FAQs and Check List
Check List
Having documents notarized can be a confusing event for someone who is not familiar with the Notary process. I have listed some general questions and answers to the most frequent questions.
Q: What do I need to bring to the signing?
A: You will need to bring one or two (in some cases) of the following forms of approved identification. The name you will be signing on the document must match or be "SHORTER THAN" the name on your ID CARD. An ID with your maiden name along with a Marriage License showing your married name is not acceptable. (You must use 2 Credible Witnesses)
· Valid State Issued Driver’s License or ID Card (Mexico or Canada licenses )
· Military ID
· Valid & signed U.S. Passport or Foreign Passport Stamped by U.S. Customs
· Inmate ID issued by Department of Corrections
· Employee ID from an agency or California State office, or by any agency or office of a city or county in California
The MATRICULA CONSULAR is now accepted
Q: Does notarizing a document make it truthful and correct?
A: No. Notarizing only validates that the signer personally appeared in front of the notary and subscribed or affirmed to the truthfulness of the document. The Notary Public has no authorization to state that a document is official, true or correct.
Q: I don’t have an acceptable ID. Can I still have a document notarized?
A: You will need TWO CREDIBLE WITNESSES - that can swear to the signer's identity. They must have proper ID: be over 18 years; know the signer by the name on the document; not be named on the document nor have a financial or beneficial interest in the document being signed.
Q: What if I can not sign because of illness or disability?
A: Then you will be SIGNING BY AN "X" MARK - If unable to write signature & you have Valid ID, than two "disinterested" witnesses need to be present & be witnesses on the document. One witness should write the person's name next to the the person's mark and then the witness should sign his/her name as a witness. The witnesses are only verifying that they witnessed the individual make his/her mark on the document.
Q: The document I need notarized requires that multiple people sign but we all work different schedules. Do we all need to be present at the same time?
A: No. All signers can appear at different times.
Q: I was sent a document from out of state. Can this document be notarized by a California notary?
A: Yes. California notaries can notarize document originating from other states. However, the notarization act must take place in the State of California.
Q: Can you notarize at my office, jail, hospital, etc.?
A: Yes. I will travel to any location you are comfortable with.
- DO NOT SIGN the document(s) until your are in the presence of the notary.
- COMPLETELY FILL IN ALL BLANK SPACES IN THE DOCUMENT BEFORE NOTARY ARRIVES BUT DO NOT SIGN DOCUMENT(S)! Incomplete documents CAN NOT be notarized.
- If you have questions about how to complete the document(s), contact the person who drafted or requested the document(s). A Notary Public is unable to provide legal advice or assistance in the drafting and/or completion of document(s).
- Every person must physically appear, be coherent and present acceptable ID at the time of notarization.
- Original documents must be presented for all Copy Certification. Vital records such as: (birth, death, & marriage certificates) CAN NOT be notarized. That is done by the County Clerk's Office only.
Having documents notarized can be a confusing event for someone who is not familiar with the Notary process. I have listed some general questions and answers to the most frequent questions.
Q: What do I need to bring to the signing?
A: You will need to bring one or two (in some cases) of the following forms of approved identification. The name you will be signing on the document must match or be "SHORTER THAN" the name on your ID CARD. An ID with your maiden name along with a Marriage License showing your married name is not acceptable. (You must use 2 Credible Witnesses)
· Valid State Issued Driver’s License or ID Card (Mexico or Canada licenses )
· Military ID
· Valid & signed U.S. Passport or Foreign Passport Stamped by U.S. Customs
· Inmate ID issued by Department of Corrections
· Employee ID from an agency or California State office, or by any agency or office of a city or county in California
The MATRICULA CONSULAR is now accepted
Q: Does notarizing a document make it truthful and correct?
A: No. Notarizing only validates that the signer personally appeared in front of the notary and subscribed or affirmed to the truthfulness of the document. The Notary Public has no authorization to state that a document is official, true or correct.
Q: I don’t have an acceptable ID. Can I still have a document notarized?
A: You will need TWO CREDIBLE WITNESSES - that can swear to the signer's identity. They must have proper ID: be over 18 years; know the signer by the name on the document; not be named on the document nor have a financial or beneficial interest in the document being signed.
Q: What if I can not sign because of illness or disability?
A: Then you will be SIGNING BY AN "X" MARK - If unable to write signature & you have Valid ID, than two "disinterested" witnesses need to be present & be witnesses on the document. One witness should write the person's name next to the the person's mark and then the witness should sign his/her name as a witness. The witnesses are only verifying that they witnessed the individual make his/her mark on the document.
Q: The document I need notarized requires that multiple people sign but we all work different schedules. Do we all need to be present at the same time?
A: No. All signers can appear at different times.
Q: I was sent a document from out of state. Can this document be notarized by a California notary?
A: Yes. California notaries can notarize document originating from other states. However, the notarization act must take place in the State of California.
Q: Can you notarize at my office, jail, hospital, etc.?
A: Yes. I will travel to any location you are comfortable with.
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