2026 Guide California

How to Find a Notary in California (2026)

Where to get documents notarized in California — fees, what to bring, and remote online notarization options.

$15

In-person fee cap

N/A

RON fee cap

Yes

State fee cap

RON available

Step-by-Step: Getting Documents Notarized in California

Identify your notarial act type

Different documents require different notarial acts. An acknowledgment is the most common — you acknowledge you signed willingly. A jurat requires you to swear under oath that the document's contents are true. An oath or affirmation is used for affidavits. Understanding the type helps you prepare and ensures you bring the right document.

Find a notary near you

California notaries can be found at many convenient locations:

• Banks and credit unions — often free for account holders
• UPS Store / FedEx Office — $10–$15 per signature, walk-in friendly
• Public libraries — sometimes free or low-cost
• Law offices — available for clients, often free with other services
• AAA offices — free for members
• Online notary search — use the California Secretary of State's notary lookup at the link below

Prepare your document

Before your appointment: complete all parts of the document except your signature. Do not sign the document beforehand — you must sign in front of the notary. Make sure all text fields are filled in. If the document is multi-page, do not staple or bind it yet.

Bring valid photo ID

The notary must verify your identity. Bring a current, government-issued photo ID such as:
• Driver's license or state ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• Military ID
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

The name on your ID must match the name on the document. Expired IDs are generally not accepted.

Sign in front of the notary

Sign your document in the notary's presence. The notary will watch you sign, verify your willingness, and then apply their official seal and signature. For a jurat, you'll also swear or affirm that the document's contents are true.

Know the fees

California law caps notary fees at $15 per notarial act. Notaries may charge additional travel fees if they come to you.

$15 per notarized signature. Travel fees allowed if reasonable and agreed to in advance. RON law pending.

Consider Remote Online Notarization (RON)

California does not currently permit Remote Online Notarization (RON), or RON rules are not yet fully defined. You will need to appear in person before a notary. Check the California Secretary of State's website for any recent updates.

After notarization

Keep the notarized document in a safe place. Make photocopies for your records before submitting the original anywhere. If you need an apostille (to use the document internationally), contact the California Secretary of State's office — there's usually a separate apostille fee.

Need Online Notarization?

Get documents notarized from home via video call — available 24/7, legally valid in most states.

Find an Online Notary →

California Notary — Fee Summary

Acknowledgment fee cap	$15
Jurat fee cap	$15
Oath/Affirmation fee cap	$15
RON (Remote Online Notarization)	Not available
State fee cap law	Yes

📋

California note

$15 per notarized signature. Travel fees allowed if reasonable and agreed to in advance. RON law pending.

Source: California Secretary of State ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary charge in California?

In California, notaries are capped at $15 per notarial act by state law. Most in-person notarizations cost $15 per signature. Mobile notaries who travel to you typically charge an additional travel fee of $25–$75 on top of the per-signature fee.

Where can I find a notary near me in California?

You can find a notary in California at: banks and credit unions (often free for account holders), UPS Store or FedEx Office ($10–$15 per signature, walk-in friendly), public libraries (sometimes free or low-cost), AAA offices (free for members), law offices, and real estate offices. For hard-to-reach locations or after-hours needs, search for a mobile notary or use the California Secretary of State's notary lookup tool online.

Can I get documents notarized online in California?

California does not currently permit Remote Online Notarization (RON). Documents must be notarized in person. Check the California Secretary of State's website periodically — RON laws are expanding to new states.

What ID do I need to bring to a notary in California?

Bring a current, government-issued photo ID with your full legal name and signature — matching the name on the document being notarized. Acceptable IDs in California typically include: a driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, or permanent resident card (Green Card). The ID must be valid (not expired). Do not sign your document before arriving — you must sign in the notary's presence.

Does California have a limit on notary fees?

Yes — California law caps notary fees at $15 per acknowledgment and $15 per jurat. Charging more than the statutory maximum is a violation that can result in loss of the notary's commission. If a notary overcharges you, you can report it to the California Secretary of State.

How long does notarization take in California?

A standard in-person notarization in California takes 5–15 minutes once you're in front of the notary. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign, complete the notarial certificate, and apply their seal. If you have multiple documents, add a few minutes per additional signature. Remote online notarization typically takes 15–20 minutes including identity verification.