Please bring your unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license). All signers must be present. If your document is in another language, let us know in advance – we can coordinate sworn or certified translations via Ethiotrans when required.

No. As Notaries we cannot provide legal advice or select documents for you. We can explain the Notary process and certificate wording, but questions about which document or form to use must be answered by an attorney or the agency requesting your document.

All mobile Notary appointments are based on availability and include additional travel and convenience charges on top of standard Notary fees. Travel fees depend on distance, time, parking and urgency. Contact us with your address and preferred time for a quote.

Yes. Through our sister company Ethiotrans, we provide sworn and certified translations in over 150 languages. We can also notarize translator affidavits and help coordinate apostille or authentication if your translated documents are used overseas.

In many cases, yes. After notarization, your document may also need an apostille or authentication depending on the destination country. We can assist with the Notary step and help facilitate apostille or authentication through the proper channels.

Acceptable IDs must be current or issued within the past 5 years and include photo, signature, and physical description — such as a California driver’s license, U.S. passport, or foreign passport stamped by USCIS.

Generally, no. California Notaries may only certify copies of powers of attorney and their own journal entries. Certified copies of vital records must come from the issuing agency.

As of 2025, the maximum fee is $15 per signature notarized. Additional travel or convenience fees may be charged for mobile services, but must be disclosed in advance.

Currently, California does not allow remote online notarization. All notarizations must be done in person, with the signer physically appearing before the Notary.

An Acknowledgment verifies identity and willingness to sign. A Jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm the truthfulness of the document’s contents in front of the Notary.

Yes — for a Jurat or most general notarizations, you must sign in the Notary’s presence. For an Acknowledgment, you may have already signed, but you must still personally appear before the Notary.

Notaries can provide translation only if they are qualified translators. At Yebbo, translation is handled through our certified division Ethiotrans, ensuring sworn and certified translations with full compliance.

No. California Notaries are prohibited from giving legal advice, drafting legal documents, or selecting notarial wording for clients.

Yes. A Notary must refuse service if the signer lacks valid ID, appears unwilling or coerced, or if the document is incomplete or illegal.

At least 10 years from the date of the last entry. The journal must be stored securely and surrendered to the county clerk when a Notary resigns or their commission expires.

It is not illegal, but strongly discouraged. A Notary should not notarize for relatives where the Notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction.

No. The signer must appear before the Notary and sign the document in the Notary’s presence or acknowledge having previously signed it.

Only if the ID was issued within the last 5 years and contains all required elements (photo, signature, description, and serial number).

Date, time, type of act, title of document, signer’s name, ID type/number, signature, thumbprint (for certain documents), and any fees charged.

No. California Notaries may perform notarizations only within the state of California, though documents may be used elsewhere.

A thumbprint is required for deeds, powers of attorney, and certain real estate documents affecting property. It’s also recommended for any high-risk or identity-sensitive document.

Yes, provided the Notary and signer can communicate directly in a shared language. The Notary is not responsible for the document’s contents or accuracy.

Through the use of two credible witnesses known to the signer, each providing valid ID and swearing to the signer’s identity before the Notary.

No. Notaries verify the identity of a live person, not copies or photographs. The individual must appear in person with a valid ID.

You can verify a California Notary’s status through the Secretary of State’s online Notary Public database at sos.ca.gov/notary.