A notary public is an official appointed by the state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. Notaries verify the identity of signers, ensure their willingness to sign, and certify documents as authentic.
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Notaries can notarize a variety of documents, including loan documents, real estate deeds, powers of attorney, wills, trusts, and affidavits. However, notaries cannot notarize vital records like birth certificates or marriage licenses.
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You can find a notary public by searching online directories, checking with local banks, shipping centers, or visiting the California Secretary of State website.
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No, notaries are not authorized to provide legal advice or draft legal documents unless they are also attorneys. Notaries must remain impartial and cannot offer advice beyond their duties.
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You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The ID must be current and unexpired.
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In California, the maximum fee for notarization is $15 per signature. Notaries can charge less, but cannot charge more than the state-set maximum.
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It's recommended to make an appointment, but some notaries may accept walk-ins depending on their availability. It's best to call ahead to ensure a notary will be available when you need one.
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Yes, a notary can refuse to notarize a document if they believe the signer is not willing or competent, if the document is incomplete, or if there is suspicion of fraud.
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Yes, as long as the notary can communicate with the signer to verify their identity and willingness to sign. However, the notary may not understand the contents of the document, so it's recommended to have a translator present.
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A notarization is typically valid indefinitely, but it's best to check with the recipient of the document to ensure they accept notarizations that aren't recent. Some documents may require a notarization date within a certain timeframe.
