Q. Are you an attorney?

A. No, I'm not an attorney licensed to practice law.

I cannot and will not give any legal advice or accept a fee for legal advice and services.

Q. What is a Notary Public?

A. A notary public is a public official appointed by the state to certify the authenticity of signatures and copies of documents, to administer oaths and affirmations, and to perform other such acts as are allowed or required by law. This official serves the public as an impartial witness.

Q. What type of identification is required?

A. Personal knowledge or Satisfactory evidence: 

The absence of information that would lead the notary to believe that the person present is not the person named on the document. 

ID cards will be government-issued, have a serial number and a date of issuance or expiration.  Civil Code Statute 1185(4)(A)–(F)(f) gives a specific list of identity documents that are acceptable.
One credible witness who knows personally both notary and signer
Two credible witnesses who personally know the signer and present satisfactory evidence of identity to the notary

Q. What are the duties of a Notary Public

A. Authorized Duties - Administer oath/affirmations, acknowledgements,depositions, affidavit, protests, and certify copies limited to powers of attorney only.

Q. What is a lawful notarization

A. See the requirements for a lawful notarization, below:

Signer must be personally present before the notary

Signer must be personally known to the notary or must present satisfactory evidence of identifcation.

The document must be original, meaning it is unsigned or displays an original, “wet-ink” signature.

Document must be dated the same date as notarization.

  *It is against the law for a notary to backdate any document

Required notarial act must be clearly indicated on the document or must be chosen by the signer (notary cannot choose).

Notary must believe the signer fully understands the transaction and is proceeding willingly (no coercion).

Notary must feel that the transaction is not fraudulent.

If you have any other questions please send an email with your question to info@downeynotaryservices.com, by clicking on the link.