Frequently asked questions

Inquiries may be directed to 111-111-1111 or oliver@olivermobilenotary.com. There is no obligation to engage services in order to receive a response.

01What is a notary public, exactly?

A notary public is a state-appointed official whose authority is narrowly defined: to verify the identity of the signer, to confirm that the signature is given willingly, and, for certain acts, to confirm that the signer understands the nature of the document. The notary then attaches an official seal and a signed certificate.

A notary does not verify the contents of the document, does not provide legal advice, and does not determine the legal validity of the underlying instrument. The notary's role is that of an impartial witness.

02Why does my document need notarizing?

Most often because a county recorder, court, lender, or foreign jurisdiction requires it. The notarization serves as the official record that the signature was not forged or made under duress. It functions as a deterrent against fraud.

Common triggers include documents recorded with a county recorder (deeds, deeds of trust); documents filed with a court (affidavits, declarations); powers of attorney; advance medical directives; vehicle title transfers; and most documents intended for use abroad.

03What's a "mobile" notary?

A mobile notary travels to the client rather than the reverse. Oliver's Notary provides on-site service at residences, offices, hospitals, correctional facilities, hotels, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County, with quoted travel available beyond the county.

04Are you a real, licensed notary?

Yes. Commissioned by the California Secretary of State. Bonded for the state-required $15,000, with an additional $25,000 in errors-and-omissions insurance, and NNA background-screened. A copy of the commission certificate is available on request prior to any appointment.

05What ID do I need to bring?

One unexpired, government-issued photo identification document bearing the signer's signature and a serial number. The most frequently presented forms include:

  • California driver's license or state-issued identification card
  • United States passport (book or card)
  • Driver's license issued by another U.S. state, Canada, or Mexico
  • United States military or veteran identification
  • Permanent resident card

A list of acceptable identification, and what is not accepted, is provided on the home page under "Identification."

06What if I don't have a valid ID?

California provides for the use of two credible witnesses who personally know the signer and who themselves hold valid identification. Each witness is placed under oath and swears to the signer's identity; the transaction is recorded in the notary's journal.

The use of one credible witness is also permitted, provided that the witness is personally known to the notary.

07Can a California notary stamp a document from another state?

Generally, yes. A notarization occurs where the signer is physically present. A California-commissioned notary may therefore notarize a deed intended for recording in Texas, an affidavit intended for filing in New York, or a parental consent for international travel, provided the signer is located in California. The notarial certificate will reflect California's required language, which is accepted in all fifty states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause.

08Can you do hospital, jail, or hospice visits?

Yes. Hospital, hospice, skilled-nursing, and correctional-facility visits are a significant portion of the practice and are most often requested for time-sensitive medical directives, last-minute wills, and powers of attorney. Visits to Los Angeles County correctional facilities (Twin Towers, Men's Central, Century Regional, Lynwood) require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for the security-clearance process, along with the inmate's full legal name and booking number. For hospital and skilled-nursing visits, the signer must be competent, alert, and able to communicate; the notary will conduct a brief capacity assessment upon arrival.

09What can't you do?

Under California law, a notary may not:

  • Provide legal advice or recommend how to complete a document.
  • Certify copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, court records, or passports; these must be obtained from the issuing agency.
  • Notarize for a signer who appears coerced, confused, intoxicated, or otherwise unable to comprehend the nature of the document.
  • Notarize a document containing material blank spaces.
  • Notarize the notary's own signature, or that of an immediate family member where the notary has a financial interest in the transaction.

In the event any of these conditions arise, the notary will explain the basis for declining and refer the client to the appropriate resource.

Terms you'll see

Glossary of notarial terms.

The terminology below is drawn from California notarial practice. Definitions are provided for reference only and do not constitute legal advice.

Acknowledgment
The most common notarial act. The signer appears before the notary and confirms in person that the signature on the document is their own. The notary attaches a certificate and applies the official seal.
Audit trail
The journal record maintained for every notarization: date, time, document type, signer name, ID type, signature, and thumbprint where required.
Credible witness
A person who personally knows the signer and swears to their identity, used when the signer doesn't have an acceptable ID.
Embosser
The handheld tool that creates the raised circular impression alongside the inked stamp. Some recorders require it; most no longer do.
Errors & omissions (E&O)
A notary's professional liability insurance, separate from the state-required surety bond. Oliver's Notary maintains $25,000 in E&O coverage.
Jurat
A notarial act where the signer swears or affirms under oath that the contents of the document are true. Used for affidavits and sworn statements.
Loan signing agent
A notary with additional training to handle loan and real-estate closing packages.
Notarial certificate
The block of text attached to the document stating the type of notarization performed, the date, the county, and the signer. The notary seal is applied here.
Power of attorney (POA)
A document where one person ("principal") gives another ("agent") authority to act on their behalf. The principal's signature must be notarized.
RON
Remote Online Notarization — conducted by live video. California enacted RON legislation in 2023; implementation is being rolled out gradually.
Seal
The inked stamp containing the notary's name, commission number, county, and expiration date. Required on every notarial certificate.
Surety bond
A $15,000 bond every California notary is required to maintain. The bond protects the public, not the notary, against errors made in the course of duties.
Thumbprint
California is one of a handful of states that require a thumbprint in the journal for deeds, deeds of trust, and POAs affecting real property.