FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A NOTARY PUBLIC?

A notary public is a state-appointed official who witnesses and certifies the signing of important documents. Notaries are impartial witnesses who ensure that the signer is properly identified with satisfactory evidence. A California Notary Public is not responsible for the accuracy or legality of documents they notarize. A notary public cannot give legal advice unless they are an active member of the state bar. A Notary Public is also not a Notario Publico.
WHY DO DOCUMENTS NEED TO BE NOTARIZED?

Documents are often notarized to verify the identity of the person signing them and ensure that they are signing willingly, essentially acting as a safeguard against fraud by providing a neutral third-party witness to confirm the authenticity of the signature and the signing process; this is particularly important for legal documents that might need to be used in court.
CAN ANY DOCUMENT BE NOTARIZED?

No. While many documents can be notarized there are some exceptions such as vital records and death certificates. It is also up to the discretion of the notary public if they are comfortable notarizing a certain type of document. If you are unsure if your document can be notarized we encourage you to contact us for further information.
DO I NEED TO HAVE MY DOCUMENT NOTARIZED IN PERSON OR CAN IT BE DONE ONLINE?

The state of California currently does not allow a Notary Public to perform remote online notarial services.The signing party, or parties, must be physically present before the notary public.
HOW DO I PREPARE TO HAVE A DOCUMENT NOTARIZED?

To prepare a document for notarization in California, you should first Know what type of notarization you need(This information should be verified with the document drafter or receiving agency. A notary public cannot advise which notarial service is needed). Ensure there aren't any blank spaces on your document.(A Notary public is not allowed to advise you on the legal effects of a document or fill in any part of the document except the notarial certificate wording.) Bring Acceptable Identification (Ensure the name on your ID matches the name on your document. If you are unsure if you have acceptable identification please FAQ#6) Payment for notarial services(All payments are due at the time of service)
WHAT IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION?

A California driver’s license or nondriver’s ID A U.S. passport (or passport card) An inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation if the inmate is in prison or any form of inmate identification issued by a sheriff’s department if the inmate is in custody in a local detention facility A driver’s license or official nondriver’s ID issued by a U.S. state* A Canadian or Mexican driver’s license issued by an appropriate public agency* A U.S. military ID* A valid foreign passport from the applicant’s country of citizenship* An employee ID issued by an agency or office of the state of California or a California city, county, or city and county* An identification card issued by a federally-recognized tribal government* A valid consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship that meets specific requirements* All of the identification documents listed above must be current or issued within the past 5 years in order to be accepted by California Notaries. IDs listed above marked with an asterisk (*) must also contain an identifying number and the photograph, signature and physical description of the bearer.
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION.

No worries! If a signer does not have current identification, two credible witnesses are acceptable as a form of ID. Credible witnesses must have a current acceptable identification, must know the signer personally, and be willing to be placed under oath and swear to the identity of the signer. A credible witness should not have anything financially to gain from the signer either now or in the future.
CAN I TRANSLATE FOR MY FRIEND WHO DOES NOT SPEAK ENGLISH BUT NEEDS A DOCUMENT NOTARIZED?

Unfortunately, no. Translators are not permissible. If the signer is not able to confidently communicate in English we are happy to refer you to a Notary Public who speaks the requested language.
CAN I HAVE A DOCUMENT THAT IS NOT WRITTEN IN ENGLISH NOTARIZED?

Yes. As long as the document is complete and the signer is able to communicate in English we can have your document notarized.(Please not that the notarial certificate will be in English and cannot be provided in a different language)
DO YOU OFFER SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS?

Yes! Please reach out as soon as possible if you need any last minute notarial services.
DOES THE APPOINTMENT NEED TO BE COMPLETED IN A HOME OR OFFICE?

No! As a mobile notary my goal is to make the service as convenient as possible for you. Notary services can be completed in a coffee shop, a park or even in a parking lot on the hood of a car.
DO YOU OFFER LATE NIGHT OR WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS?

Yes! Please see the services page for additional fees associated with these appointments.