Online notarization in California: Get your document notarized today
If you live in California and need to have your important documents notarized, you may be looking for the easiest and most cost-effective solution you can find. While Remote Online Notarization (RON) has made it easier than ever to notarize documents at your convenience when compared to traditional notarization services, the practice has not yet been adopted in all 50 states. So is Remote Online Notary in California legally permitted?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about notarization in California and how to start notarizing your documents online right away using PandaDoc Notary.
Is online notarization legal in California?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is not legally permitted in California at this time. However, the state recognizes online notarizations legally performed by notaries from other states.
The California state legislature is currently considering legalizing RON thanks to California Assembly Bill 1093. While the practice may be made permanent soon, California Remote Online Notarization in 2022 is not yet allowed.
How to get your documents notarized online in California?
To receive notarization in California, you will have to follow a series of steps & requirements to ensure the notarization is valid. You should contact your county recorder to confirm that you meet all of their notarization requirements.
Although using an online notary is quicker and cheaper than traditional notary services, this is not an option in California. California notarizations must be carried out in the presence of a traditional commissioned notary public. With a traditional notary public, such as walk-in and remote notaries, you will have to schedule a time and place to meet with your notary in person before notarization.
Since some businesses and professions offer notarization services as an extension of their natural duties, you can also locate and appear before a notary the same day as long as the establishment has someone on hand who can perform the notarization.
These businesses include:
- Banks
- Law firms
- Real estate firms or offices
- Tax prep consultants
- Photocopy stores
- Shipping stores
- Loan & processing offices
- AAA Auto Insurance
How does PandaDoc Notary work?
When you require notarization, being able to access online notarization services makes it as easy as possible to capture your signatures without the hassle and fees associated with traditional notarization services. While RON is not currently permitted in the state of California, it is currently being considered and is likely to be passed into law soon.
With the ease, security, and flexibility that online notarization offers over walk-in and mobile notary services, RON is the clear choice when you need to notarize and store your important documents.
PandaDoc Notary provides a secure and user-friendly Remote Online Notarization platform that helps singers and notaries create, edit, eSign, and notarize documents at their convenience whenever they need access. The all-in-one platform makes it easier than ever to sign and notarize documents without the extra leg work that inherently comes with traditional notarization options.
FAQ’s
How much can an Online Notary Charge in California?
A notary cannot charge for remote online notarization services in California. Online notarization is not currently allowed in the state of California, though the state legislature is considering permanent RON law as of 2022.
The cost to notarize a document in California with a walk-in or mobile notary is $15 (plus any applicable travel fees).
How to notarize a document in California?
To notarize a document in California, the signers must appear in person before a state-commissioned notary to complete the signature. The document to be notarized will need to have been completed and reviewed for any errors or changes before the notarization session begins.
At the time of notarization, the signers will need to pay the requisite notarization fee. Both signers must also present a valid form of identification to the notary to confirm their identities. These forms of ID can include:
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Military ID card
- Government-issued ID card
- Permanent resident card
At this point, all signing parties will review the document and apply their signatures to the document. The signer signature attests that the signer understands the document before them and that they willingly signed the document of their own accord.
Once the document has been signed by all signing parties, the notary will apply their own signature and seal and record the transaction in their notarial journal. Once this seal is applied, the document immediately becomes legally binding and has been officially notarized.
What are the California notarization requirements?
In California, current notarization law requires that all document signers must appear in person before an actively commissioned notary public to notarize a document. At this time, the signers will be required to provide valid proof of identity and pay the required notarization fee.
The notary is required to record the notarial transaction in their journal and apply their own signature and seal which certifies the signatures and renders the document legally enforceable.
What are the California notary laws?
California notary law states that all document notarizations must be carried out in person before a commissioned notary public. At this time, Remote Online Notarization (RON) is not permitted to be performed within the state of California.
While RON services are not legal, CA Assembly Bill 2143 has stipulated that notaries and signers can eSign and electronically notarize real estate documents, this process must still be done with all parties physically present before the notary.
Every state has its own specific laws regarding notarization requirements, and you should always be sure to double-check yours before notarization to ensure you are compliant.
If I notarize a document in California, will it be recognized by other states?
Yes. Other states will recognize notarial acts performed in California. While the specifics may vary depending on the other state’s requirements, established precedents have established that notarial acts that comply with the applicable California RON law can be recognized as valid across state lines.
Do I have to be in California to use PandaDoc Notary services?
Since RON services are not currently allowed in California, PandaDoc Notarization services cannot be carried out within the state. Though Remote Online Notarization through PandaDoc Notary is not permitted in the state of California, there are a range of other features that anyone could find helpful, such as creating and eSigning documents.
What types of notarizations are permitted online in California?
In California, remote notaries are not currently authorized to perform remote online notarial acts.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website, and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues and jurisdictions.