About Notary Services
A notary verifies identity and performs the notarial act requested for an eligible document. The signer must generally appear with acceptable identification and the document should be complete before notarization.
A notary does not approve the document, confirm its legal effect or choose the notarial act for the signer. Contact the local office before visiting because availability and appointment requirements vary.
California availability: This page concerns self-help document preparation for California matters. Services, procedures and pricing vary by independently owned office.
Documents and information commonly requested
The exact package depends on the customer’s selected service, instructions and local requirements. Common items may include:
- Acknowledgments
- Jurats
- Oaths and affirmations
- Certified copies when legally permitted
- Signature witnessing where permitted
- Notary journal entries
How document preparation works
Call the participating office, describe the requested notarial act and confirm identification, witnesses, appointment time and fee. Do not sign in advance if the notarial act requires signing before the notary.
You remain responsible for reviewing the completed documents, confirming that your information and directions were entered correctly, signing where required and meeting applicable deadlines. Ask the local office which clerical filing, recording, publication, notary or service options it offers.
Common questions
What does notary services include?
Participating offices may perform acknowledgments, jurats, oaths and other permitted notarial acts. Availability and legal limits vary by jurisdiction.
Is notary services available at every California By The People office?
No. Service availability, process, timing and pricing vary among independently owned California offices. Contact the office that would prepare your documents.
Can a By The People office tell me what choices to make?
No. The customer must select the service and provide the decisions and information used to prepare the documents. Offices do not provide legal advice or representation.
Are filing, recording, publication or service fees included?
Third-party charges are separate unless the local office specifically states otherwise in its written quote.