How to Get a Document Notarized in San Diego: Complete Guide for 2025
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to witness document signings, verify identities, and administer oaths. In California, notaries serve as impartial witnesses to prevent fraud and ensure the authenticity of important documents.
When Do You Need a Notary?
You need notarization for:
- Real Estate Documents: Deeds, mortgage documents, property transfers
- Legal Documents: Power of attorney, living trusts, affidavits
- Business Documents: Contracts, partnership agreements, corporate resolutions
- Personal Documents: Travel consent forms, vehicle titles, loan documents
- Healthcare Documents: Advanced healthcare directives, medical power of attorney
How Much Does Notarization Cost in California?
Standard Notary Fees (2025):
- $15 per signature per person (California maximum fee)
- Mobile notary travel fee: $55-$125 depending on location and time
- After-hours or weekend service may incur additional fees
Example: If two people sign one document, the notary fee is $30 ($15 × 2) plus the mobile fee.
Mobile Notary vs. Stationary Notary: What’s the Difference?
Stationary Notary
- Located at office buildings
- You travel to their location
- Limited hours (typically business hours only)
- May have wait times
Mobile Notary
- Travels to your location (home, office, hospital, nursing home)
- Available evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Convenient for businesses, companies, elderly, disabled, or busy clients
- Charges travel fee in addition to notary fee
What to Bring to Your Notary Appointment
Required Items:
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID:
- California driver’s license or ID card
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
- Foreign passport with visa
- The Document to be Notarized:
- Do NOT sign the document before meeting the notary
- Bring all pages, even if only one page requires notarization
- Have all signers present
- Additional Information:
- Understanding of the document’s content
How Long Does Notarization Take?
A typical notarization appointment takes 10-15 minutes per document. This includes:
- Identity verification (2-3 minutes)
- Document review (3-5 minutes)
- Signing and stamping (5-7 minutes)
Complex documents or multiple signers may require 30-45 minutes.
Can a Notary Notarize for Family Members?
No. California law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents for:
- Spouses
- Children, parents, or siblings
- Anyone in which the notary has a financial interest
This ensures impartiality and prevents conflicts of interest.
What is an Apostille and When Do You Need One?
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates documents for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Convention (over 120 countries).
Common Documents Requiring Apostille:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Educational diplomas and transcripts
- Corporate documents
- Power of attorney for international use
Apostille Processing Time in California:
- Standard processing: 4-8 business days through California Secretary of State
- Expedited service: 3 days
- Cost: Approximately $185- $285
Legal Document Assistant (LDA) Services in San Diego
A Legal Document Assistant is a non-attorney authorized to help prepare legal documents under California Business and Professions Code Section 6400.
What LDAs Can Do:
- Prepare legal documents based on your specific information
- Provide procedural information about document filing
- Assist with estate planning documents (wills, trusts, power of attorney)
- Help with name changes, guardianships, and conservatorships
What LDAs Cannot Do:
- Provide legal advice
- Represent you in court
- Tell you what documents you need
Cost Advantage: LDA services typically cost $200-$500 compared to $1,500-$5,000 for attorney services for document preparation.
How to Choose a Notary in San Diego
Key Factors to Consider:
- Availability: Can they accommodate your schedule, including evenings and weekends?
- Service Area: Do they travel to your specific location (La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Downtown San Diego)?
- Experience: How long have they been in business? Do they specialize in your document type?
- Additional Services: Do they offer apostille services or LDA services?
- Reviews: Check Google reviews and testimonials
San Diego Notary Service Areas
Mobile notaries in San Diego County typically serve:
- Coastal Communities: La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad
- Inland Areas: Rancho Santa Fe, Poway, Escondido
- Urban Centers: Downtown San Diego, Hillcrest, North Park
- South County: Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach
Travel fees vary based on distance and time required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a document notarized without the other party present? A: All signers must be physically present before the notary at the time of signing. Remote online notarization (RON) is available in California as of 2025 for certain documents.
Q: Do notaries provide the documents? A: No. You must bring your own documents. However, Legal Document Assistants can prepare documents for you, which can then be notarized.
Q: How long is a notarization valid? A: Notarizations don’t expire, but the document itself may have validity periods depending on its purpose and the requesting organization.
Q: Can a notary refuse to notarize my document? A: Yes. Notaries must refuse if the signer lacks proper ID, appears coerced, seems mentally incapable, or if the document is incomplete or blank.
Q: What’s the difference between notarization and Apostille? A: Notarization verifies the identity of signers and their willingness to sign. Apostille authenticates the notary’s signature or county official and seal for use in other jurisdictions and for international use.
Why Choose Mobile Notary Services?
Mobile notary services offer significant advantages:
- Convenience: No need to leave home, especially valuable for elderly or disabled clients
- Flexibility: Evening, weekend, and holiday availability
- Privacy: Conduct business in the comfort of your own space
- Efficiency: No waiting in line or scheduling conflicts
- Specialized Settings: Service at hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, or business offices
Conclusion
Getting a document notarized in San Diego is straightforward when you understand the process, costs, and requirements. Whether you choose a stationary or mobile notary, ensure they’re properly licensed, experienced, and available to meet your specific needs.
For complex legal documents, consider combining notary services with Legal Document Assistant services to ensure your documents are properly prepared and executed.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions, consult a licensed attorney. La Jolla Mobile Notary is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
