Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at yourlocalnotary.ca@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is a notary public?

A notary public is a public official appointed by the state government to witness and certify the signing of legal documents.

Is Your Local Notary insured?

Yes, Your Local Notary is insured for errors and omissions to protect our clients in case of any mistakes or errors during the notarization process.

Can Your Local Notary notarize documents remotely?

Yes, Your Local Notary can perform remote notarization services for clients who are unable to come to our office. Please contact us for more information.

What types of documents can Your Local Notary notarize?

At Your Local Notary, we can notarize a wide range of documents, including powers of attorney, real estate deeds, affidavits, healthcare directives, trust documents, parental consent forms, and business contracts. We follow all standards set forth by the California Secretary of State’s Notary Public Division. It’s important to ensure your documents are fully completed (except for your signature) before meeting with a notary.

What forms of ID are acceptable for notarization in California?

We accept identification forms approved by the State of California, such as a California driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or foreign passport that has been stamped by U.S. immigration authorities. For a complete list of acceptable IDs, you can refer to the California Notary Public Handbook (PDF). Identification must be current or issued within the past five years.

Does Your Local Notary offer mobile notary services?

Yes, we offer mobile notary services throughout Orange County and surrounding areas. We come to your home, office, hospital, or any agreed location for your convenience. Learn more about mobile notary guidelines from the National Notary Association.

How much does it cost to notarize a document with Your Local Notary?

Our fees comply with California Government Code section 8211, which regulates notary fees. Typically, we charge $15 per notarized signature plus applicable travel fees for mobile services. For detailed state fee structures, visit the California Secretary of State - Notary Public FAQ.

What is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?

An acknowledgment verifies the signer’s identity and willingness to sign, while a jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm the truthfulness of the document’s contents under penalty of perjury. We perform both types of notarizations following the guidance from California Civil Code §1189.

Can Your Local Notary notarize documents for use outside the United States?

Yes, we can notarize documents intended for international use. However, most foreign jurisdictions will require an apostille or authentication certificate attached to the notarized document. For apostille services, you can review the California Apostille Request Instructions provided by the Secretary of State.

How does Your Local Notary verify the identity of the signer?

We strictly follow California Government Code §8205 requiring the use of satisfactory evidence to establish the signer’s identity. This includes examining government-issued IDs and sometimes using credible witnesses when an ID is not available. For official identity verification requirements, see the California Secretary of State – Notary Identification Requirements.

Can Your Local Notary notarize a document if the signer does not speak English?

In California, a notary public can notarize a document for a non-English speaker only if both the notary and the signer can communicate directly in the same language. If communication is not possible without an interpreter, the notary must decline to proceed. For rules regarding notarial acts and language barriers, refer to the California Notary Public Handbook.

How can I verify that Your Local Notary’s commission is valid and current?

You can verify a California notary public’s active status by visiting the California Secretary of State’s Notary Search Tool at Verify Notary Commission Status. We encourage all cl

Your Local Notary - Notary Services

Additional FAQs

What services do you offer? We provide comprehensive notary public services, including traveling notary services to any location of your convenience and in-office notary services available 24/7. We specialize in notarizing various types of documents, including real estate documents, estate documents, loan documents, and more.
What are traveling notary services? Our traveling notary services enable us to come to your preferred location, whether it's your home, office, hospital, or any other convenient place. This service is especially beneficial for individuals or businesses who are unable to visit our office during regular hours.
How do I schedule a traveling notary service? Scheduling a traveling notary service is simple. You can either call us directly or use our online booking system to request an appointment. We strive to accommodate your schedule and location preferences to make the process as convenient as possible for you.
What are your office hours for in-office notary services? Our in-office notary services are available 24/7, ensuring that you can access notary services whenever you need them, day or night. Whether it's early morning, late at night, or on weekends, we're here to assist you with your notarization needs.
Do you notarize all types of documents? Yes, we notarize a wide range of documents, including but not limited to real estate documents (deeds, mortgages, leases), estate documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney), loan documents (mortgages, refinance documents, loan agreements), affidavits, contracts, and more. Our experienced notary publics are proficient in handling various types of documents with precision and professionalism.
Do I need to bring anything with me for notarization? When you come for in-office notary services, please make sure to bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Additionally, ensure that all documents requiring notarization are complete and unsigned, as the notary public must witness your signature.
How long does the notarization process take? The time required for notarization can vary depending on the complexity of the documents and the number of signatures involved. However, we strive to complete the process efficiently while maintaining accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
Are your notary services legally binding? Yes, our notary services are legally binding and recognized by the relevant authorities. Our notary publics are licensed professionals authorized to perform notarial acts in accordance with state regulations.
What are your fees for notary services? Our fees for notary services are competitive and transparent. The cost may vary depending on factors such as the type and number of documents to be notarized, as well as the location and time of service. Please contact us directly for a personalized quote.
Can you provide notary services for large or urgent projects? Absolutely! Whether you need notarization for a single document or a large volume of documents, we are equipped to handle your needs efficiently. We also offer expedited services for urgent matters, ensuring that your deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Additional FAQs

1. What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a state-appointed official authorized to witness the signing of important documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify the authenticity of signatures.

2. What types of documents can a Notary Public notarize?

Notary Publics can notarize a wide range of documents, including affidavits, deeds, contracts, powers of attorney, wills, loan documents, and more.

3. Why do documents need to be notarized?

Notarization helps prevent fraud by verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring that they are signing the document willingly and knowingly. Notarized documents are often given greater credibility and can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

4. What do I need to bring when getting a document notarized?

You will typically need to bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove your identity. The document to be notarized should be filled out completely but should not be signed until you are in the presence of the Notary Public.

5. How much does notarization cost?

The cost of notarization varies depending on the Notary Public and the type of document being notarized. Notary fees are typically regulated by state law and may vary by jurisdiction.

6. Do I need an appointment to see a Notary Public?

While some Notary Public providers may accept walk-ins, it's generally a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance to ensure availability and minimize wait times.

7. Can a Notary Public provide legal advice or draft legal documents?

No, Notary Publics are not licensed to practice law or provide legal advice. They can only witness the signing of documents and verify the identity of the signer.

8. Can a Notary Public notarize documents in a language other than English?

Yes, many Notary Publics are bilingual and can provide notarization services in multiple languages. However, it's important to ensure that the Notary Public is proficient in the language in which the document is written.

9. What is the difference between notarization and legalization?

Notarization involves verifying the identity of the signer and certifying the authenticity of their signature. Legalization, on the other hand, involves certifying the authenticity of a document for use in another country. This process is often performed by a government authority known as an apostille or consulate.

10. How long does notarization take?

The time it takes to notarize a document depends on various factors, including the complexity of the document and the number of signers. In most cases, notarization can be completed in just a few minutes.

If you have any further questions about Notary Public services or if you'd like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our experienced Notary Publics are here to assist you with all of your notarization needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Local Notary - Notary Services

Additional FAQs

Additional FAQs

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