Find answers to common questions about our notary services. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly.
A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to witness the signing of documents, administer oaths, and verify the identity of signers. Notaries help prevent fraud and ensure that documents are signed willingly and with full understanding.
Many documents may require notarization, including:
Yes, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID with your signature, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The name on your ID must match the name on the document being signed. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
Per California notary law, acceptable forms of valid government-issued photo identification include:
The ID must be current (not expired), contain a photo, and have a signature. See the California Notary Handbook for complete requirements.
California sets maximum notarial fees. Our standard notarization fees are competitive and vary based on document type. Contact us for specific pricing, or visit our pricing page.
Yes, we can notarize documents in many languages. The notary does not need to understand the language of the document—only verify the identity of the signer and witness the signature. However, all notarial certificates must be completed in English.
A loan signing is a meeting where you sign the final documents for your mortgage or real estate transaction. A notary witnesses all signatures, verifies identities, and ensures all documents are properly completed before returning them to the lender or title company.
We come to you! The signing can take place at your home, office, or any location that's convenient within our service area. We serve the entire Monterey Bay region including Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Salinas, and surrounding areas.
Most loan signings take 30-90 minutes depending on the complexity of the transaction. Refinance signings typically take 30-45 minutes, while purchase transactions may take 45-90 minutes due to more documents being involved.
Please bring:
Yes, all loan documents must be signed in one session with the notary present. This is a legal requirement. Please ensure you set aside enough time for the appointment and use the restroom before starting. We cannot leave and return to complete remaining documents.
A notary cannot give legal or financial advice—they can only witness signatures. If you have questions about interest rates, loan terms, or anything else, please contact your lender or loan officer before the signing. We recommend reviewing your closing disclosure ahead of time.
An apostille is a certificate issued by the California Secretary of State that authenticates a document for use in another country. It verifies that the signature, seal, and authority of the notary or official who signed the document are genuine.
You need an apostille when presenting documents to a foreign country that is part of the Hague Convention. Common uses include:
Documents that can receive an apostille include:
Processing times vary by the Secretary of State's office. Standard processing can take 5-7 business days, while expedited options may be available for an additional fee. Contact us early to ensure your documents are ready when you need them.
An apostille is a simplified authentication for countries part of the Hague Convention. For countries NOT part of this treaty, you need a full authentication/ legalization, which may involve additional steps through the State Department and the destination country's embassy or consulate.
Our team is here to help. Contact us today and we'll answer any questions you have about our notary services.