Notarization Information

Acknowledgement:

The notary public certifies that:

  • The document signer must acknowledge to the notary public that he/she signed the document (or it can be signed in the Notary public's presence);

  • The signer personally appeared before the notary public on the date indicated and, in the county indicated on the acknowledgement certificate;

  • The identity of the signer was established through satisfactory evidence; and

  • The signer acknowledged signing the document.

Acknowledgement:

The notary public does not certify:

  • The truth or legality of the document;

  • That the signer is a "duly authorized person"; or

  • That the identity was established as an individual.

Jurat:

The notary public certifies that:

  • The signer personally appeared before the notary public on the date indicated and, in the county indicated on the Jurat certificate;

  • The signer signed the document in the notary public's presence;

  • The signer gave an oath, swearing or affirming the truthfulness of the document; and

  • The identity of the signer was established through satisfactory evidence.

Please Note: I am not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.  It is important that you the client determines what notary service(s) is/are required for your document(s): i.e. Acknowledgement or Jurat.  If you are not sure what is required then please contact the party that is requesting you to have your document notarized and ask them.  This must be done PRIOR to me meeting with you to notarized your document(s).   In addition, please make sure that your document(s) is/are complete (do not leave blanks). Thanks!

Unauthorized Practice of Law:

  • Notary cannot make suggestions, offer advice, or answer questions about how signers should proceed.

  • The unauthorized practice of law is illegal.

  • Notary cannot select or suggest what type of notarial act or certificate is required.

  • Notary cannot select or suggest what type of document is required.

  • Notary cannot fill out, draft, or complete a document for another person.

  • Notary cannot provide advice on how to fill out, draft, or complete a document.

Client(s) Requirements:

  • Must have knowledge of the documents that you are signing;

  • Know the type of notarization that is required;

  • Complete documents (do not leave any blanks unless it appears that nothing is to be filled out);

  • Must have current identification;

  • Must be able to communicate (in English) directly with the Notary Public; and

  • If notarization takes place at a hospital or other health care facility, then the client(s) must not be medicated to the point that they are not aware of what they are signing.

Identification Documents:

The notary public may accept documents that are current or issued within the past five years.  With the exception of a united states passport, all forms of acceptable identification must contain the following elements:

  • Photo;

  • Identifying or serial number;

  • Physical Description; and

  • Signature

(There is exception to these requirements when pertaining to united states passports and California inmate identification cards issued by the California Department of Corrections.)

Form I-9:

California Notaries who are not qualified and bonded as immigration consultants under the Business and Professions Code Sections 22440-22449, may not complete or make the certification on Form I-9, even in a non-notarial capacity.  I am not an immigration consultant.