FAQs

1. What type of ID do I need to bring?

1. • You must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or state ID) that is current or issued within the last five years.

2. Can I sign the document before my appointment?

   • No, do not sign the document beforehand. The notary must witness your signature to verify its authenticity.

3. What types of documents can be notarized?

   • Common documents include affidavits, power of attorney, real estate deeds, trusts, contracts, and loan documents.

4. Do I need to bring witnesses?

   • Some documents require witnesses in addition to the notary. Confirm in advance if witnesses are needed and ensure they bring valid IDs.

5. How much does notarization cost?

   • California law sets the maximum fee at $15 per notarized signature, though mobile notaries may charge additional travel fees.

6. Can a notary give me legal advice or help fill out my document?

   • No, notaries are not allowed to provide legal advice or complete documents for clients unless they are also licensed attorneys.

7. What happens if my ID is expired?

   • If your ID is expired but issued within the last five years, a notary can still accept it. Otherwise, you may need two credible witnesses with valid IDs to vouch for your identity.

How to Prepare for my Appointment

1. Gather Your Documents

• Bring the original document(s) that need notarization.

• Ensure all pages are present and complete—no blank spaces.

• If the document requires a notarial certificate (Acknowledgment or Jurat), check if one is included; if not, the notary can provide one.

2. Bring a Valid ID

• A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID, military ID, etc.).

• ID must be current or issued within the last five years.

3. Know What You Need

• Do you need an Acknowledgment (confirming your identity and willingness to sign) or a Jurat (requiring you to swear an oath/affirmation before signing)?

• If unsure, consult the document issuer or an attorney—notaries cannot choose for you.

4. Do Not Sign in Advance

• The notary must witness you signing for certain documents, so wait until your appointment.

5. Check Witness Requirements

• If your document requires witnesses, bring them with valid IDs. Some documents, like wills and trusts, may have specific witness requirements.

6. Be Prepared to Pay Fees

• The notary may charge up to $15 per notarized signature (California law).

• Mobile notaries can charge extra for travel. Ask about fees in advance.

7. Bring Any Additional Instructions

• If a lender, attorney, or organization requested the notarization, bring any instructions they provided to ensure everything is done correctly.

What if my ID and name on the documents do not match exactly?

If the name on your ID does not exactly match the name on your document, it can create an issue during notarization. Here’s what you can do:

1. Minor Name Discrepancies (Acceptable)

• If the variation is minor (e.g., "John A. Smith" on the ID and "John Smith" on the document), many notaries will proceed as long as it's clear you are the same person.

• The notary may include a notation about the discrepancy in their journal.

2. Significant Name Differences (Potential Issue)

• If the names are substantially different (e.g., "Jane Doe" on the ID but "Jane Marie Doe-Smith" on the document), the notary may not be able to proceed.

3. Possible Solutions

• Provide Additional Identification – If you have another valid ID showing the name on the document, bring it.

• Use Two Credible Witnesses – If no acceptable ID is available, California law allows two people with valid IDs to swear to your identity.

• Request a New Document – If possible, ask the document issuer to update the name to match your ID.

• Sign Using Your ID Name – Some notaries may allow you to sign using the name that appears on your ID rather than the name on the document, but this depends on the type of document and legal requirements.

What can I expect during my Notary Appointment?

During your notary appointment in California, you can expect the following steps:

1. Identity Verification

• The notary will check your government-issued photo ID to confirm your identity.

• If your ID is expired or doesn’t match exactly, alternative options (such as credible witnesses) may be required.

2. Review of Documents

• The notary will briefly examine your document to ensure it is complete (no blank spaces) but will not provide legal advice or verify its accuracy.

• If your document does not already contain a notarial certificate, the notary may ask whether you need an Acknowledgment (confirming your identity) or a Jurat (requiring an oath/affirmation). If you’re unsure, you may need to ask the document issuer.

3. Signing the Document

• Do not sign the document beforehand! The notary must witness your signature if a Jurat is required.

• If it’s an Acknowledgment, you may have already signed, but you’ll need to confirm you signed willingly.

4. Oath or Affirmation (if needed)

• If your document requires a Jurat, the notary will ask you to swear or affirm that the contents are true under penalty of perjury.

5. Notary Journal Entry

• The notary will record the transaction in their official journal. You will need to sign the journal, and the notary may take a fingerprint for certain documents (such as real estate transactions).

6. Payment of Fees

• California law allows notaries to charge up to $15 per notarized signature (additional fees may apply for mobile notaries).

7. Notary Seal & Completion

• The notary will apply their official stamp/seal to the document, completing the process.

Your document is now legally notarized and ready for submission or further processing!

What can I expect after my notary appointment?

After your notary appointment in California, here’s what you can expect:

1. Review Your Notarized Document

• Check that the notary seal and signature are present and clear.

• Ensure your name and details are correct on the document.

• Verify that any notarial certificate (Acknowledgment or Jurat) is correctly attached.

2. Submit the Document as Required

• If the notarized document needs to be mailed, filed, or submitted, follow the instructions given by the requesting party (e.g., lender, attorney, government office).

• Some documents may require additional steps, such as recording with a county office (e.g., real estate deeds).

3. Keep a Copy for Your Records

• If possible, make a copy of the notarized document before submitting it, especially for legal or financial documents.

4. No Changes Allowed After Notarization

• Once a document is notarized, the notary cannot make changes or re-stamp it.

• If an error is found, you may need to get a new document notarized.

5. Follow Up on Processing

• If the document is time-sensitive (e.g., loan, legal form, application), check with the recipient to confirm they received it.

• Some agencies may require additional steps, such as filing fees or further approvals.