Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ) - California Notary Services

  • A California Notary Public is a public official appointed by the Secretary of State to serve as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. The notary verifies the signer’s identity, ensures they are signing willingly, and helps prevent fraud.

  • We notarize most documents, including:

    • Loan and real estate documents

    • Powers of attorney

    • Advance health care directives

    • Wills and trusts (note: notary does not confirm legality of the content)

    • Affidavits and sworn statements

    • Business agreements and contracts

    • Adoption and parental consent forms

    Important: Notaries in CA cannot notarize birth, marriage, or death certificates. Certified copies of those documents must be obtained from the County Recorder’s office.

  • California law requires a current or issued within the past 5 years government-issued photo ID that includes a photograph, physical description, signature, and unique identifying number. Accepted IDs include:

    • California driver’s license or ID card

    • U.S. passport

    • U.S. military ID card

    • Driver’s license or ID from another U.S. state

    • Foreign passport (if stamped by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services)

    • Employee ID card issued by a CA city, county, or state office

    • Inmate ID card (for inmates in custody)

  • No. California does not allow Remote Online Notarization (RON). All notarizations must be performed in person, with the signer present and showing proper identification.

  • If you don’t have valid ID, California allows the use of two credible witnesses who personally know you and can swear under oath to your identity. The witnesses must also present valid ID to the notary.

  • No. California Notaries are not attorneys and cannot:

    • Give legal advice

    • Draft or select legal documents

    • Explain the contents of a document.

    • If you need legal help, please consult a licensed attorney.

  • Per California Government Code § 8211:

    • $15 per signature for acknowledgments and jurats

    • $15 per oath or affirmation

    • Travel/mobile service fees are separate and set by the notary (disclosed in advance)

  • No. California notaries do not keep or store your documents. The only record maintained is the official notary journal, which includes the date, type of notarization, and signer’s ID details (required by Gov. Code § 8206).

  • Yes, but California law does not require notarization of wills unless specifically requested. Most trusts and powers of attorney do require notarization. We always recommend checking with your attorney before notarizing estate planning documents.

  • In California, notaries may only certify copies of powers of attorney. For all other records (like birth, marriage, or death certificates), you must go through the County Recorder or State Registrar’s office.

    • The document(s) to be notarized (filled out, with no blank spaces)

    • A valid, acceptable form of ID

    • Any required witnesses (if applicable)

  • Yes. We travel to homes, offices, hospitals, senior centers, or any convenient location. Travel fees vary depending on distance and time.

  • Yes. All notarial acts are performed in compliance with California privacy laws. Your information is recorded only in the notary journal, which is kept secure and confidential.