Helpful Information for Clients
Everything you need to know to prepare for your notary appointment — from acceptable identification to what to expect at a loan signing. We're here to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
California law requires notaries to positively identify every signer. You must present a current, government-issued photo ID. The following are acceptable forms of identification:
Important: Your ID must be current (not expired) and contain your photo, signature, and physical description. If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, contact us in advance — we may be able to use credible identifying witnesses in certain circumstances under California law.
What to Bring to Your Notary Appointment
Being prepared helps your appointment go smoothly and quickly. Here's a checklist of what to have ready:
Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
The most important item. See the acceptable identification list above. Make sure your ID is current and not expired.
Your Documents
Bring the complete, unsigned documents that need notarization. Do not sign them ahead of time — you must sign in the notary's presence. If you've already signed, you will need to sign again.
All Pages of Multi-Page Documents
Bring every page — even pages that don't appear to need signatures. We need to review the complete document and may need to note the number of pages in the notarial certificate.
Any Additional Signers
All individuals whose signatures require notarization must be present with their own valid ID. We cannot notarize a signature for someone who is not physically present.
Payment
We accept Cash, Zelle, Apple Cash, and Cash App. We also have Square for debit cards and charge cards. Payment is due at the time of service.
Any Special Instructions
If your attorney, title company, lender, or the receiving agency provided special instructions, bring them along. We want to make sure everything is done correctly for your specific situation.
How to Prepare for a Loan Signing
A loan signing is more involved than a standard notarization. Being prepared helps the process go smoothly and ensures your documents are executed correctly.
Review Documents in Advance
If your lender or title company provides documents ahead of time, review them. Familiarize yourself with the key terms, loan amount, interest rate, and monthly payment.
Have Your ID Ready
You'll need a current, government-issued photo ID. If there are multiple borrowers or signers, everyone must be present with their own valid ID.
Set Aside Enough Time
A typical loan signing takes 45 minutes to an hour. Don't rush — every document needs to be reviewed and signed correctly.
Choose a Quiet, Well-Lit Location
Good lighting and a quiet space without distractions make the signing faster and more accurate. A kitchen or dining room table works perfectly.
Don't Sign Anything in Advance
All signatures must be made in the presence of the notary. If you've already signed somewhere, you will be asked to sign again on a fresh document.
Ask Questions
If you don't understand a document or a term, ask. While we cannot provide legal advice, we can point out what each document is and suggest you contact your lender or attorney with questions.
About Apostille Services
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the California Secretary of State that authenticates a document for use in a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies that the notary's commission was valid at the time of notarization, allowing the document to be recognized internationally.
Common Documents That Need Apostilles
How the Apostille Process Works
Step 1: The document is notarized by a commissioned California Notary Public.
Step 2: The notarized document is submitted to the California Secretary of State's office for apostille certification.
Step 3: The Secretary of State verifies the notary's commission and attaches the apostille certificate.
Step 4: The apostilled document is returned and is now ready for use in the destination country.
How We Help
We provide apostille facilitation services — we properly notarize your document and guide you through the submission process with the California Secretary of State. We'll make sure your document is prepared correctly so it moves through the apostille process without delays.
Travel Consent Forms for Minors
A travel consent form is a notarized document that grants permission for a minor child to travel without one or both parents or legal guardians. Many countries require this documentation, and it's a good idea even for domestic travel when a child is traveling with only one parent, a grandparent, or another relative.
When You May Need a Travel Consent Form
What the Form Should Include
- Child's full name, date of birth, and passport number
- Travel dates and destinations
- Name of the accompanying adult(s)
- Contact information for the non-traveling parent(s)
- Signatures of both parents or legal guardians, notarized
Tip: Check the specific entry requirements for your destination country well in advance. Some countries require the travel consent form to be apostilled or translated. We're available 24/7 for last-minute travel consent notarizations.
Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person the authority to act on your behalf. Proper notarization is essential — many powers of attorney require notarization to be legally valid.
Durable Power of Attorney
Remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. Commonly used for financial and legal matters — allows your agent to manage your affairs if you cannot.
Medical Power of Attorney
Also called a healthcare directive or healthcare proxy. Allows your agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Limited Power of Attorney
Grants specific, limited authority — for example, authorizing someone to sign real estate closing documents on your behalf for a specific transaction.
General Power of Attorney
Grants broad authority over financial and legal matters. Typically ends if you become incapacitated, unlike a durable power of attorney.
Note: We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice about which power of attorney is right for your situation. We recommend consulting with an attorney to determine the appropriate document for your needs. We provide professional notarization once you have your documents prepared.
Tips for a Smooth & Efficient Appointment
Confirm Your Appointment
We'll confirm the time, location, and documents needed before we arrive. Make sure you have the correct address and that someone will be available to let us in if needed.
Have Your ID Out and Ready
This is the single most common source of delays. Make sure every signer has their current, valid, government-issued photo ID ready when we arrive.
Don't Sign Anything in Advance
Seriously — this can't be stressed enough. All notarized signatures must be made in the physical presence of the notary. Signing ahead of time means starting over.
Find a Well-Lit, Quiet Space
Good lighting makes it easier to review documents. A quiet space with a flat surface — like a table or desk — makes signing more comfortable and accurate.
Have Contact Information for Relevant Parties
If you're signing documents for an attorney, title company, or lender, have their contact information handy in case we need to clarify something.
Allow Enough Time
A standard notarization takes 10–15 minutes. Loan signings take 45 minutes to an hour. Rushing increases the risk of errors — we'd rather get it right than get it fast.
Ask Questions
If something isn't clear, ask. We can explain the notarization process, identify each document, and direct you to the right professional for legal or financial questions.
Ready to Schedule?
Now that you know what to expect, getting your documents notarized is easy. Contact us to schedule your appointment — we'll come to you, on your schedule.