Notarization & Signer ID

What is Notarization?

Notarization is the official process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic, and can be trusted. Notarization is performed by an impartial Notary Public, appointed by the Secretary of State (in California), certifying that a document is authentic, that its signature is genuine. Note that a Notary cannot provide legal advice, verify the accuracy or validity of the document.

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government —typically by the secretary of state — to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents..

What’s a Mobile Notary?

A Mobile Notary is a Notary who travels to your location to perform the notarization.

Types of Notarization

  • Acknowledgement: The identified signer personally appears before the Notary, signs the document or acknowledged that he or she signed the document.

  • Proof of Execution by Subscribing witness: An individual vouches before a Notary that he or she witnessed the principal signer of a document signed the document.  They must appear with one credible witness who has valid ID, and who the notary personally knows in front of the notary.

  • Jurat: The identified signer personally appears before the notary, signs in the presence of the notary and is administered an oath or affirmation declaring the truthfulness of the document.

  • Oath/Affirmation: Spoken promises of truthfulness made in the presence of the Notary (e.g., Oath of Office, witness for testimony, depositions).

  • Copy Certification: Notary certifies a copy is an accurate reproduction of the original.

Proper ID

Proper identification is required for any notarial service that requires verification of signature.  The following types of identification are valid in the state of California:

  • California Driver License or ID Card

  • Driver license or ID card (non-driver’s) issued by another state

  • California State, County, or City ID card (with photo, serial no., signature, and issue or expiration date)

  • United States passport

  • US Military identification card with signature

  • Foreign country passport or passport card

  • Mexican or Canadian driver license issued by an authorized agency

  • The Consular card (physical description, photo, signature, serial# required)

  • Federally recognized Tribal ID card physical description, photo, signature, serial# required)

  • Inmate ID card or wristband for incarcerated signers

All of the above ID cards must be either current or issued within the last 5 years