If you have searched for an online notary in California, you have probably noticed something confusing: California’s own notaries are not allowed to notarize over video yet. That does not mean you have to drive to a notary. California residents can still get documents notarized online, legally, through a commissioned online notary in another state.
Here is how it works, what California accepts, and how to get it done in about 15 minutes.
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Can California notaries notarize online?
Not yet. California has a phased law, SB 696, that will eventually let California notaries perform remote online notarizations, but the state’s system is not expected to be fully running until around 2030. Until then, a California notary public has to meet you in person.
How California residents notarize online today
The answer is an online notary commissioned in a state that already allows it. New York is one of them. Under New York Executive Law section 135-c, a New York electronic notary must be physically located in New York during the session, regardless of where the signer is located. That means you can sit in Los Angeles, San Diego or Sacramento and complete a valid New York notarization over video.
Does California accept it?
California Civil Code section 1189(b) says a certificate of acknowledgment taken in another place is sufficient in California if it was taken in accordance with the laws of that place. A notarization performed by a New York notary under New York law fits that description.
Two practical cautions:
- Check with the receiving office. Courts, county recorders, banks and agencies can have their own rules about electronic documents. A quick call or email before you book saves time.
- California-specific forms. Some California forms come with a California jurat or acknowledgment already printed. An out-of-state notary completes their own state’s certificate, so if the receiving office insists on California wording, ask them first.
How it works with NotarEaseNYC
- Upload your document. A typed, unsigned PDF. Do not sign it beforehand.
- Verify your ID. You photograph a current government photo ID and answer identity questions. New York requires two separate ways of confirming who you are.
- Meet the notary on video. A commissioned New York electronic notary, physically in New York, confirms your identity and watches you sign electronically.
- Download your document. It comes back with the notary’s electronic signature and certificate, usually in about 15 minutes total.
Online notarization is $25 for the first document, $15 each for documents 2 through 7 and $10 each from the eighth, with $15 per additional signer. Every signer joins the video with their own ID.
What you can notarize online
Most documents that can be signed electronically: affidavits and sworn statements, powers of attorney (other than ones that must be signed in ink), parental and travel consent letters, the DS-3053 passport consent, vehicle and DMV forms, contracts, and many financial and real estate forms. Wills generally still need an in-person signing with witnesses.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a document notarized online in California?
Yes. California notaries cannot perform remote online notarizations yet, but a California resident can use a commissioned online notary in another state, such as a New York electronic notary, over secure video.
Does California accept out-of-state online notarizations?
California Civil Code section 1189(b) treats a certificate of acknowledgment taken in another place as sufficient in California if it was taken under the laws of that place. Individual offices, county recorders and lenders can still have their own requirements, so confirm with whoever is receiving the document.
When will California notaries be able to notarize online?
California passed a phased law for remote online notarization (SB 696), but its own online notary system is not expected to be fully operational until around 2030.
How much does an online notary cost for a California resident?
With NotarEaseNYC it is $25 for the first document, $15 each for documents 2 through 7, $10 each from the eighth, and $15 per additional signer.
What documents can a California resident notarize online?
Most documents that can be signed electronically, such as affidavits, powers of attorney, consent letters, contracts, vehicle forms and many real estate and financial forms. Wills and documents that must be signed in ink are exceptions.
Do I need to be in New York for a New York online notary?
No. Under New York Executive Law section 135-c, the notary must be in New York, but the signer can be anywhere in the United States. Signers outside the U.S. can also use it when the document relates to a U.S. matter, property or transaction.
Related reading
- How to become a notary in California
- How much does an online notary cost?
- Online notarization vs in person
- Is there a free or $10 online notary?
This is general information, not legal advice. NotarEaseNYC is a New York notary practice, not a law firm, and is not affiliated with any state agency. Acceptance rules vary by office and change over time; if your document is going to a court, county recorder, agency or lender, confirm with them that they accept a remote online notarization before you book.