What to bring
Useful today, whoever you use. The ID rules, the expired-ID trap, and the mistakes that cause a second trip.
This page is useful right now — and it applies wherever you get something notarized, us or anyone else.
Read it once. It will save you a wasted trip.
The short versionLink to this section
- Photo ID for every person signing
- Your document — filled out, not signed yet
- Everyone who has to sign, in person
- Witnesses, if your document needs them
- Payment
Now the details that actually matter.
Will my ID work? Check it in ten seconds
California accepts an ID that is current, or was issued within the past five years. Getting turned away over this rule is the single most common wasted trip at any notary in the state. This runs entirely in your browser — nothing is sent anywhere.
1. Photo ID for every single signerLink to this section
Not just the main person. Everyone whose signature gets notarized needs their own ID, in their own hand, in the room.
IDs California acceptsLink to this section
Any of these, as long as the card is current, or was issued in the last five years:
- California driver's license or ID card
- US passport — the book or the wallet card
- Driver's license or ID card from any other US state
- Canadian or Mexican driver's license
- US military ID
- Valid foreign passport
- Employee ID from a California state agency, city or county
- Tribal government ID from a federally recognized tribe
- Consular ID card
- Inmate ID from the California Department of Corrections or a sheriff's department
IDs that do not workLink to this section
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Credit or debit card
- Student ID
- Library card, gym card, warehouse club card
- A photocopy
- A photo of your ID on your phone
Annoying, we know. It is state law, not a house rule.
2. The expired ID ruleLink to this section
This turns more people away than anything else in California. Please read it.
An expired ID is acceptable — but only if it was issued within the last five years.
So check two dates, not one:
| Your card | Will it work? |
|---|---|
| Current, not expired | ✅ Yes |
| Expired last year, issued 3 years ago | ✅ Yes |
| Expired last year, issued 6 years ago | ❌ No |
| Expired US passport | ❌ Almost never — passports run 10 years, so an expired one is well past 5 |
Where to look: on a California licence the issue date is near the expiration date, often labelled "ISS." On a US passport it is the "Date of issue" line.
Not sure? Ask before you go. Two minutes on the phone beats an afternoon off work for nothing.
If your ID is too old, or you have noneLink to this section
California allows credible witnesses.
Two people who personally know you come along, each with their own valid photo ID, and swear to your identity under oath. (One is enough if that person personally knows the notary.)
Tell whoever you book with, so they set aside extra time.
3. Your document — complete, and unsignedLink to this section
Fill in every blankLink to this section
A notary cannot notarize a document with blank spaces that should be completed. If a line is meant to stay empty, put a line through it or write "N/A."
Do not sign it yetLink to this section
Wait until you are in front of the notary.
Some notarizations legally require you to sign in front of them. Others accept an earlier signature. Since you probably do not know which kind you have, unsigned is always safe.
Ink, not pencilLink to this section
Pencil can be erased. It will be refused.
Bring the whole documentLink to this section
Including the last page — the notary wording. It usually begins "State of California, County of ______" and says either Acknowledgment or Jurat.
No such page? You need to find out which one your document needs. Ask whoever is requesting the document. A notary is not allowed to choose for you — that counts as legal advice. This one question, asked in advance, saves entire appointments.
4. Everyone who is signingLink to this section
Every signer must be physically present, with their own ID.
Not over the phone. Not over video. Not "she signed it this morning, here it is." California law requires the person to appear in front of the notary.
People signing at different times? That is fine — just book more than one appointment.
5. Witnesses, if your document needs themLink to this section
A notary and a witness are not the same thing.
- A notary checks ID and stamps the document.
- A witness is an ordinary person who watches you sign, then signs it themselves.
Some documents need both. A California will needs two witnesses, and a notary stamp does not replace them.
Most people discover this far too late. If your document has witness lines, read this before you book anything.
6. PaymentLink to this section
Here, $10 per page notarized, plus a flat $75 travel fee if we come to you. Full pricing →
Pay at the appointment for now — card or cash. Online payment arrives with self-serve online booking on September 2, 2026.
The 30-second self-checkLink to this section
Four questions. Any "no" or "not sure" means make a phone call before you go anywhere.
- Is my ID current, or was it issued within the last five years?
- Is every blank in my document filled in?
- Will every person signing be there in person, with their own photo ID?
- Does my document already have an Acknowledgment or Jurat page?
Not sure about your ID specifically? Use the interactive checker above — it tells you yes or no.
Print thisLink to this section
Put it on the fridge, or forward it to whoever is signing with you.
Book nowLink to this section
Call (925) 319-8855.
General information about California notarization. Not legal advice.