Notary Service Checklist

Please make sure to bring the following:

✅ 1. Document(s) to be Notarized

  • Your form should be complete, but do not sign it before your appointment.

  • If you have questions about how to fill out the document, please consult the requesting or receiving agency before the notary appointment.
    Notaries are not permitted to provide legal advice or complete forms for clients.

✅ 2. Valid, Acceptable ID

  • Must be current or issued within the last five years.

  • See our Acceptable ID List for full details.

✅ 3. Additional Signers or Witnesses (if required)

  • All parties must be present with valid ID.

  • If witnesses are required, please bring them with you unless arranged in advance.

✅ 4. Payment

  • Payment is due at the time of service.

  • We accept cash, checks, Venmo and credit cards with a 3.5% + $.30 fee.

acceptable forms of id

  • Driver’s License or ID Card from Another U.S. State

  • U.S. Passport or Passport Card

  • Foreign Passport (with photo, signature, physical description, ID number)

  • U.S. Military ID Card (with photo, signature, physical description, ID number)

  • Canadian or Mexican Driver’s License or ID

  • Employee ID from CA state, city, or county agency (with required elements)

  • Federally Recognized Tribal Identification Card

  • Consular Identification Card (properly formatted)

  • Inmate ID issued by California Department of Corrections (or local sheriff)

  • Credible Witnesses: One or two individuals personally known to me, each presenting acceptable ID, who can swear to the signer’s identity.

What If My ID Has Expired?

If your identification has expired and you do not have an acceptable form of ID, California law allows your identity to be verified through the use of two credible witnesses.

These witnesses must:

  • Personally know you, the signer.

  • Present valid identification (e.g., a CA driver’s license or U.S. passport).

  • Take an oath or affirmation administered by the notary, swearing that:

    • You are the person named in the document.

    • They personally know you.

    • It would be difficult or impossible for you to obtain another form of ID.

    • You do not possess any other acceptable ID.

    • They have no financial interest in the document and are not named in it.

Both witnesses must sign the notary’s journal and provide their valid ID at the time of the notarization.