Notary FAQ for our San Diego Notary Public Services
How much does it cost to notarize a document?
- $15.00 for acknowledgements – per signature
- $15.00 for jurats – per signature
- $15.00 for certified copies
- Acceptable Payment – Cash, MC, Visa, Amex Discover, Check, Money Order
ID Requirements for Notary Services
A notary public is required to certify to the identity of the signer of the document. The ID must contain a photograph, description of the person, signature of the person, an identifying number and must be current or issued within the past 5 years.
Acceptable Identification Documents
- An ID or driver’s license issued by the CA DMV.
- A United States passport.
- A driver’s license issued by another state or by a Canadian or Mexican authorized public agency.
- A passport issued by a foreign government, provided that it has been stamped by the U.S. Immigration or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- A United States military ID. *Note: some military identification cards do not contain the required information.
How long does it take?
Notarizing a document takes approximately 5 minutes. Our location provides quick freeway access for a convenience to all San Diego notary customers. We are located right off the 5 Freeway next to the Chase Bank. Whether you live in Pacific Beach, Clairemont, Mission Beach, La Jolla…. or you simply travel the 5 Freeway then this is the perfect place to visit for your notary needs. Please note: Mortgage Loan Documents commonly contain 10 or more signatures to be notarized so please allow approximately an hour and it may be best to call ahead for an appointment.
What is an Acknowledgment?
The form most frequently completed by the notary public is the certificate of acknowledgment. An acknowledgment is identified by the key wording “personally appeared.” In the certificate of acknowledgment, the notary public certifies:
- That the signer personally appeared before the notary public on the date indicated in the county indicated.
- To the identity of the signer.
- And that the signer acknowledged executing the document.
* Sample of an Acknowledgement – Acknowledgement Form – (Printable PDF).
What is a Jurat?
The second form most frequently completed by a notary public is the jurat. The jurat is identified by the wording “subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed)” contained in the form. In the jurat, the notary public certifies:
- That the signer personally appeared before the notary public on the date indicated and in the county indicated.
- That the signer signed the document in the presence of the notary public.
- The notary public administered the oath or affirmation.
- To the identity of the signer.
* Sample of a Jurat Form – Jurat Form – (Printable PDF).
Can a Notary Public Certify Copies of Birth Certificates, Passports, POA…?
A California notary public may only certify copies of:
- 1. Powers of attorney – certifying that the copy is a true copy of the original power of attorney.
- 2. His or her notary public journal.
*Certified copies of birth, fetal death, death, and marriage records may be made ONLY by the State Registrar, and by county recorders; however, a notary public in CA may “notorize a statement” where the signer states that the copy is a true and identical copy. This alternative is sometimes acceptable to the agency requesting the certified copy.
A California notary public may NOT notarize:
- A document that is incomplete.
- A document if the signer does not present satisfactory evidence as to their identity.
- A document mailed where the signer did not personally appear before the notary public.
Other Notary FAQ from the CA SOS Website
Answers to common notary questions from the CA Secretary of State website.