Understanding Notarized Documents in California: Types, Purposes & Witness Requirements

At X Mobile Notary, we specialize in ensuring your important documents are legally recognized and properly executed. But not all notarized documents are the same. Understanding the differences and knowing whether a witness is required can help streamline your signing process.

Common Types of Notarized Documents

1. Acknowledgments

• Purpose: Confirms the signer’s identity and their willingness to sign.

• Common Uses: Deeds, powers of attorney, real estate transfers.

• Witness Required? Not in California. The notary verifies identity, not witnesses the act of signing.

2. Jurats

• Purpose: Requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents are true.

• Common Uses: Affidavits, depositions.

• Witness Required? No witness required, but the signer must sign in front of the notary.

3. Oaths & Affirmations

• Purpose: A spoken promise of truthfulness, often in court-related documents.

• Witness Required? No, just the notary is needed to administer the oath.

4. Copy Certifications by document custodian

• Purpose: The notary verifies that a copy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.

• Common Uses: Diplomas, driver’s licenses, passports (when allowed).

• Witness Required? No.

5. Signature Witnessing (Rare in CA)

• Purpose: Notary witnesses the act of signing (distinct from acknowledging it).

• Note: California notaries are generally not authorized to witness signatures without using an acknowledgment or jurat.

When Are Witnesses Required in California?

While notarizations themselves typically do not require a witness, some documents may require additional witnesses based on their content:

• Wills: Must be witnessed by two disinterested adults (not the notary).

• Advance Healthcare Directives: Often require two witnesses or a notary.

• Powers of Attorney: Notarization is required and may also require witnesses depending on the institution.

• Trusts & Estate Plans: Usually just a notary is sufficient unless the attorney or legal document specifies otherwise.

Pro Tip from Brenda at X Mobile Notary:

“If your document requires witnesses and you cannot provide them, let us know in advance — in many cases, we can arrange witness services for an additional fee.”

Need a mobile notary who knows the rules and brings clarity to complex signings?Contact X Mobile Notary – we bring the stamp to your doorstep.

Brenda Johnson, Notary Public

(415)264-0941

Info@xmobilenotary.com

www.xmobilenotary.com