What is the new law for notary in California?
Asked by: Patience O'Hara | Last update: June 11, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (74 votes)
A new law taking effect January 1, 2025, allows a “disinterested custodian” of an electronic record to certify a tangible copy of the electronic record before a Notary. The FAQ below explains how this new law affects California Notaries and what to do if asked to perform this type of notarization.
What is the new law for notaries in California?
Senate Bill (SB) 696, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2023, implements the Online Notarization Act which authorizes California notaries to perform notarial transactions through the use of audio-visual communication and online notarization platforms to provide notarial services.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
What are the rules for notarization in California?
Under California law, every signer must personally appear before you at the time of the notarization. This means that you and the signer must both be physically present, face to face in the same room, when the notarization takes place.
Is remote online notary allowed in California?
Yes, your remotely notarized documents can be electronically recorded in California. Visit https://www.firstlegal.com/live-erecording-counties/ for a current list of counties that accept eRecording.
What Is A Notary Public In California? - CountyOffice.org
What is the difference between remote notary and e notary?
The Notary and document signer meet physically to sign digital documents within a secure software platform using electronic signatures. In contrast, Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows the entire process – identity verification, document signing and notarial act – to be done remotely via audio-video technology.
How much do remote notaries make in California?
How much does a Remote Notary make in California? As of Jan 19, 2025, the average annual pay for a Remote Notary in California is $63,928 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $30.73 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,229/week or $5,327/month.
What is the maximum a notary can charge in California?
Public notaries, often found at government offices, banks, and courthouses, usually offer services at state-regulated prices. They adhere to California state laws, ensuring a maximum charge of $15 per signature.
What can a California notary not notarize?
- Documents with blank or missing pages.
- Documents with faxed signatures (the signer must be present)
- Documents in which the notary has a financial interest or is not impartial for some other reason.
- Documents the notary suspects are false, deceptive, or illegal.
- Post-dated documents.
What happens if you don t turn in your notary journal in California?
Willful failure to deliver the notary journal and other notarial records to the county clerk within the appropriate time is a misdemeanor, and the notary public is personally liable for damages to any person injured by the non-delivery. (California Government Code section 8209(a).)
What are the downsides of being a notary?
- Steady income can be difficult.
- You could be sued for a lot of money.
- Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.
Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?
No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?
What makes a notary invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.
What disqualifies you from being a notary in California?
Failure to disclose any arrest or conviction. Conviction of a felony where not more than 10 years have passed since the completion of probation. Conviction of a disqualifying misdemeanor where not more than 5 years have passed since the completion of probation.
Is there still a need for notaries?
Traditional Notary Services: Still Puttering Along
Despite technological advancements, traditional in-person notarization continues to hold significant importance due to its established trust and legal recognition.
Can you sue a notary in California?
On top of that, if the Notary's error resulted in a financial loss for the signer, the signer could also sue the Notary to recover any damages resulting from the faulty notarization.
What is a notary prohibited from?
Notaries cannot authenticate or validate objects. Notaries cannot give advice or opinions that should be given by an attorney—this is unlicensed practice of law.
Is a thumbprint required for a notary in California?
If the document to be notarized is a deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, or other document affecting real property or a power of attorney document, the notary public shall require the party signing the document to place his or her right thumbprint in the journal.
What can notaries not charge for?
Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.
Can a notary notarize for a family member in California?
Yes. A California Notary may perform a notarization for a family member as long as the Notary is not taking the Notary's acknowledgment or affidavit and does not have a direct financial or beneficial interest in from the transaction (Gov't Code 8224 and 8224.1).
What types of notaries make the most money?
Specialize in real estate closings
Make money as a notary public by becoming a loan signing agent and specializing in notarizing real estate documents. Loan signings are often more complex and command higher fees.
Is there a demand for notaries in California?
Demand: The need for notaries is on the rise due to economic growth and increased legal services. This trend creates ample job opportunities. Earning Potential: With California being the highest-paying state for notaries, the average salary stands at $59,055 per year.
Can I make a good living as a notary in California?
This is actually a living wage career, but doesn't require a degree or extensive training. Around two hundred thousand people are making a good living as a notary public in California. You could be one of them if you wanted to be, and we can help you!