Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring to a notarization?
Identification: For any notarization, each signer will need to present a valid, non-expired photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID Card, or a passport. A photo copy of an ID is not permissible in California.
Witnesses: Be sure to check your documents before scheduling your notarization to determine if any witnesses will need to sign. If so, make sure that you have the correct number of viable witnesses with valid identification with you for your notarization appointment.
Signatures: Make sure that your documents have not yet been signed, as you will often need to sign them in front of the notary.
Who can be a witness?
In the state of California, a witness can be any person over the age of 18. However, a witness must be able to present valid photo ID, and CANNOT be someone who benefits from the document being signed. For example, a witness for a will cannot be someone who would receive something in the will, no matter how small. For a power of attorney, a witness cannot be the person who is accepting appointment as attorney-in-fact. A notary is not permitted in California to act as a witness and notary on the same document.
How long does a notarization take?
The duration of a notarization appointment will vary based on the document type and number of signatures required. A typical notarization of a simple document with a single signature can be as brief as a few minutes, or for a longer document with more signatures such as a full estate plan or loan signing, the notarization process could take around an hour.
What are the types of notarizations?
Jurat: The signer is swearing that the content of the document is true and accurate. An oath or affirmation before the notary is required of the signer. The documents must be signed in the presence of the notary.
Acknowledgment: The signer must confirm that they understand what the document is, and that they were the person who willingly signed the document. The notary must verify the signer's identity, and confirm that the signer understands what they are signing, and willingly signed it. The document does not have to be signed before the notary, but must be signed before it can be notarized.
Why do I have to sign the Notary's journal?
A notary's journal is a record of all notarizations done by that notary. It includes the date and time of the notarization as well as the type of document that was notarized along with the type of notarization preformed. It also contains the identifying information from each signers ID card, their name, signature, and permanent address at the time. Should a notarized document ever be called into question as to whether or not the document was signed by the signer or signed willingly by the signer, the notary records from the journal can be requested to help prove the document's validity.
Have more questions?
If you have any additional questions about the notarization process, please reach out to us, and we would be happy to help.
email: thesacramentonotary@gmail.com
call/text: 916-284-1158