Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is appointed by the office of the Secretary of State to witness by an official seal and written acknowledgment, or jurat, the signing of documents as well as administer oath.

2. Why are documents notarized?

To deter fraud. An impartial witness (the Notary) ensures that the signers of documents are who they say they are and not impostors. The Notary makes sure that signers have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.

3. May any document be notarized?

For a document to be notarized, it must contain: a) text committing the signer in some way, b) an original signature (not a photocopy) of the document signer, c) notarial "certificate" which may appear on the document itself or on an attachment. The Notary fills in the certificate, signs it, then applies his or her seal to complete the notarization.

4. How does a notary identify a signer?

Generally, the Notary will ask to see a current identification document that has a photograph, physical description and a signature.

5. What ID is required for any notarization?

Each signer must either present current photo ID such as drivers license, California ID, or passport issued within the last 5 years; or have two other persons present who will swear to the signer's identity, each of whom has a good current photo ID.

6. Is notarization required by law?

For many documents, yes. Certain affidavits, real estate deeds and other documents may not be legally binding unless they are properly notarized.

7. Does notarization mean that a document is "true" or "legal"?

No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of documents they notarize. Notaries certify the identity of signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents.

8. What should I have with me?

Yourself, your completed documents, and identification (see question 5 for acceptable forms of ID).

- Identification

The notary must be able to identify the signers. A valid form of identification must be provided. Acceptable forms of ID must be current, government issued, have a photo, signature and physical description. For example, a state-issued drivers license or non-drivers license/ID, military ID, passport). Please have a valid form of identification for each signer.

- All Parties Present

All signers must be present. If the document to be notarized requires more than your signature, please make sure that each person is present with the required identification as well.

- Know Your Document

Know what type of notarization you need - an acknowledgment, Jurat or other. This is especially important if the notarial certificate is not attached to your document! Please ask the organization or person requiring the notarization to provide you with the notarial statement or to advise the type of notarial statement needed. Because we are not attorneys, notaries cannot decide the type of notarization because type of notarization can have important legal ramifications.

- Mark Pages To Be Notarized

Mark the page(s) that needs to be notarized if you have a large document. Please pay special attention to any blank spaces on the page to be notarized. If there are blank spaces on the page to be notarized, please put a line through the space or write "NA" (not applicable). If there are misspellings, please make changes on the document.

- Pricing And Hours

Pricing is per signature. Please see Fees for pricing. Notary services are available Evenings and Weekends.

- Notaries Are Impartial

Please remember that notaries are impartial and prohibited by law from choosing certificates, preparing documents or providing advice.