FAQ's Related To Scripps Notary
Q. What is a Notary Public in California?
Ans: A California Notary Public is a state-appointed public official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents. They help deter fraud by verifying the identity of signers, ensuring they are aware of the document’s contents, and are signing willingly.
Q. What are the key responsibilities of a California Notary?
Key responsibilities include:
- Identifying signers: Verifying the identity of individuals signing documents, usually by checking government-issued IDs.
- Administering oaths and affirmations: Allowing notaries to make affidavits and other sworn statements legally binding.
- Witnessing signatures: Observing the signing of important documents like contracts, deeds, and powers of attorney to ensure all parties acknowledge the document’s contents.
- Certifying copies: Notaries can certify copies of certain documents as true and complete replicas of the original.
- Recording notarizations: Maintaining a journal of notarizations performed, including signer details, document types, and dates, for accountability and transparency.
Q. What documents can be notarized in California?
Many types of documents can be notarized in California, including:
- Financial documents: Wills, trusts, affidavits, power of attorney, loan agreements.
- Automotive documents: Bill of sale, title applications, title transfers.
- Construction documents: Notice of commencement, permits, lien waivers.
- Healthcare documents: Living wills, medical directives, release of records.
- Travel documents: Travel consent forms, passport applications (for initial applications).
- Legal documents: Durable POA, court documents, releases, divorce agreements.
- Real Estate documents: Deeds, leases, rental agreements, deeds of trust.
- Other documents: Certified copies (for power of attorney), employment contracts, investment documents, insurance documents, signature witnessing.
Q. What documents cannot be notarized in California?
Certain documents, like vital records (birth, marriage, and death certificates), cannot be notarized by a notary public. Certified copies must be obtained from the government agency that issued the original. Wills are generally not notarized in California but instead witnessed.
Q. What kind of documents do you notarize?
A. Acknowledgements, Jurats, certifying copies of Power of Attorney, Affidavits, Depositions and Protests, Adoption, Traffic school tests, Deed, Mortgage, Loan & Refinancing documents, Living Trust, Will & Advanced Healthcare Directive, Authorization of minor child travel and many more….
Q. What forms of ID are accepted for notarizing a document?
A. For acceptable forms of ID and what to bring for your appointment, click here.
Q. Do you provide mobile services?
A. Yes. We offer on-site mobile Notary service for organizations and individuals. We can meet you at your home, work, or other convenient place at a time that works with your schedule!
Q. Can Notaries provide legal advice?
No, Notaries are prohibited from providing legal advice or acting as legal representatives. They are simply impartial witnesses to the signing of documents.
Q. Can California Notaries Public perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON)?
No, California law requires personal appearance before a notary public for notarizations. While online notarizations are becoming more prevalent, California notaries cannot perform RON at this time. California does, however, recognize out-of-state RON notarizations that comply with the laws of the state where they were performed.
Q. Can a California Notary Public notarize out-of-state documents?
Yes, a California notary can notarize out-of-state documents as long as the notarization takes place within California’s geographical boundaries and adheres to California notary laws. The notary must follow California law, even if the document has specific certificate requirements from the state where it will be filed.
Q. How do I contact you?
A. Scripps Notary can be reached at 858-900-7134 or via email at contact@scrippsnotary.com
Disclaimer: In California, a Notary Public’s role is to verify the identity of the person signing a document, not to validate or interpret the content of the document itself. The notary ensures the signer is appearing willingly, understands what they’re signing, and provides proper identification—but they do not review or confirm the accuracy, legality, or completeness of the document’s contents.
California law requires a disclaimer on notarial certificates that clearly states: “A notary public is not responsible for the truthfulness or accuracy of the document.” So, if you have questions about what’s written in the document, it’s wise to consult an attorney. The notary’s job is to witness the signature, not to give legal advice.