Category: Identification

What You Will Need for General Notarizations?

1. California Has Specific Requirements

Although we are local and known many of our clients in the Monterey area,  even if we know you, state law prohibits using personal knowledge to identify you for your notary signature. California law requires that you must be identified through one of the identification documents or other methods listed in California Code 1185[b].

A. A California driver’s license or nondriver’s ID

B. A U.S. passport (or passport card)

C. An inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation if the inmate is in prison or any form of inmate identification issued by a sheriff’s department if the inmate is in custody in a local detention facility

D. A driver’s license or official nondriver’s ID issued by a U.S. state*

E. A Canadian or Mexican driver’s license issued by an appropriate public agency*

F. A U.S. military ID*

G. A valid foreign passport from the applicant’s country of citizenship*

H. An employee ID issued by an agency or office of the state of California or a California city, county, or city and county*

I. An identification card issued by a federally-recognized tribal government*

J. A valid consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship that meets specific requirements (call for requirements)*

K. The oath or affirmation of one credible witness personally known to the Notary and identified through statutorily prescribed ID cards or the oath or affirmation of two credible witnesses not personally known to the Notary and identified through statutorily prescribed ID cards

****The following is VERY important…

Even if you have the above, the documents must be current or issued within the past 5 years. This is required by all California Notaries. If the above identification is marked with an asterisk (*), the document must contain an identifying number, the photograph, the signature AND the physical description of the holder. For additional information, please see the “Identification” section of the state’s official Notary Public Handbook.

Why do I need to bring proof of identity and proof of address?

To ensure the process is secure and to verify that you are who you say you are. Here are a few key reasons:

1. Identity Verification: The notary needs to confirm your identity to prevent fraud. By checking a government-issued ID, they can ensure that you are the person signing the document.

2. Address Confirmation: Proof of address may be required to ensure that the notary’s records are accurate and complete. This can be especially important for legal documents that require a verified address.

3. Legal Compliance:  Notaries must follow legal requirements to ensure the validity of notarized documents. This typically involves verifying the signer’s identity and address.

By bringing these documents, you help maintain the integrity and legality of the notarization process. It’s all about ensuring that everything is above board and properly documented.

5 Things You Should Know About Traveling Notary

  1. They can save you time since they come to you and you don’t have to hang around their office until they are ready – or wait in a long line.
  2. They are convenient – they can notarize the documents wherever the signer is. Hospitals are very common.
  3. Good ones can take credit cards.
  4. They are bonded and licensed to help you feel comfortable.
  5. Good ones know the Monterey area and where they can go and can’t go to notarize documents.