For a California notarization, the signer must present a valid, current, government-issued photo ID — or one that was issued within the last five years. Accepted forms include a US driver's license or state ID, US passport, US military ID, foreign passport, Mexico or Canadian driver's license, consular ID card, and a few others listed below. California does not accept digital IDs or digital driver's licenses for notarization. If a signer has no acceptable ID, two credible witnesses may be used. Source: California Secretary of State, Government Code §§ 1185 and 8205.
To complete a notarization, you must present valid, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include:
- California Driver's License
- California Identification Card
- Other U.S. State Driver's Licenses or ID Cards
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Military ID Card
- Inmate ID Card (issued by the CA Department of Corrections)
- Foreign Passports (stamped by USCIS — stamp no longer required as of updated regulation)
- Mexico Driver's License
- Canadian Driver's License
- Two Credible Witnesses (only for signers without valid ID)
- Consular Identification Card issued by a foreign consulate
- Tribal Identification Card from a federally recognized tribal government
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if my ID is expired?
California law requires that IDs be current or issued within the last 5 years. Expired IDs are not acceptable unless supported by credible witnesses.
2. Can I use my foreign passport without a visa stamp?
Yes. As of recent updates, a visa stamp is no longer required. The foreign passport must be valid and readable.
3. What documents require notarization?
Some of the most common include:
- Power of Attorney
- Trusts & Wills
- Real Estate Loan Documents
- Apostille & Document Legalizations
- Parental Travel Forms
- Affidavits
- Certified Copies (when permitted)
4. What should I prepare before my appointment?
- Complete all forms (except signatures and notarial sections)
- Have your valid ID ready
- For real estate or loan signings: bring required documents like W-2s or pay stubs if requested by your lender
- For real estate or loan signings, a lender or title company may also request secondary identification — for example a bank statement, birth certificate, Social Security card, property tax bill, a bill from your utility company, a state-issued license, or an organizational membership card
- Have your lender or escrow officer's phone number available for questions
5. What are the benefits of using a Mobile Notary?
- We come to your location: home, office, hospital, or another convenient spot
- No traffic, no lost time
- Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends
- Personalized, professional service
Need Help or Have Questions?
Call or text us at (818) 625-2037, or book online for fast and reliable notary services across Burbank, San Fernando Valley, and the greater Los Angeles area.
Thank you for choosing our services. We're here to make the process smooth, secure, and stress-free.
California notaries public are prohibited from performing any duties that may be construed as the practice of law. Among the acts which constitute the practice of law are the preparation, drafting, or selection or determination of the kind of any legal document, or giving advice in relation to any legal documents or matters.