What Is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a public official commissioned by the Secretary of State to administer oaths and affirmations, witness signatures, and perform other duties as permitted by state law. Notaries are most commonly called upon to act as the official, unbiased witness to the identity and signature of the person who comes before the notary for a specific purpose.
What Types of Documents do you Notarize?
There are many types of documents a Notary Public may notarize as long as they are lawful. A partial list of documents may include Corporate, Real Estate, Divorce, Trusts, Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive, Adoption, Custody, Medical, Banking, Personal, Jail. Some of the documents we notarize include:
- Affidavit of Inability to Appear for a Marriage License
- Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive
- All Types of Deeds - Quitclaim Deed, Grant Deed, etc.
- Most Legal, Financial, Insurance and Medical Documents
- Automobile Documents
- Parental Consent Forms
- And much more!
What will be Needed?
1. The person whose signature is being notarized must personally appear before the Notary.
2. The document(s) to be signed and/or notarized. Please make sure any documents needing notarization have been completed, but not signed, prior to your appointment.
3. Valid identification. A valid photo identification card is required, in order for a document to be notarized. One of the following will do, so long as it is current or issued within the past 5 years:
a. An identification card or driver's license issued by the California DMV
b. A United States Passport
c. Other California-approved identification card consisting of any one of the following, provided it also contains a photograph, description of the person, signature and a serial or other identifying number:
- A passport issued by a foreign government (stamped by U.S. INS or CIS);
- A driver's license issued by another state, or by a Canadian or Mexican public agency authorized to issue drivers' licenses;
- An identification card issued by another State;
- A United States military identification card with the required photograph, description, signature and identifying number;
- An inmate identification card issued by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, if the inmate is in custody;
- An employee identification card issued by an agency or office of the State of California, or an agency or office of a city, county or city and county in California.
Unacceptable forms of ID include: Copy of a driver's license or state ID card, birth certificate, Social Security card, credit card, temporary driver’s license and a driver’s license without a photograph.
4. Your payment to the Notary.
What if I have a Document that needs to be Notarized by an Inmate, but don't Have Their ID?
Two credible witnesses who are over 18 years of age and possess a valid photo ID can be used. Each witness must appear before the notary and inmate at the time of the notarization, and swear under oath as to the identity of the inmate. Each witness will be required to sign the notary's journal. The witnesses' name, address, driver's license number, expiration and issue date on their ID will be recorded in the notary's journal.
Some form of identification -- whether it is a photo ID or two credible witnesses is required in order to notarize any document -- otherwise the document may be considered invalid.
Are Wristbands a Sufficient form of Identification for Inmates who have no other ID?
No, wristbands are not an acceptable form of identification.
How do I Marry an Inmate?
For incarcerated persons, they will not be in a position to appear before the County Recorder to apply with you for the marriage license. Instead, the inmate will need to sign an Application for Marriage License and a form called “Affidavit of Inability to Appear." The Inability to Appear form must be notarized by a Notary Public.
After you have the documents, original, valid photo ID cards for both you and the inmate in hand, both you and a wedding officiant of your choice will schedule and appointment to meet at the County Recorder's Office to apply for the marriage license. Notice: The County Recorder will NOT issue a marriage license without seeing an original, valid photo ID card for both you and the inmate.
Once approved, the wedding officiant will meet you during normal visiting hours at the facility to perform the ceremony. It will take about 3 to 4 weeks for the marriage to be officially recorded and to receive the official marriage certificate. The $90 fee for a Public Marriage License is separate and must be paid directly to the County Recorder. A marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it was obtained. The marriage license can be used only within the State of California.
Is Identification Required to Marry an Inmate?
In order to issue a marriage license, the Los Angeles County Recorder MUST see a government issued valid, photo ID for the inmate, as well as identification for you and the wedding officiant. Again, If you do NOT have an original photo ID for the inmate, the recorder's office will NOT issue a marriage license. For more information about issues regarding identification, call us at 888.400.7671. We will do everything in our power to help make your marriage ceremony possible!
If you pay a notary to have the required Affidavit of Inability to Appear form notarized prior to getting married, but do not have the inmate's photo ID, you may just be throwing your money away. Don't be fooled! Don't call just any notary.
With years of experience, our notaries and wedding officiants are knowledgeable and very familiar with the requirements for marrying an inmate at most jails, prisons, courts and detention centers, including Pitchess Detention Center (North County Correctional Facility and the East Facility) in Castaic.
For more information about obtaining the services of a qualified, experienced notary or wedding officiant at affordable prices, call 888.400.7671.