About Simenson Notary Services
Simenson Notary Services is committed to providing reliable, friendly, and efficient notarization for clients throughout Missoula and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re finalizing important documents, completing a real estate transaction, or simply need a quick signature verified, my goal is to make the process smooth, convenient, and stress‑free. Choose a local notary who values clarity, professionalism, and genuine service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a notarial act?
A notarial act is determined by the certificate completed, not the number of signatures. One signer and one certificate equals one act, even if the document contains multiple signature lines. If a document requires two certificates (such as an acknowledgment and a jurat), that becomes two acts.
Do I need to have my car title notarized?
No, as of October 1st, 2025 the Legislature passed HB 165 amending 61-3-220 (2), MCA. It previously stated “when transfer occurs between individuals, the transferor's signature on the certificate of title, or the form authorizing transfer of interest upon the electronic record of title, must be acknowledged before the county treasurer, a deputy county treasurer, an elected official authorized to acknowledge signatures, an employee or authorized agent of the department, or a notary public.” This subsection has been removed, so there is no need to notarize a title transfer. Source:Montana Secretary of State website
How much do you charge?
Montana law allows notaries to charge up to $10 per notarial act. My standard fee is the maximum allowed. Mobile travel fees apply outside Missoula city limits and are calculated by distance with miles over 60 charged at $10 per 10 miles.
Can you notarize documents for use in another country?
Yes. I can notarize foreign documents, including those written in other languages, as long as the signer appears before me in Montana, I can verify their identity, and I complete a Montana-compliant certificate. I do not certify the accuracy of the document’s content—only the authenticity of the signature.
Can you notarize documents written in another language?
Yes. I can notarize documents in languages I do not read, provided I can identify the type of notarial act, the signer understands the document, and the certificate is completed in English. If the foreign certificate is unclear, I attach a Montana acknowledgment or jurat.
What identification do I need?
Acceptable identification includes a state driver’s license or ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, or any government-issued photo ID. Credible witnesses and personal knowledge are also allowed under Montana law.
Do you notarize for minors?
Yes, if the minor has valid government-issued photo ID. If not, a credible witness may be used.
Can you notarize for family members?
I can notarize for family as long as I have no beneficial interest in the document. I cannot notarize my own signature or anything that benefits me directly.
Do you offer Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Yes. Montana allows RON, IPEN, and remote notarization on tangible records. All remote notarizations must use Secretary of State–approved platforms.
What if my document doesn’t have a notarial certificate?
I can attach the correct Montana certificate, such as an acknowledgment, jurat, copy certification, or oath/affirmation. I cannot choose the certificate type for you, but I can explain the differences so you can decide.
Do you provide witnesses?
I do not provide witnesses. If your document requires witnesses, please bring them with you.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring the complete, unsigned document, valid government-issued photo ID, any required witnesses, and payment for notarial and travel fees.
Can you give legal advice?
No. Montana notaries cannot interpret documents, advise on legality, recommend certificate types, or explain whether a document will be accepted by another agency or country. I can only explain notarial procedures.
Can you notarize a document with blank spaces?
Yes, but only if the blank spaces are not related to the signer’s intent. If the blanks could affect the meaning of the document, they must be filled in before notarization.
Do you keep a record of my notarization?
Yes. Montana requires a journal entry for every notarization, including date, time, type of act, document type, ID used, signature of the signer, and fees charged.
Can you notarize a photocopy?
Yes, if the document is eligible for copy certification under Montana law. Some documents, such as vital records, cannot be copy-certified by a notary.
Do you notarize immigration documents?
Yes, but I cannot provide immigration advice, help fill out forms, or explain legal implications. I can only notarize signatures.
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