Roles and Responsibilities of a California Notary Public

A California Notary Public is a state-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness to deter fraud. Key duties include:

• Verifying Identity: Confirming signers are who they claim (via gov't ID) and signing willingly.
• Administering Oaths/Affirmations: For affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements.
• Witnessing Signatures: On deeds, contracts, powers of attorney, loan docs, etc.
• Taking Acknowledgments: Certifying a signer appeared and acknowledged execution.
• Certifying Copies: Attesting that a copy is a true reproduction of an original (limited to certain documents).
• Maintaining a Journal: Sequential record of every notarial act (date, type, signer, ID method, fee).
• Safeguarding Seal: Using an official ink stamp or embosser; preventing misuse.
• Compliance: Following CA Government Code §§ 8200–8230, completing mandatory education/exam, renewing every 4 years.

Notaries cannot give legal advice, prepare documents, or notarize incomplete docs.