If you’ve been told that you need to have a document notarized, you may be wondering what the notary actually does.
A California Notary Public serves as an impartial official during the notarization of certain documents. One of the notary’s most important responsibilities is establishing the identity of the person signing and completing the required notarial procedure.
What happens during a notarization?
Depending on the type of notarization required, a notary may:
- Establish your identity using satisfactory evidence
- Confirm that you personally appeared before the notary
- Ask you to acknowledge that you signed the document
- Administer an oath or affirmation when required
- Complete the appropriate notarial certificate
- Record the notarization in the notary’s journal
- Obtain a thumbprint when required by California law
The exact procedure depends on the type of notarial act being performed.
What a notary does not do
A Notary Public is not an attorney simply by virtue of being a notary. California notaries may not prepare, draft, select, or determine the kind of legal document you need, or give legal advice about a document or legal matter.
If you’re unsure which notarial act your document requires, the person or organization that provided the document—or a qualified attorney—may be able to tell you.
Mobile notary service makes it easier
With a mobile notary, you don’t have to search for a notary office or rearrange your day to get an important document notarized.
Lisa’s Notary Co. provides mobile notary services throughout Ventura County, traveling to homes, businesses, hospitals, assisted-living communities, and other agreed-upon locations.
Need a mobile notary?
Contact Lisa’s Notary Co. with your location, document type, number of signers, and preferred appointment time.