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Services & Pricing

First Step Financial Services provides services as a Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent with a strong background in mortgage and real estate transactions. Offering a full suite of mobile notary and document authentication services in:

  • document notarization

  • signing agent

  • remote online services

  • mobile notary services​​

  • Book Appointment
    Simply book an appointment online and note how many documents you need notarized then choosing a date and time that works best for you we will contact you for a consultation. The only information we need to confirm the appointment is your full name, email address, cell phone number. Your personal information is in safe hands and will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.
  • Upload PDF Document
    You have the option to submit your documents to our secure portal or in person. Once documents are received, you will be sent an email with a link to access the online notary session. For your security and privacy, all documents will be deleted within 24 hours or after your notary appointment is completed, which ever comes first. If the appointment is in person no documents will be kept or they will be sent to the requested designation.
  • Verify Identity
    Please review all attached documents to ensure the correct spelling of names and dates. Complete all forms, except where Notarial wording is present, and refrain from signing signature lines. A valid form of ID must be presented at the time of signing. In Ohio, notaries must verify a signer's identity before notarizing a document. The required verification methods include: Acceptable Identification Documents Ohio law requires signers to present a current, government-issued ID that includes: The signer's photo The signer's signature The signer's physical description The issuance date and expiration date Examples of Acceptable IDs: Ohio or any U.S. state driver’s license State-issued ID card U.S. passport U.S. military ID Permanent resident card (Green Card) Foreign passport (if recognized by U.S. authorities) The ID must be valid and unexpired at the time of notarization. Use of a Credible Witness If a signer does not have valid identification, Ohio allows the use of a credible witness to verify their identity. The witness must: Personally know both the signer and the notary. Present a valid government-issued ID to the notary. Swear or affirm under oath that they know the signer and that the signer has no valid ID. Sign an affidavit if required by the notary. In Ohio, the two primary methods for identifying a signer in Remote Online Notarization (RON) are Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) and Credential Analysis. Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): This method involves posing a series of questions to the signer based on their personal history. The questions are derived from public and private databases, covering areas such as past addresses, loan amounts, or previous employment. The signer must correctly answer a certain number of these questions within a set time limit to pass the authentication process, ensuring that only someone with detailed personal knowledge can successfully verify their identity. Credential Analysis: This process uses advanced software to analyze the signer's government-issued photo ID. The software checks for various security features such as holograms, watermarks, and text patterns to validate the authenticity of the ID. The analysis ensures that the ID is legitimate, not altered or counterfeit, thereby confirming the signer's identity based on reliable, government-issued documentation.
  • Meet With A Notary
    For RON appointments you will be prompted to click on a secure link sent directly to your email address provided. Simply upload a photo of your identification then meet with your online notary.
  • Notarize Documents
    For your in person appointment the notarization will happen at the appointment. During the virtual session, present your ID and electronically sign the document(s) on camera. Once the session is complete, we will begin processing your documents / apostille immediately and send your tracking number after receiving the documents from the Secretary of State. For Apostille services we can perform notarization services for your documents as well. However, if there are any errors with notarization that we did not perform, we cannot ensure acceptance by the governing agency. Rectifying such errors and resubmitting the document will incur additional costs. In some cases, an original document or a Certified Copy issued by a governing agency is required; photocopies or duplicates may not suffice. Documents that may require an Apostille include: Birth certificates Marriage certificates Divorce decrees Adoption papers Educational diplomas and transcripts Power of Attorney documents Articles of Incorporation Notarized affidavits An Apostille on a birth certificate may be needed to register a child for school in another country, while an Apostille on a marriage certificate could be required for immigration purposes. Divorce decrees with an Apostille might be necessary to prove marital status when applying for residency abroad. Adoption papers may need an Apostille to finalize international adoptions. Educational diplomas and transcripts often require an Apostille for acceptance by foreign universities or employers. Apostilles on Power of Attorney documents can facilitate legal transactions abroad. Articles of Incorporation may need an Apostille to establish a business presence in another country. Notarized affidavits with an Apostille might be necessary for legal proceedings or contracts outside the issuing country.
  • What's Included?
    In Ohio, the pricing for notarization services is regulated by state law, and the total cost depends on the type of notarization, travel fees, and additional services provided. Below is a breakdown of what's typically included in the pricing for notarizations: Standard Notarization Fees (Set by Ohio Law) Travel Fees (If Applicable) Loan Signing Agent Fees (for Real Estate Transactions) Additional Services (May Incur Extra Fees) Apostille: Processing Time: Business days. (does not include weekends and government holidays) Notarization included Tracking included International mailing invoiced separately Please call 216.220.9991 for any questions.
  • Signer's Requirements
    All signers present Internet connection (RON) Access to smartphone or computer with audio/camera capabilities (RON) Valid government-issued photo identification card or passport
  • Electronic Notarizations In Foreign Countries
    We can prepare your Apostille order for all 50 states. Please indicate the state on your Order Form. Country-Specific Acceptance: Most countries accept electronically notarized documents while others may require traditional notarization methods. It is essential to check the specific requirements of the foreign country where the document will be used. Verification and Authentication: Even if a country accepts RON for apostilles, they might have additional verification steps or require the electronic apostille to comply with their digital authentication standards. This could include ensuring that the digital signatures and seals meet the international electronic standards. To ensure compliance, it's advisable to consult with the relevant authorities or legal experts in the foreign country where the apostilled document will be submitted. Once we verify which country your documents will be used at we can determine if you will need Apostille, Authentication, or Embassy Legalization. Embassy legalization involves the process of authenticating documents for use in foreign countries that are not parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. It requires presenting the document to the embassy or consulate of the destination country for verification of its authenticity. Once legalized by the embassy or consulate, the document becomes valid for use in the foreign country. A Federal Apostille, also known as authentication, is a certification process required for documents issued by U.S. federal agencies for international use in countries that are not parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. This process involves verifying the signature of the official who signed the document and confirming that they had the authority to do so. The authentication is typically performed by the U.S. Department of State's Authentication Office or by the relevant federal agency. Once authenticated, the document can be used abroad after further legalization by the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
  • What is an FBI Apostille?
    An FBI Apostille is an official authentication issued by the U.S. Department of State that verifies the legitimacy of an FBI background check for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
  • Why do I need an FBI Apostille?
    You may need an FBI Apostille for: Visa & Immigration Applications International Employment Dual Citizenship & Residency Studying or Working Abroad Adoption or Marriage Abroad
  • How do I obtain an FBI Background Check?
    You can request an FBI background check (Identity History Summary) directly from the FBI or through an FBI-approved channeler. It is typically issued as a digital PDF or a physical document with an official FBI watermark.
  • How long does the FBI Apostille process take?
    Standard Processing: 3-5 weeks (via mail to the U.S. Department of State) Expedited Processing: 7-10 business days (using a courier service for hand delivery in Washington, D.C.)
  • Can I apostille a digital FBI background check?
    Yes! If you receive a PDF version of your background check, you can email it to us, and we will print it for submission. However, the U.S. Department of State requires a printed version with the official FBI watermark for apostille processing.
  • Can I notarize my FBI background check before apostille?
    No. The U.S. Department of State advises against notarizing FBI background checks. The document is already signed by an authorized FBI official, and additional notarization is unnecessary.
  • How much does an FBI Apostille cost?
    Pricing depends on the processing speed: Standard Apostille (3-5 Weeks) start at: $125 Expedited Apostille (7-10 Business Days) start at: $225
  • Can I get my FBI background check translated?
    Yes! We offer translation services for FBI apostilles: Spanish, French, German: $45 per page Arabic, Mandarin, Russian: $69 per page Processing time: 1-3 business days
  • Do you provide international shipping?
    Yes, we can ship your apostilled FBI background check anywhere in the world. Pricing varies by country. Example: Spain: $170 Mexico: $120 Canada: $110 UAE: $220
  • How do I get started?
    Request your FBI background check (PDF or hard copy) Choose Standard or Expedited Apostille service Send us your document for processing Receive your apostilled FBI background check via mail or courier

For trusted notary services, call or email. Let me handle your notary and signing needs with professionalism and precision!

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First Step Financial Services provides services as a Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent with a strong background in mortgage and real estate transactions. Offering a full suite of mobile notary and document authentication services in:

​​

  • Document Notarization

  • Signing Agent (NSA)

  • Remote Online Services (RON)

  • Mobile Notary Services​

  • Apostille Services

  • Estate Planning

  • Trust

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Dedicated to providing professional, reliable, and accurate services tailored to clients’ needs.

Providing a range of services including document notarization, verification of signatures for legal, real estate, business, and personal documents:

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  • Loan signing agent services specializing in mortgage closings, loan modifications, refinance packages, and reverse mortgages

  • Estate planning notarization for wills, power of attorney, and living trusts

  • Mobile notary services available at client locations for convenience and efficiency Apostille services for document authentication for international use

  • ​Apostille services for document authentication for international use

  • Remote services offered worldwide

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Professional, reliable, punctual, detail-oriented, and committed to accuracy, offering flexible mobile services available for appointments at homes, offices, hospitals, and other convenient locations. Ensuring confidentiality and security for all transactions, with a client-focused approach dedicated to excellent customer service tailored to each client’s needs.

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As a business credit consultant, First Step Financial Services assist businesses in managing and improving their credit profiles and scores. This involves analyzing a company's credit history, identifying areas for improvement, and providing strategies to build and maintain strong credit. This includes guidance on how to establish credit relationships with vendors, suppliers, and financial institutions along with personal credit assessment. Some common tasks performed by business credit consultants include:

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  • Credit Analysis: Reviewing the company's credit reports and scores to identify any issues or discrepancies that could negatively impact its creditworthiness.

  • Credit Improvement Strategies: Developing customized plans to address weaknesses in personal credit and the company's credit profile, such as reducing debt, disputing inaccuracies on credit reports, and establishing positive credit relationships.

  • Vendor and Supplier Relationships: Advising on how to build strong credit relationships with vendors and suppliers, which can help improve cash flow and access to essential goods and services.

  • Financing Assistance: Assisting businesses in securing financing by identifying suitable lenders and helping them prepare loan applications and financial documents.

  • Education and Training: Providing guidance and resources to business owners and staff on how to effectively manage and maintain good credit practices.

  • Best Value

    Start Up

    450$
    Start Up Register LLC Establish EIN Establish DUNS Number Write Mission Statement Business Credit Book Open Business Account Customized Plan to Obtain Business Credit
    Valid for one month
    • Establishing healthy personal credit habits
  • Phase 1

    900$
    Phase 1 Start Up Package Establish Vendor Accounts 3-4 Manage Vendor Accounts for 3 months
    Valid for one month
    • Creating the foundation of business credit
  • Phase 2

    1,500$
    Includes Start Up and Phase 2 Manage Vendor Accounts Apply for Tier 2 Credit Apply for Tier 3 Credit Mandatory Monthly Meetings for 6 months
    Valid for one month
    • Obtaining business credit for business needs
Pricing Plans

DISCLAIMER: I am not an attorney and therefore by law, I cannot interpret the contents of any document for you, instruct you on how to complete a document, or direct you on the advisability of signing a particular document. By doing so I would be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, and could face legal penalties that include the possibility of incarceration. Any questions about your documents should be addressed to the lender, title company, or an attorney. 

© 2025 First Step Financial Services LLC

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