1. Understanding your responsibility to the documents.
It is crucial for document signers to understand what they are signing, and it is their responsibility to research and seek help from professionals in advance.
A notary is not a legal professional and cannot inform you about your documents, how they are processed, or their implications, as we are not qualified to do so. A notary cannot draft or help fill in documents. A notary’s role is simply to identify an individual and affirm that they have willingly signed or sworn to a statement.
2. Does the signer require an acknowledgment or a jurat?
If a document signer requires a statement indicating that they have signed the document and nothing more, then the acknowledgement is most likely the appropriate choice. If the document indicates “swearing” or an affirmation of truthfulness, then a jurat may be necessary. The document signer should choose which certificate is necessary based on the receiving agency. The notary does not make this decision on behalf of the signer, but rather explains the differences between the two types of notarial acts and allows the signer to make an informed decision.
3. All signers will have active government-Issued IDs.
All signers are required to have an active (not expired) government-issued picture identification at the notary appointment. It is better to bring 2 IDs. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- State ID
- Two witnesses with IDs
4. Identification name matches name on document exactly.
To comply with California Law, the name on your ID must be the same as or match the name indicated on the document in order for a notary to identify you in that manner. If your ID provides additional name, this is ok, as the name on your document can still be identified.
5. Signer and notary must be able to communicate.
All signers must be able to speak the same language as the notary conducting the transaction. Please indicate if your signer will need a bilingual notary. During the notary appointment, any Spanish speakers will require a Spanish-speaking notary, French speakers will require a French-speaking notary, and so on.
6. Documents are completed in full and ready in advance (no blanks on docs).
According to California law, documents must be completely filled out before notarization. A notary cannot assist with drafting or completing documents. If you need assistance, please contact the receiving agency or an attorney.
7. Signers have reviewed and agree to the documents beforehand and feel fully comfortable with all agreements.
Prior to the notary appointment, signers should be completely comfortable with the transaction. All agreements and discussions should be finalized and agreed upon beforehand. Potential signers should be willing and at ease with the situation, having thoroughly reviewed and understood the nature of the documents to be signed in advance. All signers must be willing to sign the document voluntarily.
A notary cannot proceed with the transaction if there are any indications of unwillingness, coercion, uncertainty, or duress.
8. Signers are completely of sound mind.
It is common for us to receive requests for notarizing documents for sick or elderly signers. However, we will not provide notary services for disoriented, medicated, or signers with questionable capacity. We will ask a series of questions about the nature of the documents and current events to determine a person’s ability to make sound decisions for themselves. The signer should be able to answer these questions in full dialogue.
California law mandates that all signers must be of sound mind and competent to make decisions before the notary.
9. Schedule your notary appointment.
Click the “Contact” button to call us and schedule your appointment. Our office is by appointment only and does not accept walk-ins.
10. Streamline your appointment.
Please indicate your document type and the type of notarial act you require. Sending your document to us in advance will also streamline your appointment. We will have our certificates ready and can proof-check it in advance for the best notary processing.