Hospital & Bedside Notary Services
When a medical emergency strikes, critical documents cannot wait. We provide priority mobile notary services at hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities throughout Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Pierce and Kitsap counties — day or night, weekends and holidays included.
When Every Minute Matters
A sudden hospitalization, an unexpected surgery, a rapid decline in health — these situations demand that legal documents be signed immediately. A power of attorney needs to be executed before a loved one goes into surgery. A healthcare directive must be notarized while the patient can still express their wishes. A financial power of attorney is needed so family members can manage bills and insurance claims.
We understand the urgency and sensitivity of hospital and bedside notarizations. We arrive promptly, work patiently with patients who may be in pain or on medication, and handle every document with the gravity it deserves. Our notary is experienced with the unique challenges of facility visits — limited mobility, bed-bound signers, emotional family members, and tight hospital schedules.
Whether you are at St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, a nursing home in Tacoma, an assisted living facility in Port Orchard, or a private residence with a homebound family member, we come to you. Same-day service is available for most requests, and we offer true 24/7 availability for genuine emergencies.
What We Notarize at the Bedside
Healthcare Directives
Advance healthcare directives, living wills, and POLST forms that document a patient's treatment preferences and end-of-life wishes.
Financial Power of Attorney
Authorize a trusted family member to manage finances, pay bills, handle insurance claims, and make financial decisions during incapacity.
Advance Directives & Living Wills
Documents that specify medical treatment preferences, resuscitation wishes, and organ donation decisions while the patient can still communicate.
Wills & Trust Amendments
Last-minute will updates, trust amendments, and codicils that need to be executed while the signer is still competent and able to express intent.
Where We Go
Gig Harbor's primary hospital. We are familiar with visitor policies, parking, and patient room access procedures.
Regular visits to care facilities throughout Pierce and Kitsap counties for resident document signings.
Post-surgery and recovery facilities where patients need documents signed during their rehabilitation stay.
Compassionate, unhurried service for end-of-life document signings. We work at the patient's pace.
Homebound patients and elderly family members who cannot travel. We come to the home anywhere in our service area.
Specialized visits for residents in memory care, with careful attention to competency requirements under Washington law.
Hospital Notary FAQ
What if the patient cannot physically sign their name?
Washington state allows alternative signing methods. A patient may make a mark (such as an X) in the presence of a witness, or may direct another person to sign on their behalf. We are experienced with these accommodations and will guide you through the legally compliant options.
What identification is needed in the hospital?
A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID is required — driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If the patient does not have ID available at the hospital, a credible identifying witness who personally knows the patient and can present their own valid ID may be used instead.
Can family members be present during the notarization?
Yes, family members are welcome to be present. However, the notary must communicate directly with the signer to verify their identity and willingness to sign. If the document names a family member as a beneficiary or agent, that person generally should not also serve as a witness.
What are the after-hours and weekend rates?
Every hospital or facility visit includes a $50 facility surcharge on top of the standard travel fee for your area. Evening appointments (7-9 PM) add $40. Late night and early morning (9 PM-7 AM) add $75. Weekend appointments add $35 (Saturday) or $50 (Sunday). Need us within the hour? Our priority 1-hour response adds $75. If facility check-in or patient preparation causes wait time beyond 30 minutes, a $25 per 15-minute wait fee applies. All fees are disclosed before we leave — no surprises.
How quickly can you get to the hospital?
For urgent requests in Gig Harbor, we can typically arrive within 1-2 hours. Tacoma and Port Orchard requests may take slightly longer depending on time of day. For true emergencies, call us directly and we will do everything possible to accommodate your timeline.