A California notary public is a government-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of legal documents as defined in the Government Code Section 8200-8230. A notary should take the required steps to authenticate signature and ensure that all notarizations are properly completed and performed. A California notary may only perform notarizations within the state borders of California. However, a California remote notary*, if located at the time of the notarization is in the state of California may notarize documents for a person located anywhere in the world with the proper ID Authentication process. There are a few ways of notaries that can be commissioned in California: Traditional or Mobile Notary: This type of notary performs all notarial acts on paper. The notary and the signer are both present in the same physical space. The notary may be located at a notary business, at a company, or may act as a mobile notary, traveling to where the signer is located in California. Electronic Online Notary: This type of notary performs all notarial acts on a computer or tablet device. California notary public is authorized under current law to perform notarizations on documents electronically as long as all the requirements for a traditional paper-based notarial act are met, including the use of a seal for all but two specific documents used in real estate transactions. To further elaborate, the notary and the signer are both present in the same physical space. The notary travels to the signer's location to perform the signing ceremony. Remote Online Notary (RON)*: This type of notary performs all notarial acts using communications technology. The notary is physically located in California, and the signer can be anywhere in California, the United States, the world, or even in outer space. This type of notary is referred to as a RON. *The Online Notarization Act, Senate Bill 696, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2023. This law will allow California notaries to perform remote notarizations using online platforms and audio-video communication. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2030, but will not be implemented until the Secretary of State certifies that the necessary technology is complete. **NOTARY HANDBOOK

It's important to use a notary in California for several reasons: Some documents require notarizations to prevent fraud, prove the authenticity of the signature, and ensure that the signature was provided willingly and not under pressure. A notary in California needs to take specific steps to verify the signer's identity, and the signature and ensure that all notarizations are executed according to California's laws and regulations. Notary commissions in California are valid for four years and require an E&O insurance policy. It's crucial to present a valid form of identification, as defined in California law, to the notary at the time of the signing to confirm the signer's identity. At Notary Ninja CA, our notaries are commissioned by their respective states, insured and bonded, have completed certification training by the National Notary Association (NNA), and adhere to the highest professional standards.

A mobile notary public differs from a regular notary public in that they travel to your location for added convenience. "Mobile" refers to their ability to travel, and should not be confused with online or internet notaries. Mobile notaries have the flexibility to travel to various locations and provide services outside of regular business hours. The traditional process of notarizing a signature would require the signer to locate and travel to the office of a Notary Public during their business hours. Mobile notaries revolutionized the process by providing flexibility, convenience, professionalism, and flexibility to accommodate special requests.

CA Notary ID Requirements When booking mobile notary appointments, clients often ask us which types of proof of identification documents our Notary Ninja CA traveling notaries will accept as satisfactory evidence of the signing party’s identification. “Satisfactory evidence” refers to a couple of things. First, it includes the absence of any information, evidence, or other circumstances which would lead a reasonable person to believe that the individual is not the individual he or she claims to be. It also includes the presentation of two witnesses with valid ID (for signing parties who do not possess acceptable ID) or the presentation of any one of the following forms of ID for notary verification. The ID must be current or expired but issued within 5 years: A passport from the US State Department or any other country A driver license from any US state/DMV Any other US State/DMV-issued ID card, including a senior ID card (e.g., CA state ID) Driver license issued by the Canadian or Mexican government An inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, if the inmate is in custody in California state prison Any form of inmate identification issued by a sheriff’s department, if the inmate is in custody in a local detention facility A valid consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship United States military identification card* An employee identification card issued by a California State agency or office or an agency or office of a city or county in California An identification card issued by a federally recognized tribal government *Must contain a photograph, description of the person, signature, and identifying number. Not all military IDs meet these requirements. Do you need two forms of ID for a notary? We are often asked how many forms of ID California notaries require, and the answer is usually just one. Any one ID from the list above is sufficient for CA notary ID requirements. Occasionally a loan package will require a second form of ID, such as a social security card, or proof of address, such as a utility bill. These requirements are part of the loan paperwork, not part of the notary’s identification verification. If you’re signing a loan package, please consult with your loan originator to find out whether you’ll need a second form of ID. Notary ID documentation Your mobile notary public will confirm that the ID is valid and that the picture matches the signer’s appearance. Then they will document in their journal the signer’s name and address, the type of identifying document, the governmental agency that issued it, the identifying number of the document, and the date of issue or expiration. Finally, the signer will need to sign the notary’s journal and may need to give a thumbprint. Credible witnesses For signing parties without a valid ID as listed above, the notarization without ID process requires oaths of two credible witnesses. First, they will need to present identification, which will be documented in the notary’s journal. Then they will swear or affirm under penalty of perjury the identity of the signing party. Afterwards, the credible witnesses will sign and possibly put a thumbprint in the notary’s journal. Please email (info@sfnotary.com) or call us at +1 (415) 994-7295 to discuss this topic or any other notary topic and/or to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!

Before the appointment with the Notary: 1. During our initial call, we will need to know: a. What type of document are you notarizing? b. How many documents require notarization? c. What is your time frame? d. Have you secured your credible witnesses if required? e. Do you have the proper ID for the notarization process? f. Are you over 18? 2. To secure and finalize your appointment, you will receive an electronic invoice from us that must be paid in advance to schedule your appointment. At the time of the Notary act: 1. Provide the notary with the documents to be signed and notarized for review to determine: a. Is there an adjustment due to the invoice (to be paid prior to the start of the notarization process)? Pay the difference via payment type as required by the Notary. b. Does the notary need to add any state forms for Jurat, Acknowledgment or Certified Copies? You must tell the notary directly which notarial certificate you require - the notary may not answer this question only explain the differences between the certificates. 2. Provide the notary with the proper identification and sign the Notary journal/log book. 3. Fill in Signature(s), Initials, dates and blanks where required on the document, and then the notary will provide the certification and stamp. **DISCLAIMER: Notary Ninja CA cannot provide legal advice on any legal matter or process. Notary Ninja CA only responsibility is to provide notary services.

As a commission notary public in the state of California, we can serve the entire state of California. We service the cities within the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Marin, and part of Solano County. Our regular service area includes a 50 mile radius, but we will travel further if necessary. We are a Mobile Notary Agency and our notaries charge roundtrip mileage based on the California Regulated Mileage Fee Schedule at the rate of $0.67/mile. There may be other charges involved as well such as printing, drop off, pick up, etc. Please see the Pricing for additional information. Other cities we can service if we have an available notary to travel: San Mateo, San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Gatos, San Leandro, South San Francisco, Daly City, and Morgan Hill.

All notarization in the state of California is subject to the California Government Code Section 8211. Amendments made to the Notaries Public via Stats. 2016 was made effective from January 1st, 2017. This suggests California law has put a cap on the maximum fees a notary may charge. That means, the notary may charge any applicable notary fees for services without exceeding the maximum limit. As of March 2024, California's notary fees remain at $15.00 per signature, the maximum allowed by the California Secretary of State. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature. Let’s take a look at the maximum notary fee for some of the standard services provided by a notary. Note: There is no requirement to charge any minimum notary fees. However, each fee charged must be entered in the notary journal in chronology.

Generally, a California Notary cannot perform their duties for signers outside the United States, unless they are utilizing Remote Online Notarization (RON) and the state allows for notarizing signers located in another country, provided the document has a connection to the United States like a matter before a U.S. court; always check with your state regulations for specifics. There are a handful of states that permit notarizations outside the state, but only under specific conditions or for certain types of documents: Kentucky Notaries may apply to get a Special Commission, which authorizes them to notarize documents inside or outside the state as long as the document will be recorded in Kentucky (KRS 423.110[6]). Special Commission Notaries may be nonresidents. (Also see “Remote Online Notarization” below for additional information.) Montana allows its Notaries to perform notarial acts in a bordering state that recognizes the Notary's authority — currently, only Wyoming and North Dakota do this (MCA 1-5-605[4]). (Also see “Remote Online Notarization” below for additional information.) North Dakota allows its Notaries to perform notarial acts in a state that recognizes the Notary's authority. Currently, only Montana does this (NDCC 44-06.1-09). (Also see “Remote Online Notarization” below for additional information.) Virginia Notaries may notarize a document inside or outside the Commonwealth if the document will be used in the Commonwealth or by the U.S. government (COV 47.1-13[B], 47.1-13.1). (Also see “Remote Online Notarization” below for additional information.) Wyoming allows its Notaries to perform notarial acts in a bordering state that recognizes the Notary's authority — currently only Montana does this (WS 32-3-104[b]). (Also see “Remote Notarization” below for additional information.) Key points to remember: State laws govern: Each state has its own rules regarding notarization, including whether a notary can perform acts for signers outside the country. Remote Online Notarization (RON): Some states allow notaries to perform remote notarizations for signers located outside the U.S. if the document has a connection to the U.S. Check with the Secretary of State: To confirm your state's rules regarding cross-border notarization, contact your state's Secretary of State office. Here is California Secretary of State website.

A Notary may refuse to notarize for a member of the public under certain conditions. If the individual cannot meet the identification requirements, or if the document is not legally able to be notarized, then the notary must decline. If the person is unable or unwilling to submit payment in exchange for notarization (please see the Notary Fees FAQ for any exceptions), the notary is not obligated to provide free services. If you meet all requirements and offer payment for the services, the notary public is legally obligated to provide their services. A notary serves the public and can be fined and have their commission revoked for refusing to execute their duties as a public servant.

No! While the direct translation to Spanish is Notario Publico, California notaries are not “Notario Publicos”. The two titles are different and have different duties, and it is illegal for a California notary to refer to themselves as a Notario Publico. The duties of a Notario Publico are similar to those of a lawyer, which are not the same as the duties of a California notary. California Notary Code Section 8219.5(c). A notary public in California is an impartial witness who administers oaths, signs documents, and takes acknowledgments and affidavits. To become a notary public in California, you must: Be a California resident and at least 18 years old Complete a course approved by the Secretary of State Pass a written exam and background check Submit fingerprints through Live Scan Register your oath and bond with the county clerk's office Purchase a notary journal and stamp from an approved vendor A notary public in California cannot: Perform any duties that are considered the practice of law Prepare, draft, or select legal documents Provide advice on legal matters or documents