Notarization Requirements

The signer(s) being notarized must be present at the time of the notarization.

The signer(s) must have a government-issued photo ID that covers the names shown on the document (for example, if your middle name is spelled out on the document, it must be spelled out on your photo ID). The ID can have more than the document, just not less. The actual identification must be shown to the notary, not a photocopy or a picture. If the ID is expired, it must have been issued less than five years ago.

You must bring the document that is to be notarized. A Notary is not permitted to draft documents or provide legal advice. We can, however, print the document for you that you email to us (see Pricing and Payment section). Note: Please try to print the documents at least 1 hour before the Mobile Notary arrives so that you have time to warn us if you have trouble printing and to give you time to proofread the document, especially making sure the name on the document is spelled correctly and checked against the signer’s ID. The ID can have more of the name than what is on the document, but not less. It is okay to use a commonly known nickname on your documents, like Jim for James (where “James” is on the ID, but document says “Jim”).

What to Bring?

What You Will Need for General Notarizations?

Every signer must show a government-issued photo identification (if expired, issued not more than five years ago). All identification must contain a photo, a physical description, a signature and a serial number. California recognizes the following types of identification if issued within the last 5 years:

  • Driver License
  • State Issued ID Card (Senior ID, Under 18 ID, CA ID)
  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Military ID Card
  • Mexican or Canadian Driver License
  • Foreign Passport

Every signer must demonstrate a willingness to sign the documents without coercion. He/she must also be aware of what they are signing and understand the significance of the transaction. Documents cannot be notarized if there is any cognitive impairment.

Proof of Identity

So, what’s considered an “acceptable” form of identification when seeking the services of a notary public?

Accepted forms of identification for having notarial services performed include the following:


Every signer must show a government-issued photo identification (if expired, issued not more than five years ago). All identification must contain a photo, a physical description, a signature and a serial number. California recognizes the following types of identification:

  • State-issued driver’s license
  • State-issued identification card
  • U.S. military identification card
  • Resident alien identification card (green card)
  • U.S. passport

Unaccepted forms of identification may include the following:

  • Birth certificates
  • Social Security cards
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Credible witnesses are required to sign an affidavit which states:

  • The signer of the document is known to the credible witness.
  • The credible witness believes the signer of the document does not possess an acceptable form of identification.
  • The credible witness believes the signer of the document is reasonably unable to obtain an acceptable form of identification.
  • The credible witness has no financial interest or incentive for the document’s execution.

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