I need a document notarized. How does that work?
The everyday notary appointment in Pleasanton, Dublin and Livermore. $10 per document, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Bring your photo ID and your document, filled in. The notary checks your ID, writes the appointment into an official journal, watches you sign, then fills in and stamps the notary certificate. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs $10 for each document notarized. Come to the Pleasanton office, or a notary comes to you. Call (925) 319-8855.
What gets notarized hereLink to this section
| Kind of document | Examples |
|---|---|
| Affidavits and sworn statements | Court, insurance, employment |
| Consent letters | A parent letting a child travel with a grandparent |
| DMV and vehicle paperwork | Title transfers, release of liability, lien releases |
| School and university forms | Enrollment, residency, financial aid |
| Bank and financial forms | Account changes, beneficiary forms, IRA transfers |
| Property paperwork | Deeds and other documents affecting real estate |
| Rental and lease agreements | Leases, landlord and tenant forms |
| Contracts and business agreements | Vendor agreements, corporate resolutions |
| Family paperwork | Adoption, sponsorship and support affidavits |
| Employment and licensing forms | Licensing boards, insurance claims |
| Travel paperwork | Passport and visa forms for many countries |
What to bringLink to this section
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID for every person signing | The notary has to confirm who you are. Which IDs work. |
| Your document, filled in | A notary must not notarize a document that looks incomplete. Fill in every blank first. |
| The page with the notary wording | It is usually the last page. It says either Acknowledgment or Jurat. |
Do not sign the document yet. Some documents have to be signed in front of the notary, and it is easier to wait than to redo it.
If your document has no notary page, say so when you book and one can be brought along. You need to know which kind it needs first. Ask whoever is asking you for the document. That choice is theirs, not the notary's.
What happens at the appointmentLink to this section
- Everyone signing shows photo ID.
- You sign the notary's journal.
- The notary confirms which kind of notarial act the document needs.
- You sign the document.
- The notary fills in the certificate and stamps it.
- You take your document with you.
Four things that hold appointments upLink to this section
"My ID expired last month." That can still be fine. California accepts an ID that is current, or that was issued within the last five years. Check the issue date on the card. Civil Code 1185 · the rule in full
"There is a blank line I don't understand." Find out what goes in it before the appointment. A notary must not notarize a document that appears to be incomplete, and cannot tell you what to write. See the California Notary Public Handbook.
"My wife is signing too, but she is at work." Everyone who signs has to be there in person, with their own ID. Pick a time that works for both of you.
"Is it an acknowledgment or a jurat?" Ask whoever wants the document. It takes them ten seconds and it saves you a second appointment.
WhereLink to this section
The office. 5742 Belleza Drive, Pleasanton. No travel fee.
Or we come to you. Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Ramon, Danville and nearby. Travel fees →
What it costsLink to this section
$10 for each document notarized. A flat $75 travel fee if we come to you.
BookLink to this section
Call (925) 319-8855.
General information, not legal advice.