Notary Services

A notary public is an official commissioned to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. The primary role of a notary is to verify the identity of the individual signing the document. The notary's certificate attached to the document confirms the identity of the signers but does not validate the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of the document itself.

Notaries in Los Angeles can notarize various documents including affidavits, powers of attorney, estate planning documents, real estate documents, business contracts, and more.

Yes, California law requires the physical presence of the signer at the time of notarization.

You should bring the document to be notarized, a valid form of identification (such as a driver's license or passport), and any required witnesses if necessary.

Expired form of identification is not permitted and will be subject to a cancelled appointment.

A notary will verify your identity through a government-issued photo ID and by ensuring the name on the ID matches the name on the document.

No, notaries in California are not authorized to provide legal advice or prepare legal documents unless they are also licensed attorneys.

California state law sets maximum fees that notaries can charge for each notarial act, with the current cap being $15 per signature notarized. However, for mobile notary services, notaries are permitted to charge an additional travel fee. This fee is not regulated by state notary fees and must be agreed upon separately between the notary and the client prior to the service. It's important to note that the travel fee must be reasonable and related to the travel costs incurred.

The notarization itself does not expire; however, the document’s validity can depend on its nature and the requirements of the entity requesting it.

Notaries in California can notarize documents in foreign languages as long as the notarial certificate is in English and the notary can communicate with the signer in a language both understand.

Notaries may not translate "Notary Public" in other languages.

A notary can refuse service if the signer cannot be properly identified, the document appears to be fraudulent, or the notary suspects the transaction is not lawful or the signer is not acting of their own free will.