1. A Valid, Government-Issued Photo ID

California Government Code Section 8205 requires notaries to verify the identity of each signer before witnessing a signature. The most common method of identity verification is a current, government-issued photo ID.

Acceptable forms of ID in California include:

Your ID must be current and unexpired. Even if it expired recently, an expired ID cannot be accepted under California notary law. The name on your ID should also match the name as it appears on the document being notarized. If there is a discrepancy, contact the notary in advance to discuss how to proceed.

2. Your Document — Complete but Unsigned

Bring your document fully filled out, but do not sign it before the notary arrives. Under California law, the signature must be made in the presence of the notary. A document that has already been signed generally cannot be notarized, and a new copy will be needed.

All blank spaces in the document should be completed before the appointment. California notaries are not permitted to notarize documents with blank spaces that could be filled in after the fact.

⚠️ Do Not Sign Until the Notary Is Present

This is the most common issue that causes appointments to be rescheduled. If you are unsure whether your document has already been signed, contact us before your appointment at (916) 597-7971.

3. Any Required Witnesses

Certain document types require one or two adult witnesses to be present at the time of signing, in addition to the notary. Whether witnesses are required depends on the specific type of document. The attorney or party who prepared your document is the appropriate person to advise you on whether witnesses are required for your specific situation.

Witnesses generally must be adults who are not named in the document. A notary public cannot advise you on whether your document requires witnesses — please confirm this with whoever prepared your documents before the appointment.

4. Payment for Services

California law sets the maximum fee for a notarial act at $15 per signature. Mobile notaries may also charge a travel fee based on distance. A Great Notary LLC charges $15 per notarial act plus a travel fee starting at $25 for Sacramento County and surrounding areas. A deposit may be required to hold certain appointments.

We accept cash, Zelle, Venmo, and major credit or debit cards.

5. Any Special Instructions From the Requesting Party

If your documents were prepared by a lender, title company, law firm, or government agency, they may have specific instructions about the notarization — including the type of notarial certificate required, the order in which documents must be signed, or other requirements. Have any written instructions available at the time of the appointment.

📋 Appointment Checklist
  • Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
  • Document fully completed — not yet signed
  • Witnesses present if required by your document type
  • Payment ready (cash, Zelle, Venmo, or card)
  • Any instructions from the attorney or requesting party
  • Name on ID matches name on document

Mobile Notary Service in Sacramento County and Surrounding Areas

A Great Notary LLC provides professional mobile notary services throughout Sacramento County and surrounding areas — including Elk Grove, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Roseville, Rocklin, El Dorado Hills, West Sacramento, and more. We come to your home, office, hospital, assisted living facility, or any location convenient for you. Appointments are available including evenings and weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Appointments in Sacramento

What ID do I need for a notary appointment in California?+
California notaries are required to verify your identity using a current, government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a California driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, or current foreign passport. The ID must not be expired.
Can I sign the document before the notary arrives?+
No. The signature must be made in the presence of the notary. If a document has already been signed before the appointment, the notarization generally cannot be completed and a new unsigned copy of the document will be needed.
Do I need witnesses for a notary appointment in California?+
Whether witnesses are required depends on the specific document type. The attorney or party who prepared your documents is the appropriate person to advise on whether witnesses are needed. A notary public cannot provide this guidance.
How much does a mobile notary cost in Sacramento?+
California law sets the maximum fee at $15 per notarial act. Mobile notaries may also charge a travel fee. A Great Notary LLC charges $15 per notarial act plus a travel fee starting at $25, which varies by distance within Sacramento County and surrounding areas.
Can a notary come to me in Sacramento?+
Yes. A Great Notary LLC is a fully mobile notary service serving Sacramento County and surrounding areas. We come to your home, office, hospital, care facility, or any location convenient for you. Book online or call (916) 597-7971.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. A Great Notary LLC is a notary public service — notaries public are not attorneys and are prohibited by California law from providing legal advice, selecting documents for signers, or advising on the legal sufficiency of any document. Always consult a licensed California attorney for legal guidance specific to your situation. A Great Notary LLC verifies identity and witnesses signatures only.