What is the process for getting a document notarized in California?
When having a document notarized in California, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, you must personally appear before a Notary Public with a valid form of identification. The main responsibility of a Notary Public is to verify your identity and willingness to sign the document. Remember that signing the document before meeting with the Notary could void its validity. Additionally, make sure to have the document you want notarized ready when meeting with the Notary. Keep in mind that Notaries are prohibited from creating or recommending documents to be notarized in California. If you are unsure of which type of document needs to be notarized, consult an attorney or visit LAWDEPOT.COM for commonly used notarized documents.
What forms of identification are considered valid in California for notarization purposes?
Acceptable options include a US State issued driver license issued within the last 5 years, state-issued ID card, US or foreign passport, tribal ID card, or inmate ID card. Consular cards and Canadian or Mexican driver licenses may also be used. Military ID; employee ID cards issued by an agency or office of the State of California provided it contains a photograph, description of the person, signature of the person and identifying number.
If you are not able to produce one of these acceptable forms of ID- do not worry! In the State of California you may also use two Credible Witness, over the age of 18, who possesses one of these forms of ID, and who is willing to take an oath vouching for your identity, they do not have a financial interest in the document(s) or that they are named within the document(s).
What Types of Documents Can Be Notarized in California?
You have the option to either create your own document for notarization or select one from a trusted source. Commonly requested documents include Affidavits, Advanced Health Care Directives, Bank Forms, Car Titles, Deeds, Divorce Decrees or Settlements, End of Life Care Packages, Financial and Medical Power of Attorneys, Passport Applications, Inmate Property Release Forms, Real Estate Documents, School Forms, Unclaimed Property Forms and more! Please keep in mind that California Notaries are only authorized to certify copies of Power of Attorney documents.
When Can I Schedule My Appointment?
If a Notary Public is available for your appointment time, you may have a document Notarized whenever you wish in California. We highly recommend that you book with the notary with at least 2 hours' notice during the week and at least 3 hours' notice on weekends. Even so, we will always do our best to assist you as soon as possible. The ideal working hours for Notaries in California are between 7am and 10pm but offer twenty-four hour service by appointment.
Where Can I Book My Appointment?
Due to potential lawsuits, many banking and financial institutions in California no longer provide Notary Services for non-institutional documents. While some UPS Stores do have Notaries on-site, they may not always be available when needed. FEDEX, unfortunately, does not currently offer in-house Notary Services at all. In response to this, most Notaries today are Mobile Notaries Public who travel to their clients. This is our area of expertise at The Notary Family - our California Notaries will come to you anywhere - whether it's your home, workplace, hospital, jail, care facility, or even a public meeting spot like a restaurant or coffee shop. We have even assisted signers who were just passing through the state - such as Truck Drivers at interstate exits or travelers with airport layovers.