Your Complete Guide To Notary Service in California
A notary public is an individual appointed by the state to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents. Notaries ensure that the person signing the document is who they say they are and understand what they are signing. In California’s notary service, there are over 8998 public notaries.
Notaries can be found in various locations, including banks, libraries, and post offices. Some businesses, such as real estate and loan companies, also employ notaries. Notary services are usually free of charge.
Why Do You Need Notary Service?
There are numerous situations where you may need a notary public’s services. For example, you may need a notary service provider when buying or selling a home, signing a loan, or investing.
Notaries can also be used for personal matters, such as adopting a child or getting married. In California, notaries are also authorized to take acknowledgments, administer oaths, and certify copies of certain documents.
How Do You Find a Notary?
Notaries are easy to find. You can search for a notary service in California by visiting the Secretary of State’s website. The website has a searchable database of all public notaries in the state.
You can also find a notary by asking businesses, such as banks or real estate companies if they have a notary on staff. Many times, these businesses will offer free notary services to their customers.
Notary Service Cost
Notary service is typically free of charge. However, there may be a small fee for some services, such as certified copies of documents.
Documents That Require Notarization
- Mortgage documents
- Structured Settlements
- Business Agreements
- Real Estate Transactions
- Auto Loans and Sales
- Wills, trusts, and deeds
How to prepare for your appointment with the notary public?
Be sure to bring the following items with you to your appointment:
1) A photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card.
2) The document that needs to be notarized.
3) Any other supporting documents related to the transaction.
4) The correct fee, if applicable.
5) A pen.
You should also call the notary in advance to make an appointment and to confirm that they will be able to notarize your document.
What to expect during your meeting with the notary public?
The notary service provider will ask you to present your photo ID and the document to be notarized. The notary will review the document to ensure it is complete and correct.
Then will then ask you to sign the document in their presence. You may be asked to swear or affirm that the information in the document is true.
After you have signed the document, the notary will affix their official stamp or seal. The notary will then give you a copy of the document, proving it has been notarized.
The California Notary Public Handbook governs notaries in California. This handbook outlines the duties and responsibilities of public notaries.
The laws of California bind notaries public. Notaries can lose their commission if they are found guilty of misconduct.
Misconduct includes fraud, deceit, bribery, forgery, and altering documents. If you have a complaint against a notary public, you can file a complaint with the California Secretary of State’s office.
The Bottom Line
If you need a notary service in California, this guide has helped you understand the process and what to expect. Many different types of notarizations can be performed, so you must know which one you require before moving forward. If you have questions or concerns not addressed here, please reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable staff, who would be happy to assist you further.
