Search this site

If you have ever needed a document notarized you know how inconvenient it can be to find a notary, drive to their office, find parking and wait in line. Mobile notary services solve that problem by bringing the notary directly to you at your home, office, hospital or anywhere else that is convenient. In this guide we cover everything you need to know about mobile notary services in California so you can make an informed decision when you need documents notarized. What Is a Mobile Notary? A mobile notary is a commissioned Notary Public who travels to the client’s location instead of requiring them to come to an office. Everything a traditional notary does a mobile notary does too, the only difference is convenience. A commissioned California Notary Public is authorized by the California Secretary of State to: • Verify the identity of document signers • Witness the signing of important documents • Certify that signings were completed willingly and without fraud • Apply an official notarial seal to documents Mobile notaries serve the same legal function as any other notary; they just bring the service to you. What Types of Documents Does a Mobile Notary Handle? Mobile notaries handle a wide variety of documents including: • General Notarizations: Affidavits, power of attorney documents, contracts, deeds, consent forms, vehicle transfer documents, immigration documents and more. • Loan Signings: Mortgage and real estate loan documents for home purchases, refinances, HELOCs, reverse mortgages and loan modifications. A specially trained and certified Loan Signing Agent handles these documents. • Estate Planning Documents: Revocable living trusts, wills, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney and advance healthcare directives. • Apostille and Document Authentication: Documents that need to be legalized for use in another country. • Hospital and Healthcare Facility Documents: Advance healthcare directives, power of attorney documents and other important documents for patients in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and hospice centers. • Jail and Detention Center Documents: Legal documents for incarcerated individuals including power of attorney, property deeds and affidavits. • Translated Document Certification: Notarization of certified translation statements for documents that need to be translated for official use. How Does a Mobile Notary Appointment Work? Booking and using a mobile notary service is simple and straightforward. Here is what to expect: • Step 1, Book Your Appointment: Contact your mobile notary by phone, email or online booking. Tell them what documents you need notarized, where you are located and your preferred appointment date and time. • Step 2, Prepare Your Documents: Gather your unsigned documents and make sure you have a valid unexpired government-issued photo ID ready. Do NOT sign your documents before the notary arrives unless told otherwise — depending on the type of notarization, you may need to sign in the notary's presence. California law requires the notary to witness the actual signing. • Step 3, The Notary Arrives: Your mobile notary arrives at your location at the scheduled time ready to handle your documents professionally and efficiently. • Step 4, Identity Verification: The notary verifies your identity using your government-issued photo ID. All signers must be present with their own valid ID. • Step 5, Document Signing: The notary witnesses you signing your documents and completes the notarization by applying their official seal and signature. • Step 6, Done: You walk away with properly notarized documents. No driving, no waiting in line, no hassle. What Should You Bring to a Mobile Notary Appointment? Being prepared makes the process fast and smooth. Here is what to have ready: • Valid unexpired government-issued photo ID. California driver’s license, passport, military ID or tribal ID • Your unsigned documents; Do NOT sign your documents before the notary arrives unless told otherwise — depending on the type of notarization, you may need to sign in the notary's presence. • All signers who need to be present at the appointment • Payment for services How Much Does a Mobile Notary Cost in California? California law sets the maximum notary fee at $15 per notarized signature under Government Code Section 8211. Mobile notaries also charge travel fees that vary based on location and distance. Additional fees apply for specialty services such as loan signings, apostilles, hospital visits and jail visits. Always ask for a clear quote before booking your appointment. How to Find a Certified Mobile Notary in California Not all notaries are the same. Here is what to look for when choosing a mobile notary: • California commissioned: required by law to notarize in California • NNA certified and background screened: adds an extra layer of trust • Bonded and errors and omissions insured: protects you if something goes wrong • Specialized certifications: loan signings, apostilles and trust documents require extra training • Strong reviews: look for consistent 5-star ratings from verified clients • Mobile and flexible: should come to you on your schedule Mobile Notary Services in the Bay Area LDE Ink Notary Services LLC is a certified mobile notary service based in Pittsburg, California, proudly serving clients throughout Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, 7 days a week. Our credentials include: • Commissioned California Notary Public: State of California • Certified Notary Signing Agent: National Notary Association • Certified Loan Signing Agent: Notary2Pro and Loan Signing System • Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent: CNTDA Program • Certified Apostille Agent: Apostille Agent Training Company • Fully Bonded and E&O Insured Ready to Book Your Mobile Notary Appointment? Call or text: 415-214-5684 Email: info@ldeinknotary.com Book online: Click here to book LDE Ink Notary Services LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

If you have ever needed to use an official document in another country you may have heard the word apostille. But what exactly is an apostille and why might you need one? In this guide we break down everything you need to know about apostilles in simple straightforward terms. What Is an Apostille? An apostille is a form of international document authentication established by the Hague Convention of 1961. It is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public document so that it can be legally recognized in another country. Think of an apostille as an official stamp of approval that tells foreign governments this document is real, properly issued and legally valid in the country where it was created. The word apostille comes from French and means certification. When a document has been apostilled it means a government authority has verified that the signature, seal or stamp on the document is genuine. Which Countries Accept Apostilles? Apostilles are recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Convention. There are currently over 120 member countries including: • Mexico • United Kingdom • Germany • France • Spain • Italy • Australia • Japan • South Korea • Brazil • Canada • India If the country where you need to use your document is NOT a member of the Hague Convention a different process called legalization or embassy authentication may be required. Contact us to confirm which process you need based on your destination country. Why Might You Need an Apostille? There are many situations where you might need an apostille. Here are the most common: • Getting Married Abroad: If you are planning to get married in another country you will likely need an apostille on your birth certificate and possibly your single status certificate to prove you are legally free to marry. • Adopting a Child Internationally: International adoption requires extensive documentation including apostilled birth certificates, marriage certificates and background check records. • Working or Studying in Another Country: Many countries require apostilled academic transcripts, diplomas and background check records before granting work visas or student visas. • Applying for Dual Citizenship: If you are applying for citizenship in another country based on your heritage you will likely need apostilled birth certificates and other vital records. • Conducting International Business: Business contracts, corporate documents and powers of attorney often require apostilles before they can be used in international business transactions. • Retiring or Relocating Abroad: Many countries require apostilled documents as part of the residency or retirement visa application process. • Dealing With an Inheritance Abroad: If you are involved in an inheritance or estate matter in another country apostilled documents may be required by foreign courts or government agencies. • Submitting Legal Documents to a Foreign Court: Court orders, judgments and legal affidavits often require apostilles before they can be submitted to foreign courts. What Documents Can Be Apostilled? Not all documents can be apostilled only official public documents qualify. Here are the most common documents that can receive an apostille: • Birth certificates • Marriage certificates • Divorce decrees • Death certificates • Academic diplomas and transcripts • Background check and FBI records • Power of attorney documents • Corporate documents and business licenses • Notarized affidavits and sworn statements • Court orders and judgments • Adoption documents Personal documents like letters, emails or private contracts generally cannot be apostilled. However if a private document is notarized by a commissioned notary public it may then be eligible for an apostille. How Does the Apostille Process Work in California? In California apostilles are issued by the California Secretary of State. Here is how the process works: • Step 1, Determine What Documents Need to Be Apostilled: Contact us and tell us what documents you need apostilled and which country they will be used in. We will confirm what is needed and give you a clear quote. • Step 2, Document Review and Preparation: We review your documents to determine whether they need to be notarized before submission. Some documents like birth certificates issued by the county are already certified and can go directly to the Secretary of State. Others like notarized affidavits need to be notarized first. • Step 3, Notarization if Required: If your document needs to be notarized before submission we handle that first. We come to your location to notarize the document or the accompanying certification. • Step 4, Submission to the Secretary of State: We prepare and submit your document package to the California Secretary of State office for apostille processing. • Step 5, Apostille Issued and Returned: The Secretary of State attaches the apostille certificate to your document. Because we submit your documents in person at the California Secretary of State in Sacramento, processing is typically completed within a few business days. Your apostilled document is then returned to you ready for official use in the destination country. How Much Does an Apostille Cost in California? At LDE Ink Notary Services LLC our apostille fees are as follows: • First document: $200 • Each additional document in the same order: $100 • Notarization fees apply if your document needs to be notarized before submission: $15 per signature • Travel fees apply based on location Why Choose LDE Ink Notary Services for Your Apostille? As a certified apostille agent LDE Ink Notary Services handles the entire apostille process for you from start to finish. Instead of navigating complex government procedures on your own we manage everything: document review, notarization, submission and return. We serve clients throughout Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Francisco and San Mateo counties and are available 7 days a week. Ready to Get Your Apostille? Contact LDE Ink Notary Services today to get started. Call or text: 415-214-5684 Email: info@ldeinknotary.com Book online: Click here to book LDE Ink Notary Services LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For questions about your specific documents please consult a licensed attorney.

When it comes to notarizing your most important documents, you deserve a notary you can trust, someone who is certified, detail-oriented and committed to getting every signing done right the first time. That is exactly what LDE Ink Notary Services LLC was built to deliver. Founded by Lynda Edwards and based in Pittsburg, California, LDE Ink Notary Services is a full-service mobile notary business proudly serving clients throughout Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Francisco and San Mateo counties seven days a week. Who Is LDE Ink Notary Services? LDE Ink Notary Services is more than just a notary business. It is a community-focused mobile notary service built on a foundation of professionalism, accuracy and genuine care for every client we serve. Founder Lynda Edwards brings a unique combination of experience to every appointment. In addition to running LDE Ink Notary Services, Lynda continues to serve as a dedicated professional with the San Francisco Police Department, a career that has spanned over 33 years. That career has equipped her with exceptional customer service skills, sharp attention to detail and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of personalities in high stakes situations. Her notary journey began when she refinanced her own home. The encounter with the Loan Signing Agent that day sparked a curiosity that led her to reach out that same night to learn more about the profession. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion and LDE Ink Notary Services was born. As a single mom based in Pittsburg, California, Lynda built this business from the ground up with one simple mission: to provide fast, accurate and professional mobile notary services to Bay Area residents who deserve better than waiting in line at a bank or UPS store. Quality over quantity. That is our mantra. Our Credentials & Certifications At LDE Ink Notary Services we believe that credentials matter. Every certification we hold represents real training, real testing and real hands-on experience, all in service of making sure your documents are handled correctly, completely and in full compliance with California law. Our credentials include: • Commissioned California Notary Public: State of California • Certified Notary Signing Agent: National Notary Association (NNA) • Certified Loan Signing Agent: Notary2Pro • Certified Loan Signing Agent: Loan Signing System • Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent: CNTDA Program • Certified Apostille Agent: Apostille Agent Training Company • NNA Background Screened and Certified • Fully Bonded and Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insured What Services Does LDE Ink Notary Offer? We offer a comprehensive range of mobile notary services to individuals, families, businesses, attorneys and real estate professionals throughout the Bay Area. • General Notary Services: From affidavits and power of attorney documents to contracts, deeds and consent forms, we notarize a wide variety of documents at your location. • Loan Signings: As a certified Loan Signing Agent we guide borrowers through the entire loan package accurately, efficiently and on time. We work with title companies, escrow officers, mortgage lenders and real estate professionals throughout the Bay Area. • Apostille & Document Authentication: Need a document legalized for use in another country? As a certified apostille agent we handle the preparation, notarization and submission of your documents to the California Secretary of State. • Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills & Power of Attorney: As a As a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent we work alongside estate planning attorneys and families to ensure that wills, trusts, power of attorney documents and advance healthcare directives are signed and notarized correctly and completely. • Hospital & Healthcare Facility Signings: When a loved one is hospitalized and important documents cannot wait we come to the bedside, providing compassionate, professional notary services at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice centers and assisted living communities. • Jail & Detention Center Signings: Incarcerated individuals still have legal rights that sometimes require notarized documents. We provide professional, discreet notary services at jails and detention centers throughout the Bay Area. • Certified Document Translation & Notarization: We coordinate with a qualified professional translator and notarize the translator’s certification, giving your translated documents the legal standing they need for government agencies, courts and institutions. Why Clients Choose LDE Ink Notary Services • We Come to You: No waiting rooms. No office hours. We travel to your home, office, hospital or any location that works for you, including evenings and weekends. • Accuracy You Can Count On: We triple check every document before leaving your appointment. Signatures, initials, dates, nothing gets missed. • 5-Star Rated: Our clients trust us to get the job done right the first time. We are proud to be one of the Bay Area’s highest rated mobile notary services. • Available 7 Days a Week: We offer flexible scheduling because important documents do not wait for business hours. • Fully Bonded & Insured: Your documents and your identity are protected every step of the way. Our Service Area • Contra Costa County: Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Antioch, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Brentwood, Oakley and surrounding cities • Alameda County: Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, Livermore, San Leandro and surrounding cities • Solano County: Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, Benicia and surrounding cities • San Francisco County: All neighborhoods throughout San Francisco • San Mateo County: Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco and surrounding cities Ready to Work With LDE Ink Notary Services? Whether you need a single document notarized or a complex estate planning package executed we are here to help seven days a week throughout the Bay Area. Call or text: 415-214-5684 Email: info@ldeinknotary.com Book online: Click Here to Book Professional. Accurate. Convenient. LDE Ink Notary Services comes to you. LDE Ink Notary Services LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Whether you are buying a home, planning your estate, caring for an aging parent or dealing with an important legal matter chances are you are going to need a notary at some point. But what exactly does a notary do? When do you need one? And what is the difference between a regular notary and a mobile notary? This guide answers the most common questions first-time clients have, so you know exactly what to expect and feel confident and prepared when it is time to get your documents notarized. What Is a Notary Public? A Notary Public is a state-commissioned official authorized to: Verify the identity of document signers Witness signatures on important documents Confirm that signers are signing willingly and knowingly Apply an official notarial seal to the document In California, notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State and must complete a state-approved training course, pass a state-administered exam and pass a background check to hold and renew their commission. Notarization is one of the most important tools we have for preventing document fraud. When a notary stamps and signs your document it is telling the world this signature is genuine, this person is who they say they are and this document was signed voluntarily. What Is a Mobile Notary? A mobile notary is a commissioned Notary Public who travels to the client's location instead of requiring them to come to an office. Everything a traditional notary does, a mobile notary does too. The difference is convenience. Instead of driving across town, finding parking and waiting in line at a bank or shipping store, a mobile notary comes directly to: Your home Your office A coffee shop or library A hospital or care facility A jail or detention center Anywhere else that works for you For many clients especially seniors, busy professionals, patients in healthcare facilities and people dealing with time-sensitive legal matters, a mobile notary is not just convenient. It is essential. When Do You Need a Notary? You may need a notary for many different situations. Here are the most common: Real Estate Transactions: Buying a home, refinancing a mortgage or taking out a home equity line of credit all require notarized loan documents. A certified Loan Signing Agent, a specially trained notary, guides you through the entire signing package. Estate Planning: Revocable living trusts, powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives are commonly notarized as part of an estate plan, and California sets specific signing rules for each document. A notary experienced with estate documents helps make sure yours are executed correctly. Legal Documents: Affidavits, sworn statements, contracts, deeds and court documents often require a notarized signature to be accepted by courts and government agencies. Immigration Documents: Many immigration documents need a certified translation, which is a translation accompanied by the translator's signed certification of accuracy. Some immigration-related documents may also need to be notarized. International Documents: If you need a document accepted in another country it may need an apostille, a special form of authentication issued by the California Secretary of State. A certified apostille agent can help you navigate this process. Medical and Healthcare Decisions: Advance healthcare directives and healthcare powers of attorney can be validated by notarization or by two qualified witnesses under California law. Notarization is often the simpler option, especially when a loved one is hospitalized or in a care facility. What Do You Need to Bring to a Notary Appointment? Being prepared for your notary appointment makes the process fast and smooth. Here is what to have ready: Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: California law requires the notary to verify your identity. Acceptable forms include a California driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID or tribal government issued ID. Your Unsigned Documents: This is very important. Depending on the type of notarization, you may need to sign in the notary's presence, so do not sign your documents before the notary arrives. For a jurat the law requires you to sign in front of the notary, and waiting to sign is the safest approach in every case. All Signers Must Be Present: Every person whose signature needs to be notarized must be physically present at the appointment with their own valid photo ID. Payment: Have payment ready for the notary fee. California law sets the maximum notary fee at $15 per notarized signature. Travel fees apply for mobile notary services. How to Choose the Right Mobile Notary Not all notaries are the same. Here is what to look for when choosing a mobile notary in the Bay Area: California Commissioned: required by law to notarize in California. NNA Certified and Background Screened: adds an extra layer of trust and professionalism. Bonded and Insured: protects you if something goes wrong. Specialized Certifications: loan signings, apostilles and trust documents require extra training. Strong Reviews: look for consistent 5-star ratings from verified clients. Mobile and Flexible: should come to you on your schedule. How to Book a Mobile Notary Appointment Booking a mobile notary appointment with LDE Ink Notary Services LLC is quick and easy: Step 1, Contact Us: Call, text, email or book online. Tell us what documents you need notarized and where you are located. Step 2, We Come to You: We arrive at your location at the scheduled time ready to handle your documents professionally and efficiently. Step 3, Documents Notarized: We verify your identity, witness your signatures and complete the notarization accurately and completely. Step 4, Done: You walk away with properly notarized documents, no hassle, no wasted time. Common Notary Mistakes to Avoid Before your appointment make sure you avoid these common mistakes that can delay or invalidate your notarization: Signing your documents before the notary arrives Bringing an expired photo ID Having incomplete documents, all blank fields should be filled in before signing Not having all required signers present at the appointment Bringing photocopies instead of original documents Mobile Notary Services in the Bay Area LDE Ink Notary Services provides professional mobile notary services throughout Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, seven days a week. Our services include general notarizations, loan signings, apostille and document authentication, estate planning documents, hospital and healthcare facility signings, jail and detention center signings and certified document translation and notarization. We are certified, bonded, insured and committed to accuracy on every appointment. Ready to Book Your Mobile Notary Appointment? Call or text: 415-214-5684 Email: info@ldeinknotary.com Book online: Click here to book LDE Ink Notary Services. Professional. Accurate. Convenient. We come to you. LDE Ink Notary Services LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Estate planning gives you control over what happens to your assets, your healthcare decisions and your loved ones when you are no longer able to make those decisions yourself. But here is something many people do not realize: estate planning documents are only legally binding if they are properly signed and notarized. A will, trust or power of attorney that is incorrectly executed can be challenged in court or declared invalid, leaving your family with unnecessary legal complications during an already difficult time. As a certified Trust Delivery Agent and commissioned California Notary Public, Lynda Edwards of LDE Ink Notary Services LLC has helped countless Bay Area families get their estate planning documents properly notarized. This guide walks you through everything you need to know. What Is Estate Planning? Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets after you pass away or if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. A complete estate plan typically includes several legal documents each serving a different purpose. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Anyone who owns property, has children, has a bank account or has specific wishes about their healthcare should have an estate plan in place. Which Estate Planning Documents Need to Be Notarized? Not all estate planning documents require notarization, and California sets different signing rules for each one. Here is a breakdown of the most common estate planning documents and how they are handled in California: Revocable Living Trust: A revocable living trust allows you to transfer your assets into a trust during your lifetime and specify how they should be distributed after your death, avoiding the lengthy and expensive probate process. California does not legally require a trust to be notarized for it to be valid, but notarizing the signature is standard practice and is often required by title companies and financial institutions, so trusts are almost always notarized. Last Will and Testament: California does not require a will to be notarized. A California will is made valid by the signatures of two witnesses, not by a notary, and notarization does not replace those witnesses. The most important thing is that your will is signed and witnessed correctly. Durable Power of Attorney: A Durable Power of Attorney authorizes a trusted person called your agent to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. In California this document must be either notarized or signed by two witnesses to be legally valid. Notarization is the most widely accepted option and is often required by banks and other institutions, so it is usually the preferred choice. Healthcare Power of Attorney: Similar to a financial power of attorney, a Healthcare Power of Attorney authorizes your agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. In California this document must be either notarized or signed in front of two witnesses. Advance Healthcare Directive: Also called a living will, an Advance Healthcare Directive outlines your specific wishes regarding end of life medical care. In California this document must be either notarized or signed in front of two witnesses. Deed Transfers Into a Trust: If you are transferring real property such as your home into your living trust, the deed transfer document must be notarized before it can be recorded with the county. Why Proper Notarization of Estate Documents Matters Estate planning documents that are incorrectly signed or improperly executed may be deemed invalid in court. Here are the most common estate planning signing mistakes and why they matter: Signing Before the Notary Arrives: Depending on the type of notarization, you may be required to sign in the notary's presence. To avoid any problem, do not sign your documents before your appointment. If a document needs a jurat you must sign in front of the notary, and waiting to sign is the safest approach in every case. Missing Signatures or Initials: Estate planning packages especially living trusts can be lengthy documents with many pages requiring signatures and initials. A single missing signature or initial can invalidate the entire document. Wrong Notarial Certificate: Different documents require different types of notarial certificates, an acknowledgment or a jurat. Using the wrong one can invalidate the notarization. Expired ID: California law requires the notary to verify the signer's identity using a valid unexpired government issued photo ID. An expired ID means the notarization cannot be completed. What Is a Trust Delivery Agent? A Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent is a specially trained professional who works with estate planning law firms and clients to deliver, present and facilitate the signing of trust and estate planning documents. This is different from simply notarizing a signature. A Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent understands the entire document package, walks signers through each section and ensures every page is initialed, signed and notarized correctly. Lynda Edwards of LDE Ink Notary Services is a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent, making LDE Ink Notary Services uniquely qualified to handle your estate planning document signings from start to finish. Who Needs a Notary for Estate Planning? You may need a notary for estate planning if you are: Setting up a revocable living trust for the first time Updating an existing trust after a major life change such as marriage, divorce or the birth of a child Creating or updating your power of attorney documents Signing an advance healthcare directive Transferring property into your trust Caring for an aging parent who needs estate documents signed Working with an estate planning attorney who needs a certified signing agent How LDE Ink Notary Services Can Help At LDE Ink Notary Services we specialize in the notarization of estate planning documents. We come to your home, your attorney's office or wherever is most convenient for you, making the signing process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We work alongside estate planning attorneys, financial planners and families throughout Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Francisco and San Mateo counties to ensure that every estate planning document is executed correctly, completely and with care. What to expect when you work with us: We review the entire document package before arriving at your appointment We guide you through each section clearly and calmly We triple check every signature, date and initial before leaving We do not leave until everything is complete and correct We treat every client and every document with the respect and care they deserve How to Book an Estate Planning Notary Appointment Step 1, Contact Us: Call, text, email or book online. Let us know what documents need to be notarized and how many signers are involved. Step 2, We Come to You: We travel to your home, your attorney's office or any location that works best for you. Step 3, Guided Signing: We walk you through the documents carefully ensuring every page is completed correctly. Step 4, Notarization Complete: You walk away with properly executed, legally binding estate planning documents and peace of mind that your wishes are protected. Ready to Get Your Estate Planning Documents Notarized? Do not leave your legacy to chance. Contact LDE Ink Notary Services today to schedule your estate planning notary appointment. Call or text: 415-214-5684 Email: info@ldeinknotary.com Book online: Click here to book Serving Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, 7 days a week. LDE Ink Notary Services LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For questions about your specific estate planning documents please consult a licensed attorney.

One of the most common questions people have before booking a notary appointment is how much it will cost. California has specific laws governing notary fees and understanding them can help you budget appropriately and avoid surprises. In this guide we break down everything you need to know about notary fees in California. What Does California Law Say About Notary Fees? California Government Code Section 8211 sets the maximum fee a notary public can charge for notarial acts. The maximum fee is: • Acknowledgments: $15 per signature • Jurats: $15 per signature • Certified copy of a power of attorney: $15 per document • All other notarial acts: $15 per signature This means a notary cannot legally charge more than $15 per notarized signature in California. However notaries can charge less than the maximum if they choose to do so. What Is Included in the $15 Notary Fee? The $15 fee covers the notarial act itself which includes: • Verifying the signer’s identity • Witnessing the signing of the document • Completing the notarial certificate • Applying the official notarial seal • Recording the transaction in the notary journal What Are Travel Fees? Mobile notaries charge travel fees in addition to the notarial fee because they travel to your location instead of having you come to an office. Travel fees are not regulated by California law; they are set by each individual mobile notary based on distance, time and location. Travel fees typically vary based on: • Distance from the notary’s base location • County and city • Time of day: evening and weekend appointments may have higher travel fees • Traffic and parking considerations Always ask for a clear travel fee quote before booking your appointment. At LDE Ink Notary Services LLC we are transparent about our travel fees and will give you a complete quote before confirming your appointment. What Are Specialty Service Fees? In addition to the basic notary fee and travel fee some specialized services have additional fees. Here is a breakdown of specialty service fees at LDE Ink Notary Services: • General Notarization: $15 per notarized signature plus travel fee. • Loan Signings: Loan signing fees vary based on the type of loan, the number of documents and the location. Contact us for a quote. Loan signing fees are separate from the per-signature notary fee because they involve specialized training, document review and coordination with lenders and title companies. • Apostille Services: $200 for the first document and $100 for each additional document in the same order. This fee covers document preparation, notarization if required and submission to the California Secretary of State. • Revocable Living Trust Package: priced based on your specific documents and the number of signatures required. The California statutory notary fee is $15 per signature, plus applicable travel fees. This service includes document review and guided signing. Contact us for a quote. • Hospital Signings: Starting at $75 plus travel fee. Hospital notary visits require additional coordination and sensitivity and are priced accordingly. • Jail and Detention Center Signings: Jail and Detention Center Signings: $150, which includes travel and one signature (up to one hour on site). Each additional signature is $15. Additional time beyond the first hour is billed at $25 per hour. This fee applies regardless of whether the signing is completed, including if the incarcerated individual refuses to sign after the notary has arrived at the facility. • Translation and Notarization: Translation fees vary based on document type, language pair and word count. Notarization of the translator’s certification is $15 per signature plus travel fee. Contact us for a personalized quote. How Many Signatures Will My Document Require? The total cost of your notarization depends on how many signatures need to be notarized not how many documents you have. Here are some common examples: • Single affidavit with one signer: $15 plus travel • Power of attorney with one signer: $15 plus travel • Power of attorney with two signers: $30 plus travel • Deed transfer with one signer: $15 plus travel • Living trust with multiple notarized signatures: priced by package, contact us for a quote What Payment Methods Are Accepted? At LDE Ink Notary Services we accept the following payment methods: • Cash • Zelle • Venmo • Major credit cards • PayPal Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Are There Cancellation Fees? We understand that plans change. We ask for at least 2 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations made less than 2 hours before the scheduled appointment time may be subject to a cancellation fee. No-shows may be charged the full service fee. Tips for Keeping Your Notary Costs Down • Combine multiple documents into one appointment, you only pay one travel fee • Have all signers present at the same appointment, saves scheduling multiple visits • Make sure your ID is valid and unexpired before booking, a failed appointment due to ID issues may still incur a travel fee • Have your documents ready and complete before the notary arrives, incomplete documents may require a return visit • Book in advance when possible, last minute or rush appointments may have higher fees Transparent Pricing at LDE Ink Notary Services At LDE Ink Notary Services we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises. We will always give you a complete quote including notary fees and travel fees before confirming your appointment. We serve clients throughout Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, 7 days a week including evenings and weekends. Ready to Book Your Notary Appointment? Call or text: 415-214-5684 Email: info@ldeinknotary.com Book online: Click here to book LDE Ink Notary Services LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For questions about your specific documents please consult a licensed attorney.