What does it mean when a signature is notarized?

A signature is notarized once I have confirmed your identity, witnessed you sign the document, and applied my official seal to certify it.

What forms of payment can you accept?

I accept debit or credit using Square tap-to-pay. Cash is allowed, however, I may not always have exact change. If needed, alternative platforms like Zelle or Venmo may be used.

Do I need a notarization for each signature on a document?

Multiple signatures by the same person on the same document usually count as one notarization, as long as they are part of a single notarial act.

How much does notarization cost?

The California standard rate is $15 per notarized signature. For mobile appointments, a travel fee is added based on your location.

Other fees that might be added, based on circumstance:

• Rush Fee (mobile services within 1 hour of scheduling)
• Courier/Shipping fee
• Early Morning (before 9am) or after-hours (after 6pm) fees.

All fees will be disclosed and agreed upon prior to notarization.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

A valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the document. Please have any witnesses required accompany you at time of notarization.

Which forms of ID are accepted?

• California driver’s license or ID card
• U.S. passport
• Foreign passport (with a valid U.S. entry stamp)
• U.S. military ID card
• Other U.S. state driver’s licenses/ID cards

Can I use an expired Driver’s License for notarization?

Government-issued photo IDs that have been expired for less than 5 years are still acceptable in California. Otherwise, you will need to be accompanied by two credible witnesses.

What is a credible witness, and when would I need one?

A credible witness is someone who personally knows you and can swear to your identity if you don’t have acceptable photo ID. In California, credible witnesses are only used when:

• You don’t have valid identification, and
• It would be very difficult or impossible for you to get one (for example, you’re elderly, ill, or otherwise unable to obtain an ID).

There are two options:

1. One credible witness (who knows both you and the notary personally).
2. Two credible witnesses (who know you, but not necessarily the notary).

Each credible witness must present valid ID, take an oath/affirmation, and sign the notary’s journal.

When is payment required for notary services?

Payment is due at the time of the notarization, before I apply my signature and stamp. When booking through Square, you may be asked to enter a card to hold your appointment, but you won’t be charged at that point. This ensures your final invoice reflects the most accurate total — including any additional services requested at the appointment (for example, courier delivery).

Can you notarize documents that don’t have notary wording?

Yes. I always carry extra notary certificates with me that can be attached to your documents when the required wording is missing.

Do you offer Overnight shipping for my documents?

Yes, with your permission & an additional fee, I can offer courier service to mail documents out on your behalf. To ship One-Day Overnight, the appointment must allow enough time for me to reach Marysville by 3pm on a weekday— otherwise, shipping may take longer.

I must also be able to contact you once the shipping price is calculated to transfer necessary funds prior to the transaction. A receipt with tracking number will be provided.

Can you notarize a document that has already been signed?

Yes, for acknowledgments. However, for jurats, the signer must sign in my presence.

What’s the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat notarization?

Acknowledgment: You confirm to me that the signature on the document is yours.
Jurat: You swear or affirm the document is true and sign it in front of me.

Do you keep copies of notarized documents?

No. I will never keep or store your documents unless courier/shipping service is requested. I only record required details in my official notary journal (such as date, type of notarization, and ID details).

What if my ID shows a different name than the one on my document (for example, my maiden name)

California notaries must rely on the name exactly as it appears on your current, valid photo ID. If your document is in a different name, the notary cannot assume it belongs to you. If this happens, your options are:

• Update your document so it matches your ID,
• Provide an ID that matches the name on the document, or
• In special cases, use credible witnesses.

For the smoothest process, make sure your ID and your document show the same name before your appointment.

Can you notarize birth, death, or marriage certificates?

No — vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates can only be issued by the county or state. A notary cannot certify or notarize these documents. However, I can notarize the request forms used to obtain certified copies.

To get a certified copy of vital records, contact your local county recorder’s office or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for instructions.

Can you notarize documents in languages other than English?

Yes, as long as the notarial wording (certificate) is in English and we can communicate directly in a common language. Having a translator present or utilizing Google Translate may allow easier understanding. My only spoken language is English, with some Spanish vocabulary.

Do you offer online notarization?

Not at this time. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is not yet allowed in California. All notarizations must be done in person. Current legislation is being implemented to allow for this in the future, though.