Mobile Notary

Regarding notarization, it's important to clarify that we notarize signatures on documents, not the entire document itself—a common misconception. There's a wide variety of documents we encounter regularly, and the specifics like typos, handwritten versus typed content, font, spacing, layout, or language don’t hinder notarization, as long as there's a designated signing area. However, the State of California mandates that there are no blank spaces on the document before notarization, except for the signature line. All dates, initials, titles, etc., should be completed beforehand.

Per the California Secretary of State, during an Acknowledgment or Jurat, a Notary Public must verify the signer's identity on the document. Identity verification is based on presenting 'satisfactory evidence,' which implies the absence of information or circumstances that would cast doubt on the person's claimed identity

California Code 1185[b] outlines specific, acceptable identification documents for a Public Notary. These IDs must be unexpired or issued within the last 5 years, presented physically (photocopies or electronic versions are not valid), and the name on the document must match the ID presented during signing. Here's a compiled list of accepted documents for notarizing signatures:

1. California Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s ID
2. U.S. Passport (or U.S. Passport Card)
3. Inmate identification card issued by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
4. Driver’s License or Official Non-Driver’s ID Card from any U.S. State
5. Canadian or Mexican Driver’s License issued by the local government
6. U.S. Military ID
7. Valid Foreign Passport from Applicant’s Country of Citizenship
8. Employee ID issued by Public or Local Government Agency/Office
9. Identification card issued by a federally recognized tribal government
10. Valid consular identification document issued by the applicant's country of citizenship.
11. Oath or affirmation of one or two credible witnesses

Notarization possibilities in California vary based on the type requested. Two common types are Acknowledgment and Jurat. Acknowledgment verifies a signature's identity on a document, confirming the signer personally appeared before the Notary. Meanwhile, a Jurat certifies the person's identity, their appearance before the Notary, and involves a sworn statement given in person regarding the document/statement.

The difference lies in the Jurat requiring personal appearance during signing as an affirmation is made before signing. Although an Acknowledgment also mandates personal appearance, it doesn't necessitate the Notary visually witnessing the signatory's in-person signing.

However, remote Notarizations aren't permissible, even if the ID is visible. Both Acknowledgment and Jurat types demand personal appearance and signing/thumbprinting the Notary journal, making in-person presence mandatory in California

Although our main service area is San Francisco, our team also covers San Mateo, Alameda, and Marin Counties for both Notary and Apostille services. The postal codes and neighborhoods below indicate the coverage area for appointments booked through our online scheduling portal. If you require services beyond these regions, feel free to contact us via phone or email, and we'll arrange your appointment accordingly