A Notary Public who has received specialized training to handle loan documents and assists in the last step of the loan process by meeting with the signer and “walking” them through the loan documents, notarizing their signature and returning the documents for processing.

The notarization process assures that a document is authentic, that its signature is genuine, and that the signer is aware and willingly signs said document.

An Acknowledgment Certificate is used when your signature needs to be acknowledged. The Notary Public will confirm your identity, as well as confirm you are willingly signing the document and aware of what you have signed.

A Jurat Certificate is used when you take an oath or affirmation swearing the contents of the document are true. The Notary Public will confirm your identity and have you sign the document in their presence.

No. The Notary Public cannot advise signers which certificate is required, as this is considered an unauthorized practice of law. The signer must contact the agency that issued the document and ask which type of notarization is needed. If it is still unclear which notarial act is required, the signer may contact an attorney for guidance on how to proceed.

A solemn, spoken pledge to a Supreme Being. The Notary Public will ask, “Do you solemnly swear that the statements in this document are true to the best of your knowledge and belief, so help you God?”

A solemn, spoken pledge on one’s own personal honor, with no reference to a Supreme Being. A person who objects to an oath may instead be given an affirmation. The Notary Public will ask, “Do you solemnly affirm that the statements in this document are true to the best of your knowledge and belief?”

-Written identification that is current or issued in the past five years, and contains a photograph, signature, serial or identifying number and physical description of the signer.

-California driver’s license or non-driver’s ID issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

-US Passport

-Driver’s license or non-driver’s ID issued by another US state.

-Driver’s license issued by Mexico or Canada.

-Employee ID card issued by an agency or office of the State of California or any city, county or city and county within the state.

-US Military ID that contains all required elements.

-ID card issued by federally recognized tribal government.

-Social Security Cards

-Credit Cards

-Temporary Driver’s Licenses

-Licenses and driver’s licenses without photographs.