Mobile Notary ID Requirements & Notary Public FAQs
Encinitas Mobile Notary provides clear guidance on California notary ID requirements and answers common questions about notarization. Whether you’re preparing estate planning documents, living trusts, powers of attorney, or property deeds, understanding what identification is acceptable helps ensure your appointment goes smoothly.
Accepted Forms of Identification (California Notary Law)
A notary public in California must verify the signer’s identity using an acceptable form of identification. Below are valid types of photo ID that comply with California Government Code Section 1185(b):
Acceptable Identification:
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California Driver’s License or Identification Card
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U.S. Passport or Passport Card
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Other State Driver’s License or Identification Card
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U.S. Military Identification Card
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Inmate Identification Card (if issued by the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation for current inmates only)
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Foreign Passport stamped by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
All IDs must be current or issued within the last five years and include the signer’s photo, physical description, signature, and identifying number.
What If I Don’t Have Valid Photo ID?
If a signer does not possess one of the accepted forms of photo ID, their identity can still be established using two credible witnesses.
Each witness must:
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Personally know the signer,
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Present valid identification to the notary, and
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Swear or affirm under oath that the signer’s identity is true.
This option is most commonly used for elderly or homebound signers who no longer have a current driver’s license or passport.
Understanding Notary Forms: Acknowledgments & Jurats
Notaries in California primarily complete one of two certificates depending on the type of document being signed:
Acknowledgment – Confirms the signer’s identity and voluntary signing of the document.
👉 Download California Acknowledgment Form (PDF)
Jurat – Confirms the signer swore or affirmed the truthfulness of the document in front of the notary.
👉 Download California Jurat Form (PDF)
Your attorney or document preparer will typically indicate which form is required.
Common Questions About Notarization
Do I need witnesses for my notarization?
In most cases, no. California notaries rely on valid ID for identification unless credible witnesses are required (for example, if a signer lacks ID).
Can a notary explain my document?
No. Notaries are not authorized to provide legal advice or interpret the meaning of a document. Please consult your attorney for any legal questions.
Can you notarize copies of documents?
Not in most cases. California notaries generally notarize signatures, not the content or authenticity of documents.
What does it cost to have a document notarized?
California law sets the fee at $15 per notarized signature, plus a local travel fee for mobile notary appointments.
Do you provide mobile notary services for estate planning or family trust documents?
Yes. We frequently notarize living trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and certification of trust documents for estate planning clients.
Schedule Your Notary Appointment
Encinitas Mobile Notary serves clients throughout Encinitas, Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and North County San Diego, providing mobile notary services for estate planning, real estate, and general notarization needs.