Acknowledgments & Jurats.
Acknowledgments and jurats are the two most common notarial acts in California. Each has different signer requirements. We perform the act the signer or receiving agency requires.
Two ways to notarize a signature.
Acknowledgment
You're confirming that the signature is yours.
An acknowledgment is when you tell the notary that you signed the document and did so willingly. You must meet the notary in person, but you don't have to sign the document during the appointment. You may have signed it earlier. The notary checks your identity and asks you to confirm that you signed the document.
Jurat
You're promising that the statements are true.
A jurat is used when you need to swear or affirm that the information in a document is true. You must sign the document in front of the notary. The notary will also ask you to make a spoken promise, called an oath or affirmation, that the statements are true. The notary checks your identity, witnesses your signature, and completes the jurat.
Not sure which one you need?
Your document may already tell you. If it doesn't, check with your attorney or the person or organization receiving it. We can explain the differences, but California law doesn't allow us to choose for you.
California Secretary of State notary resourcesWhat to have ready.
Does the signer need to be there?
For an acknowledgment or jurat, yes. The person whose signature is being notarized must meet with the notary in person. California also allows a separate procedure called proof of execution by a subscribing witness. In certain situations, a qualified witness can appear before the notary when the original signer cannot. This procedure has strict requirements and is not available for every document.
Bring acceptable identification.
Have identification that meets California's requirements, such as a qualifying driver's license or passport. If you're unsure whether your ID will work, ask before scheduling.
Have your complete document.
Bring every page of the document, even if only one signature needs notarization. Make sure the required information is filled in.
Know which notarization you need.
Check whether your document calls for an acknowledgment or jurat. If you're unsure, ask the organization receiving it.
Check who else needs to attend.
If other signatures need notarization, those signers must also meet with the notary. Check whether your document requires additional witnesses.
Step by step.
Request an appointment
Tell us where you're located, how many signatures need notarization, and whether you need an acknowledgment or jurat.
Confirm the details
We'll discuss identification, the appointment location, and pricing. We'll let you know what to bring and confirm the estimated total before booking.
Meet with your notary
We'll meet you at the agreed location, check your identification, and review the document for notarization requirements.
Complete the notarization
For an acknowledgment, you'll confirm that you signed the document. For a jurat, you'll sign in front of us and take an oath or affirmation. We'll complete the required notarial certificate and record the transaction in our notary journal.
Payment and receipt
We'll collect any remaining balance and provide an itemized receipt showing your notarial and travel charges.
What it costs.
Notarial Fees
California sets the maximum fees notaries can charge for acknowledgments and jurats.
Through December 31, 2026
- Acknowledgmentup to $15 per signature
- Juratup to $15 per person
Beginning January 1, 2027
- Acknowledgmentup to $20 per signature
- Juratup to $20 per person
Mobile Travel Fees
We come to you! Local travel starts at $45 and is charged separately from the notarization. A $20 appointment deposit is required to reserve your appointment and is applied toward your total cost. We'll confirm your estimated total before you book.
Questions, answered.
Book an acknowledgment or jurat.
Tell us what needs notarizing and where you're located. We'll confirm the estimated total with the travel fee itemized before the appointment.