What we notarize
- Acknowledgments — the most common notarial act; the notary confirms your identity and that you signed willingly
- Jurats — you sign in the notary's presence and swear/affirm the document's contents are true
- Oaths and affirmations
- Affidavits of all types
- Copy certifications — certified copies of personal documents (note: California notaries cannot certify copies of vital records; those require the issuing agency)
- Certified copies of Power of Attorney
- Child travel consent letters
- Parental consent forms
- School and scholarship forms requiring notarization
- Immigration-related documents
- Business agreements and contracts
What the $15 fee covers
California Government Code §8211 sets the maximum notary fee at $15 per notarized signature. This covers identity verification, witnessing the signature, completing the notarial certificate, and affixing the official stamp. Travel is a separate, unregulated fee.
What to bring
- Valid photo ID — current driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport with USCIS stamp. ID must be current or issued within the last 5 years.
- The unsigned document — especially for jurats; safest to always leave unsigned until the notary arrives.
What a notary cannot do
A notary public in California is not an attorney and cannot:
- Give legal advice or tell you what form to use
- Draft, prepare, or modify documents
- Tell you whether a document is legally valid or enforceable
- Notarize a document the signer does not understand or agree to sign willingly
If you need legal guidance on which form to use or whether your document is correct, consult an attorney before the notary appointment.