 to 20 minutes once identity verification is complete.
How long does it take to receive background check results?
Processing times are controlled by the issuing agency and may vary:
-
BCI results: Typically 24 to 72 business hours
-
FBI results: Typically 3 to 10 business days or longer
Rooted Notary facilitates fingerprinting and submission but does not control processing timelines or results.
How will I receive my background check results?
Results are delivered according to the requesting agency’s instructions. Some results are sent directly to the employer or licensing agency, while others are mailed or electronically delivered to the applicant.
Do you guarantee background check results or turnaround times?
No. We do not control background check outcomes or agency processing times.
Important Background Check Contacts
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)
BCI WebCheck is administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
Processing timelines, result delivery, and eligibility requirements are determined by BCI.
For official information regarding background check status or requirements, clients may be directed to the Ohio Attorney General’s BCI WebCheck resources.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
FBI background checks are processed at the federal level. Processing times may vary based on volume and submission method.
Rooted Notary does not have access to confidential background check results unless required by law.
Business & Employer Services
Do you work with employers and organizations?
Yes. We support employers, staffing agencies, schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and other organizations.
Do you offer group or on-site services?
Yes. Group and on-site services are available with advance scheduling and coordination.
Timing, Wait Time & Appointments
How long does a notarization appointment take?
Most notarizations take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of documents and signers.
What happens if I arrive late?
Appointments include a 15-minute grace period. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the appointment may be cancelled and will require a new booking. No refund will be issued for late arrivals or missed appointments.
Timing, Wait Time & Appointments
What happens if I arrive late?
Appointments include a 15-minute grace period. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the appointment may be cancelled and will require a new booking. No refund will be issued for late arrivals or missed appointments.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Payments made in full are non-refundable. Late arrivals, missed appointments, and no-shows require a new booking and payment. No refunds are issued once an appointment is booked.
Are there wait-time fees?
No. Rooted Notary does not charge wait-time fees. Appointments that cannot begin within the 15-minute grace period may be cancelled and require rebooking. No refund will be issued.
Cancellations, No-Shows & After-Hours Services
What is your cancellation policy?
Late cancellations and no-shows are subject to a $25 fee.
Are after-hours or emergency appointments available?
Yes. Appointments scheduled or serviced between 6:00pm and 8:00am, as well as weekends and holidays, include a $25+ after-hours/on-demand fee.
Privacy, Records & Compliance
How is my personal information protected?
All personal information is handled securely and used only for service delivery and compliance purposes.
How long are records retained?
Records are retained in accordance with Ohio law and industry best practices.