Requirements for a Successful Notarization

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Unfortunately, office appointments are 95% “no show,” meaning the customers don't show up at all or don't cancel the appointment in a timely manner. Therefore, for office notary appointments only, there will be a $20 initial deposit before rendering the notary services. Please read the following information:

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Reading the NOTARY GUIDE before meeting with the notary will help you prepare better for notarizing your documents. However, not everything will necessarily apply to you or your legal documents; 

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• Have your documents in hand and filled out EXCEPT the signatures.​

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• Ensure the names on your documents match the names on your Identification you will provide to the notary at the time of the notarization, including, but not limited to, any prefix and suffix, such as Sr. Jr., etc.

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• All signer(s) must be present and on time for the notary appointment.​

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• Signers must be alert and aware, able to communicate with the notary, and sign the documents independently. ​

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• The signer(s) will have a reasonable time to sign the documents, and they may avoid interruptions of cellphones (except for emergencies), TV, loud music, family members, etc. 

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• If you request mobile notary services and will meet the notary at your home or office, please have a clean, empty space, such as a table, kitchen counter, etc., to notarize your documents.

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• Avoid having drinks or food on the table during the notarization to prevent spills on your documents. ​

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• You must have an unexpired government-issued ID, such as a Driver's license, photo Identification card, passport, etc., and bring it with you for the notarization. Please see the California-approved Photo identification list below.

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• If you are unable to provide an unexpired government-issued ID and credible witnesses are needed to vouch for the identity of the signer, the credible witnesses are required to produce an unexpired government-issued ID, such as a Driver's license, photo Identification card, passport, etc., and bring it with them for the notarization.

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• Make sure to submit your initial deposit. 

  • The payment methods accepted are Zelle, Venmo, Check, Apple Pay, and cash. If paying with cash, please bring exact change. Please inquire about payment information so you can submit your payment successfully and in a timely manner. 

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• LASTLY, AND BY FAR THE MOST IMPORTANT: I am not an attorney, and therefore, by law, I cannot explain or interpret the contents of any document for you, instruct you on how to complete a document, or direct you on the advisability of signing a particular document. By doing so, I would be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law and could face legal penalties that include the possibility of incarceration. Any important questions about your document should be addressed to the lender, title company, or an attorney. National Notary Association.

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CA-approved Photo Identification

 

• Group 1: You are required to provide a current/issued within the last five years CA-approved Photo Identification and can be any of the following:

1. ID card or driver's license issued by California DMV;

2. U.S. Passport;

3. An inmate ID card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (if the inmate is in custody in California state prison);

4. An inmate ID issued by a sheriff's department (if the inmate is in custody in a local detention facility).

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• Group 2: The following forms of identification (*) listed below must contain a photograph, physical description, signature, and serial number:

1. A valid consular ID or passport issued by a foreign government;*

2. ID card or Driver's license issued by another U.S. state;*

3. A driver's license issued by an authorized Canadian or Mexican public agency;*

4. U.S. military ID card;*

5. Employee ID card issued by an agency or office of the State of California or by an agency or office of a CA city, county, or city and county;*

6. ID card issued by a federally recognized tribal government.*