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| What is a Notary Public?
A state appointed official commissioned to witness the signing of
important documents and to administer oaths. Documents are notarized to
deter fraud and to ensure they are properly executed. An impartial
witness (the Notary) identifies signers to screen out impostors and to
make sure they have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.
May a Notary give legal advice or prepare legal documents?
No.
It is illegal for a Notary to prepare legal documents, answer legal
questions or act as a legal advisor unless he or she is also an
attorney. A violation of this is considered a UPL (unauthorized
practice of law) and is a crime. Also, a Notary cannot provide any
advice about a particular document. What are acceptable forms of ID?
Identification must be current or have been issued within five years:
- An identification card or driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles;
- A United States passport;
- Other state approved identification card, consisting of any
of the one following, provided that it contains a photograph, a
description of the person, signature of the person, and an identifying
number.
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