Power of Attorney Notarization.
We notarize signatures on powers of attorney throughout San Diego County. We handle the notarization only. We do not draft powers of attorney or advise which type is needed.
The service,
explained.
What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone permission to act on your behalf. For example, you might give someone permission to handle certain banking matters or sign paperwork for you. The person giving permission is called the principal. The person receiving permission is called the agent. What the agent can do depends on what the document allows.
What does a notary do?
A notary is an official who helps verify a person's identity when a document is signed or a signature is confirmed. For a power of attorney, we check the signer's identification, complete the required notarization, and record the appointment in our notary journal. Notarization does not mean the notary has approved the document or confirmed that it is legally valid.
What is a notarial act?
A notarial act is simply the official step a notary performs. Two common types are:
Acknowledgment: You confirm that a signature is yours and that you signed willingly. You may have signed the document before meeting the notary.
Jurat: You sign in front of the notary and swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true.
Your document, attorney, or the organization receiving it should identify which type is required. We can explain the difference, but we cannot choose the type for you or give legal advice.
What to have ready.
The person signing must be there.
The principal must meet with the notary in person to have their signature notarized. A family member or the person receiving power of attorney cannot appear in their place.
Bring acceptable identification.
Have a government-issued ID that meets California notary requirements, such as a current California driver's license or U.S. passport. If you're unsure whether your ID qualifies, ask before booking.
Have your paperwork ready.
Bring the complete power of attorney, including all pages. If you're unsure whether to sign before the appointment, wait and ask. Some notarizations require signing in front of the notary.
Check whether you need witnesses.
Some documents require witnesses in addition to notarization. Check the instructions from your attorney or the organization receiving the document before scheduling.
Know which notarization is required.
Your document may already contain instructions or a notarial certificate. If it doesn't, ask your attorney or the receiving organization whether you need an acknowledgment or a jurat.
Expect a journal entry and thumbprint.
California notaries must record their work in a journal. For a power of attorney, the signer is generally required to provide a thumbprint or another permitted fingerprint in the journal. This is part of the notarization process.
Step by step.
Request an appointment
Tell us where you're located and what you need notarized. We'll ask a few questions about your document, the number of signers, and any special circumstances.
Confirm the details
We'll review appointment requirements, discuss acceptable identification, and provide a price estimate that includes travel. You'll know what to expect before booking.
Meet with your notary
We'll meet you at the agreed location. The person signing must be present with acceptable identification and understand what they're signing.
Complete the notarization
We'll perform the requested notarial act, complete the notarial certificate, and make the required journal entry. For a power of attorney, we'll also request the required thumbprint or fingerprint.
Payment and receipt
We'll collect any remaining balance and provide a receipt. Your notarial fees and travel charges will be itemized separately.
What it costs.
Notarial Fees
California sets the maximum amount a notary may charge for certain notarial services. The fee is based on the type of notarization and the signatures involved. The current fee is $15 through December 31, 2026 and $20 beginning January 1, 2027 (AB 1597).
Mobile Travel Fees
We bring notary services to your location. Local travel starts at $45 and is separate from the notarization fee. A $20 deposit reserves your appointment and goes toward your total cost. We'll give you an estimate before you book, so there are no surprise charges.
Questions, answered.
Notarize your power of attorney.
Tell us what needs notarizing and where you're located. We'll confirm the estimated total with the travel fee itemized before the appointment.