Online Notary for California — Notarize From Home in About 15 Minutes
Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, Sacramento or the Central Valley — Californians can notarize documents on live video today. Here's the part most sites don't explain clearly: how that works when California's own online notary program isn't running yet.
Is online notarization legal in California?
Yes — with one important detail. California passed its own remote online notarization law, Senate Bill 696, signed September 23, 2023, but it is being phased in and California-commissioned notaries are not yet allowed to perform online notarizations.
Californians can still notarize online today by using a notary commissioned in a state that allows remote online notarization. California recognizes notarial acts properly performed by notaries of other states (Cal. Civ. Code § 1189), and most online notary states allow their notaries to serve signers located anywhere, including California.
Because the notary is commissioned in another state, your certificate will use that state's notarial wording rather than California's standard acknowledgment form. Most businesses, banks and agencies accept this, but it's the main thing to confirm with whoever is receiving your document.
How it works for California signers
Upload
Add your PDF from your phone or computer — no printing or scanning.
Verify
Scan your government photo ID and answer a few identity questions.
Sign
Meet a commissioned notary on live video, sign, and download your notarized document.
What California signers notarize online
Powers of attorney
General and limited POAs — confirm acceptance with the bank or agency that will use it.
Affidavits & sworn statements
Sworn statements, declarations and affidavits with the oath given on video.
Business & employment documents
Contracts, vendor forms, authorizations and corporate paperwork.
Out-of-state documents
Paperwork for property, estates or businesses in other states, signed while you're in California.
Real estate documents
Deeds and loan documents when your title company and county recorder accept online notarization.
Parental consent forms
Travel consent letters for minors.
Before you start: California checklist
- Real estate: title industry guidance indicates out-of-state online notarizations are accepted by California county recorders in counties that e-record. Confirm with your title or escrow company before signing deeds or deeds of trust online.
- Agencies such as the DMV, courts and some financial institutions set their own rules. Ask the receiving office whether it accepts a notarization performed online by an out-of-state notary.
- Have a valid government photo ID (California driver's license, ID card or U.S. passport) and a device with a camera and microphone.
Online notary in California: FAQ
Is online notarization legal in California?
Californians can legally use an online notary commissioned in another state, and California recognizes other states' notarial acts under Civil Code § 1189. California's own notaries can't perform online notarizations yet while SB 696 is phased in.
Will a California county recorder accept an online-notarized deed?
Many will — title industry guidance indicates counties that e-record accept out-of-state online notarizations — but confirm with your title or escrow company and your county recorder first.
Why doesn't my certificate use the California acknowledgment form?
Because the notary is commissioned in another state, the certificate follows that state's required wording. It is still a valid notarial act that California recognizes.
How long does it take?
Most sessions take about 15 minutes, with no appointment needed.
How much does it cost?
Online notarization starts at $25 for the first notarized signature. Each additional signer is $10, and an additional notary meeting is $25.
Is it available nights and weekends?
Yes. Notaries are available 24/7 — no appointment needed.
Ready to notarize your California document?
No appointment, no waiting room — just upload and go.
Other states: Online notary Texas · Online notary Florida · Online notary Ohio · Online notary Georgia · Online notary Illinois · Online notary Virginia · Online notary Colorado · Online notary Massachusetts · Online notary Missouri
Last updated October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules for specific documents and receiving offices vary — confirm requirements with the party that will receive your document.