How to prepare for Notarial Service

Any SIGNER ID allowed under CA law must either be current or if expired,          must have been issued within the past five years. 

  California Driver License or non-driver Identification Card 

 U.S. Passport (or Passport Card) 

 Driver License or official non-driver ID issued by a U.S. state 

 An inmate identification card issued by:

      • The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (inmate is in prison) 

      •  A sheriff’s department (inmate is in custody at a local detention facility) 

- - There is reasonable reliance on any of the following forms of ID - -                              provided that it also contains a photograph, description of person,                signature of person, and an identifying number:

 Canadian or Mexican Driver License issued by an appropriate agency 

 U.S. military ID 

 Valid foreign passport from the signer’s country of citizenship 

 ID card issued by a federally-recognized tribal government

 Employee ID issued by an agency or office of a California city or county 

 Valid consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship that meets specific requirements.   The consular ID must be current or issued in the past five years, have a serial or identification number, and contain the signature, photograph, description of the bearer.   

Note: The “matricula consular” IDs issued by the Mexican consulates do not meet these requirements and cannot be accepted as satisfactory evidence of a signer’s identity in California. 

 Oath or Affirmation of one or two credible witnesses 

If the signer is not present or does not have required identification documents authorized by law to establish signer's identity AND the credible witness does not have a financial interest and is not named in the document signed.

  You must be able to tell the Notary what “type” of notarization you need

* Notarizations typically come in three forms: 

Acknowledgments, Jurats,  and Copy Certifications

* Review the types of notarial acts and confirm with the document drafter or receiving agency to determine what type of notarization they require

A Notary is appointed by the State as a ministerial official.

A Notary is NOT allowed to advise you on the type of notarization you need.
 

You are in the best position to complete notarization if:

•  The Document is Complete (no blank spaces)
• All Signers Are Present for Notarization
• The Signer is Willing and Aware of What they are Signing

REMEMBER: The Notary CANNOT Advise You on Legal Matters