California notary FAQ: what we can and can't do
Notarization sounds intimidating until you realize it’s mostly a short, standard process with a few firm rules. As California notaries, we handle documents every day — and we get the same questions constantly. Here are the honest answers, so you know exactly what to expect before you walk in.
What does a notary actually do?
A notary is a state-commissioned witness. Our job is to confirm three things: that you are who you say you are, that you’re signing willingly, and that you’re doing it in front of us. We verify your identity, watch you sign, and complete an official notarial certificate with our seal. That’s it — and that’s the whole value: a notarized document is much harder to dispute later.
Do I have to appear in person?
Yes. California notarization is in-person only. You have to be physically present in front of the notary — we cannot notarize over the phone, over video, or for someone who isn’t in the room. There’s no exception for “my spouse couldn’t make it, but that’s their signature.” Every signer whose signature is being notarized has to be there.
What ID do I need?
You’ll need a current, government-issued photo ID. The common ones:
- A valid California driver’s license or state ID
- A U.S. passport
- A foreign passport, U.S. military ID, or certain other government IDs
The ID has to be current, or issued within the last five years, and it needs your photo, signature, and a physical description. Expired-beyond-that IDs don’t qualify. If you’re not sure yours works, bring a backup. No valid ID means we can’t proceed — that rule protects you.
Can you tell me which document to sign, or explain what it means?
No — and this is important. A notary is not allowed to give legal advice. We can’t tell you which form you need, whether a document is right for your situation, how to fill it out, or what its consequences are. Doing so would be practicing law without a license, and it’s specifically prohibited for notaries. If you have questions about the content of your document, that’s a conversation for an attorney. We notarize the signature; we don’t advise on the paperwork.
Can you notarize loan and real estate documents?
Yes. We regularly notarize loan documents, refinance packages, deeds, and similar paperwork. A couple of things to know:
- Come prepared. Bring the complete package and your valid ID. Don’t sign anything ahead of time — you have to sign in front of us.
- Loan packages can be large, with multiple pages needing notarization. Each notarized signature is a separate act, so plan for a little time.
- We can’t advise on the loan terms themselves — see the point above. But the notarization itself is routine.
A few more common questions
- Should I sign before I arrive? No. Wait until you’re in front of the notary. If a document is already signed, in many cases you’ll need to sign again or acknowledge it in person.
- Do you have witnesses? Some documents require additional witnesses beyond the notary. We can’t always provide them, so if your document needs witnesses, arrange to bring your own.
- Blank spaces? We can’t notarize a document with blank spaces — it has to be complete.
What does it cost, and do I need an appointment?
Notarization is a flat $15 per signature — California’s maximum per-signature fee. Just walk in; no appointment needed. See our notary public page for more.
While you’re here
Notary visits often pair with other things we do — Live Scan and fingerprinting for background checks, copies of your documents, or shipping the signed paperwork with tracking. Handling it all in one stop is the idea.
Where and when
All three stores notarize — Cochrane Plaza and Tennant Station in Morgan Hill, and Branham in San Jose. Hours are Monday through Friday 9a–6p and Saturday 10a–5p; closed Sunday. Bring your document and a valid photo ID, and walk in. Find the nearest store on our locations page.