On the Hunt for a Notary
It is that time of the year again for my business to renew its WBE Certification. While the information for a straight renewal was not consequential, the search for a Notary to sign one page was!
Pre-Pandemic days most banking centers, open daily, would have a Notary on staff. They may not be there every day so calling to confirm one is in was usually a simple phone call. Pandemic visits now to banking centers almost always require an appointment to actually just set foot in the Bank. Many larger banks do not even have all their local branches open right now. So, it is not as simple as it once was, walk into an open bank at lunchtime. Those days are long past. Take the time, make phone calls, confirm if and when a Notary can be available and then book an appointment. And it could take a few days.
The next logical location would be an attorney’s office. In New York State, most attorneys are also Notaries. But, in these Pandemic times, many attorneys are not in their offices, at all. Their home has become their working space. If there are office hours, they come with limitations, a temperature check, and often, a medical survey upon arrival. So, much like the trip to the bank, it requires phone calls or emails to confirm when a Notary can be available and what Covid protocol one must abide by. Nothing simple about this option.
AAA and UPS offer Notary Services. But, again, be aware of limitations. Only the main office AAA in Williamsville, twenty (20) minutes outside of the City of Buffalo is apparently the only location that offers the service locally. And there is a fee for all members but their highest membership level. Researching the extras offering for the higher membership level, it did not make sense for me to pay that amount. So, if you have The Premiere Membership level, and visiting the Williamsville location is not out of your way, this is a good, free option but, remember, you must call and make an appointment. No drop ins, same as the other options mentioned.
UPS had the most user friendly Notary options. Not all offices offer this service but there are so many around our home and office perimeter that a few calls led us to an appointment at one location within an hour. The fee was $2, the service was quick, professional, and completed without any wait time or parking search. Most UPS offices here are located in strip plazas with free parking. Pulling up right in front of the door was an added benefit.
For future needs, one of the staff in our Landlord’s Property Management Office, just passed the Exam, and upon receipt of the Seal and License Number, will be our go to Notary. In the meantime, UPS was by far the easiest and most convenient to work with in our experience.
Rest assured, at some point as a Business Owner, you will need a Notary. So, instead of digging yourself in a hole like our dog in today’s Blog photo, try your local UPS store, the main location of your AAA office, your local bank, local attorney, or your Landlord’s office. Learn from our experience and you will not waste the time we can never get back!
Be well.
