The short answer is no – California does not currently allow online notarization. The most recent statement from the California Secretary of State regarding remote online notarization reads:
Our Beverly Hills notary service performs mobile and in-office notarizations. This article outlines the most convenient ways to get your documents notarized in California.
“California Law does not provide the authority for California notaries public to perform a remote online notarization. The personal appearance of the document signer is required before the notary public. However, California citizens who wish to have their documents notarized can seek a mobile California notary public.”
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Will California Allow Remote Online Notarization Anytime Soon?
Perhaps. Assembly member Jones-Sawyer introduced a bill, most recently amended in early March 2021, AB 1093, that may permit a notary public to apply for registration with the Secretary of State to be a remote online notary public. Shortly after on May 13, 2021, the SECURE Notarization Act was introduced as bipartisan legislation to establish certain standards for electronic and remote notarizations that affect interstate commerce.
It seems likely that California will soon move in the direction of remote online notarizations. Currently, there are 34 states that allow remote notarization service: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Senator Warner, co-sponsor of the bill, stated:
“Remote online notarization is a transformative technology that offers consumers a convenient way to safely and securely complete important documents. While the COVID-19 pandemic presented a number of obstacles to essential tasks such as executing wills, completing financial documents, buying or selling a home, or purchasing or selling a car online, many states demonstrated how to effectively deploy this type of technology to meet the needs of Americans.”
Downsides of Remote Online Notarization
A Notary’s main role is to prevent fraud during the signing of important documents. They verify the signer’s identity, ensure that the signer understands the contents of the documents and that the documents are complete and accurate, and guarantee that the signer is not being coerced in any way. In the eyes of the law, a notarized document is a legitimate document.
Naturally, it is safest and most accurate to confirm someone’s identity in person rather than remotely. An online notarization cultivates a higher risk for theft of personal information that is collected during the course of the transaction, which could include identification records and facial imaging.
An Exception To The Rule
Californians who wish to have their documents notarized can use notaries in another state that currently allow remote online notarization. In other words, a Californian may travel to another state that allows remote online notarization and get their documents notarized there — just not in California. While we wait for new federal legislation to pass, contact a Beverly Hills notary or mobile notary.
Click here to view our handy checklist about what to bring to your notarization appointment.
Visit a Beverly Hills Notary Today
Mail Boxes Times is the best Notary in Los Angeles. We offer notarization from our Beverly Hills mobile notary team and in our office for in-person notarization. Give us a call at (310) 276-5076 or email us at info@mailboxestimes.com to learn more about what we can do for you.