Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2026

Introduction

Monterey Bay Notary Services ("MBNS," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our notary, loan signing, and apostille services.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use our services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Identification Information: Name, address, date of birth, and government-issued identification (driver's license, passport, military ID)
  • Contact Information: Phone number, email address, and mailing address
  • Document Information: Information contained in documents you request us to notarize, sign, or authenticate
  • Transaction Information: Services requested, appointment dates, and payment information

How We Collect Information

We collect information through:

  • In-person interactions when providing notary services
  • Phone calls and text messages
  • Email communications
  • Online booking forms
  • Contact forms on our website

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • Provide Notary Services: To complete notarizations, loan signings, and apostille services as requested
  • Verify Identity: To confirm the identity of signers as required by California notary law
  • Communicate with You: To respond to inquiries, confirm appointments, and provide service-related information
  • Process Payments: To process payments for services rendered
  • Maintain Records: To keep required notary logs and records as mandated by law
  • Improve Services: To understand how clients use our services and improve customer experience

Legal Requirements

California law requires notaries to maintain journals of all notarizations performed. These records may include signer information and are retained according to state requirements.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We Do Not Sell Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

Information We May Share

We may disclose your information to:

  • Lenders and Title Companies: For loan signing services, documents may be provided to your lender or title company as directed by you
  • Government Agencies: As required by law for apostille processing or official requests
  • Secretary of State: For apostille authentication services
  • Payment Processors: To process payments securely through third-party payment services

Legal Obligations

We may disclose information if required to comply with legal obligations, court orders, or governmental requests.

Data Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data.

Security Measures We Use

  • Secure document handling and storage
  • Password-protected electronic records
  • Secure communication methods (encrypted email when available)
  • Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

Document Handling

Original documents are returned to clients immediately after services are completed. We do not retain copies of notarized documents unless required by law or requested by the client.

Data Retention

Notary journals are retained for the period required by California law (currently 10 years). Other personal information is retained only as long as necessary to provide services or as required by law.

Third-Party Services

Payment Processing

We use third-party payment processors (such as Square, Venmo, and Zelle) to process payments. These services have their own privacy policies governing how they handle your payment information.

Website Analytics

Our website may use analytics services that collect information about how visitors use our site. This information is used to improve our website and user experience.

Online Booking

If you book appointments through our website, your booking information may be processed through third-party scheduling services subject to their privacy policies.

Links to Other Sites

Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

Your Rights

California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

  • Know what personal information is being collected about you
  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Opt-out of the sale of your personal information
  • Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

We do not sell personal information. To exercise your rights, please contact us using the information below.

Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to your personal information and to request corrections to inaccurate information. Contact us to make such requests.

Contact Preferences

You may opt out of receiving marketing communications from us by contacting us directly or using the unsubscribe options in our communications.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

Monterey Bay Notary Services

Phone: (831) 264-7707

Email: [email protected]

Service Area: Pacific Grove, Monterey, Carmel & Surrounding Areas

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

By continuing to use our services after any changes to this Privacy Policy, you agree to the updated terms.