Guide

What Documents Need a Notary in California?

A quick reference for the documents people most often bring to a mobile notary appointment.

Notarization exists to confirm that the person signing a document is who they say they are, and that they're signing willingly. In California, a wide range of personal, business, and real estate documents commonly require a notary's acknowledgment. Here's a rundown of the most frequent ones.

Personal & Estate Documents

• Power of Attorney — authorizes someone to act on your behalf financially or medically.
• Advance Healthcare Directive — outlines your medical care wishes if you're unable to communicate them.
• Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Documents — many estate documents require notarization to be considered valid.
• Travel Consent Forms — often needed when a minor travels internationally with one parent or a guardian.

Real Estate & Loan Documents

Refinance packages, home purchase agreements, and deeds of trust are some of the most document-heavy notarizations. These often require a Notary Signing Agent — someone trained specifically in loan document packages — rather than a general notary. Gomini is a National Notary Association (NNA) Certified Notary Signing Agent, so loan packages are handled with the accuracy and compliance lenders and title companies expect.

Business & Legal Documents

• Business contracts and corporate agreements
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Certified copies of certain documents (note: not all documents can be certified by a notary — ask ahead of time)

What You'll Need to Bring

Regardless of the document type, you'll need a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — a California driver's license or state ID, a U.S. or foreign passport, or an out-of-state driver's license. The name on your ID should match the name on the document.

Note: A notary cannot advise you on whether a specific document legally requires notarization, or explain its legal effect — that determination should come from an attorney or the institution requesting the document. We're happy to notarize once you know what's needed.

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