You've seen the ads: 'Notarize online in minutes!' It sounds easy, but if you are in California, there is a massive catch that could cost you hundreds of dollars and weeks of wasted time.
While California passed Senate Bill 696, California-commissioned notaries are not authorized to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) until the Secretary of State launches its new system — currently slated for January 1, 2030.
Why this matters for you
Many out-of-state notaries are charging Californians high fees for online signatures without disclosing a critical fact: if your document needs to be recorded (like a Deed) or presented to a government facility (like the Apostille office), a remote notarization from another state will likely be REJECTED.
I have helped numerous clients fix "illegal" or rejected notarizations that were done online by out-of-state agents. The cost shows up as money already spent, weeks of lost time, and — most painfully — having to redo a process that should have been done correctly the first time.
What to do instead
Don't risk your money, your time, or the legality of your documents. If you are unsure, call me first at (818) 625-2037. I'll make sure it's done right the first time — in person, according to California law.