Notary Appointment Checklist
Valid Identification
- Bring an unexpired, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID).
- Ensure the name on the document matches your ID.
Note: To see a full list of accepted IDs, please see the following page.
Document(s) Should Be Complete (all pages) and Ready-to-Sign
• The document should be completed (no blank sections unless intentional and understood).
• Review the document for accuracy before the appointment.
Additional Required Documents
• Certain documents may require supplementary paperwork, such as proof of residency or legal status.
• Ensure you have any additional documents as specified for the type of notarial act.
Witnesses (if required)
• If your document requires witnesses, please arrange for them to be present with their valid IDs.
• Witnesses cannot be related to you or benefit from the transaction unless specified by the document.
Arrive on Time
• If meeting somewhere other than your residence, please arrive promptly to respect the scheduled appointment and avoid delays.
• If meeting at your residence, please be available promptly to respect the scheduled appointment and avoid delays.
Contact Information
• Bring any relevant contact information (e.g., attorney’s details if legal guidance is needed).
Payment
• Based on your service request, please have your preferred payment method or invoice ready for processing. Accepted forms of payment include debit, major credit cards, mobile payments via Zelle, and exact cash (as change will not be available).
Key Reminders
Document Review: Review the document thoroughly to ensure you understand its contents before your appointment.
Legal Advice: Notaries cannot offer legal advice. If you have any legal questions, please consult an attorney beforehand.
Signer(s): The signer(s) must be a willing participant(s). If coercion or unwillingness is suspected, I reserve the right to conclude the appointment (travel fee still applies).
Three Tiers of Identification in California
As outlined in the California Notary Public Handbook, notaries primarily rely on Tier 1 IDs to verify a signer's identity. However, Tier 2 and Tier 3 IDs become particularly relevant when a signer cannot present a standard ID or when alternative identification is required under specific circumstances.
photograph, signature of the person, physical description of the person, and an identifying serial number).
Note: California law mandates direct communication between the notary and the signer without the involvement of a third-party translator to ensure the validity of the notarization.
Tier 1 ID
(Primary Forms of Identification)
In California, Tier 1 IDs are the preferred form of identification for notarization as they meet the PSPS requirements: photograph, signature, physical description, and an identifying serial number. However, Tier 2 and Tier 3 IDs often do not meet all the PSPS criteria, making them insufficient on their own for notarial purposes.
- California Driver's License
- Passport
- State-issued ID Card (must be government-issued, with a photo)
- Military ID
- Permanent Resident Card
- Foreign Passport
Scenario for Tier 1:
When the signer presents a government-issued photo ID, the notary typically does not need anything beyond these IDs to verify their identity.
Note: An expired ID is acceptable as long as it's within five years of the expiration date.
Tier 2 ID
(Secondary Forms of Identification)
Tier 2 IDs serve as secondary forms of identification when Tier 1 IDs, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport, are unavailable. To use a Tier 2 ID for notarization, two credible witnesses must be present to verify the signer's identity, along with providing two of the following acceptable forms of identification:
- Employee ID
- Credit/Bank Card
- Insurance Card
- Utility Bill (with the signer's name and address)
- Birth Certificate
- Matricula Consular (Mexican consular ID)
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Decree
Scenario 1: The signer has a Matricula Consular but no Tier 1 ID. Two credible witnesses personally know the signer and the notary as well as affirm signer's identity.
Scenario 2: The signer has a utility bill and employee ID. With two credible witnesses meeting the above requirements, the notary can proceed.
Tier 3 ID
(Additional Forms of Identification)
Tier 3 IDs are additional forms of identification and used as a last resort when Tier 1 & 2 IDs cannot be obtained, which in addition require the presence of two credible witnesses.
- Social Security Card (if used in conjunction with other documents)
- Bank Statements
- Tax Returns
- Marriage License
- Court Documents
When a signer has no official ID or Tier 2 documents, they may provide documents from Tier 3 if they can present two credible witnesses who can identify them.
Example Scenarios:
Scenario 1: A signer has a Social Security card and a bank statement but lacks a government-issued ID. In this case, the notary would rely on two credible witnesses to vouch for the signer’s identity.
Scenario 2: A signer has no form of ID but can present a marriage license and court documents with their name and a credible witness who personally knows the signer.
Credible Witnesses
Both Tier 2 and Tier 3 identification scenarios, require the presence of two credible witnesses and must meet the following requirements:
- Financial Interest: The witnesses cannot have a financial interest in the document(s) being notarized.
- Named in the Document(s): The witnesses cannot be parties to or named in the document(s).
- Personally know: Both witnesses must personally know the Signer and the Notary.
- Oath: The witnesses must take an oath affirming the signer’s identity, stating they personally know the signer, and confirming the signer lacks acceptable ID.
Note To Our Visitors
Thank You for visiting Mobile Notary Signing Solution. The information on this website is provided for educational purposes, reflecting publicly available California Notary Laws. While not intended as legal advice, it is to share accurate and helpful information to guide you confidently through notarial services.
Your trust matters to us, and we are committed to raising the bar in mobile notary services. If you have any questions, require clarification, or have concerns that haven't been addressed, please reach out to us. We will make every effort to connect you with the appropriate resources or assistance within the limits of the law.
We aim to ensure you have the knowledge and support you need for a smooth and successful notarial experience. Thank you for choosing Mobile Notary Signing Solution as 'Your Trusted Stamp of Validity'.
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