What Is a Notary Public?

If you have ever signed a legal document, applied for a mortgage, or transferred a property title, you have likely encountered a notary public. But what exactly is a notary public, and why does their role matter so much in legal and business transactions? This guide covers everything you need to know about notaries, their responsibilities, and when you might need one in Los Angeles.

Definition of a Notary Public

A notary public is a state-commissioned official authorized to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. In California, notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State and hold a four-year commission. Their primary function is to deter fraud by verifying the identity of the people signing documents and confirming that those signers are acting voluntarily and understand what they are signing.

Notaries public are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. However, their official stamp and signature carry significant legal weight, making documents admissible in court and recognized across state and international borders.

Core Duties of a Notary Public

The responsibilities of a notary public extend beyond simply stamping a piece of paper. Here are the key duties every notary performs:

Identity Verification

Before notarizing any document, the notary must verify the signer's identity. In California, acceptable forms of identification include a valid driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card. The notary checks the photo, physical description, and signature to confirm the person is who they claim to be.

Administering Oaths and Affirmations

Notaries have the legal authority to administer oaths and affirmations. This is essential for sworn statements, affidavits, and depositions where the signer must attest to the truthfulness of the document's contents under penalty of perjury.

Acknowledgments

An acknowledgment is one of the most common notarial acts. The signer acknowledges that they signed the document voluntarily and that the signature is genuinely theirs. This is frequently used for deed transfers, powers of attorney, and other real estate documents.

Jurats

A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true and correct. The signer must sign the document in the notary's presence. Jurats are commonly required for affidavits and certain court filings.

Maintaining a Journal

California law requires notaries to keep a sequential journal of all notarial acts. This journal serves as an official record and can be used as evidence in legal proceedings. Each entry includes the date, type of document, type of notarial act, the signer's identification, and their signature or thumbprint.

Why Notarization Matters

Notarization serves several critical purposes in our legal system:

• Fraud prevention: By verifying identities and witnessing signatures, notaries help prevent forgery, identity theft, and coercion.
• Legal validity: Many documents are not legally binding unless they have been notarized, including property deeds, certain contracts, and powers of attorney.
• Interstate and international recognition: A notarized document carries legal weight across state lines and, when combined with an apostille, can be recognized internationally.
• Consumer protection: The notarization process ensures that signers understand what they are signing and are not being forced or misled.

When Do You Need a Notary?

You will typically need a notary for the following types of transactions:

• Real estate closings and property transfers
• Wills, trusts, and estate planning documents
• Powers of attorney and healthcare directives
• Business agreements and corporate filings
• Immigration paperwork and certified translations
• Loan documents and mortgage refinances

Finding a Notary Public in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to thousands of commissioned notaries, making it relatively easy to find one nearby. Options include visiting a bank, UPS store, or law office. However, for convenience, many people choose a mobile notary service that comes directly to their home or office. If you need a notary outside of regular business hours, after-hours and weekend notary services are also available throughout the city.

For a comprehensive list of trusted notaries in every neighborhood, from Downtown LA to Santa Monica, browse our free notary directory.

How Much Does Notarization Cost?

In California, the maximum fee a notary can charge is set by state law. As of 2026, the fee is $15 per signature for standard notarial acts. Some additional services, such as mobile travel fees, may cost extra. Learn more in our guide on notary costs in California.