California notarization requirements, costs, and where to get it done
By Rozsa Gyene, Estate Planning Attorney | CA State Bar #208356
California law does not require a living trust to be notarized or witnessed to be valid. In practice you should still sign it before a notary: banks, title companies and other institutions commonly expect a notarized trust or certification of trust, and a deed transferring real estate into the trust must be notarized before the county recorder will record it. Notary fees are $15 per signature. Unlike wills, no witnesses are required for California living trusts.
What California law requires, and what is expected in practice:
Unlike California wills (which require 2 witnesses), living trusts do not require witnesses. A notary acknowledgment is the customary practice instead, for the practical reasons above.
For the rules on signing and witnessing a will, see California Will Requirements: Witnesses, Handwritten Wills, and Why a Notary Is Not Enough.
This is one advantage of trusts over wills: finding a notary is often easier than gathering two disinterested witnesses.
California notary fees are regulated by law:
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (signature verification) | $15 per signature |
| Jurat (oath/affirmation) | $15 per signature |
| Certified copy of notary journal | $0.30 per page |
Mobile notaries who come to your home can charge travel fees in addition to the $15/signature. Typical travel fees range from $25-$75 depending on distance. Some charge per-trip, others per-hour.
Cost: Often FREE for account holders
Most banks offer notary services to customers. Call ahead to verify availability and schedule an appointment. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, and most credit unions offer this service.
Cost: $15 per signature (statutory rate)
Most UPS Store locations have notaries on staff. No appointment usually needed, but calling ahead is recommended. Over 300 locations in California.
Cost: $15 per signature
PostNet, Postal Connections, and independent shipping stores often have notary services. Good alternative to banks if you need flexible hours.
Cost: Free or low-cost for members
Many AAA offices provide notary services to members. Check with your local branch for availability.
Cost: $15/signature + travel fee ($25-75)
Mobile notaries come to your home, office, hospital, or care facility. Ideal for seniors, those with mobility issues, or busy schedules. Search for a mobile notary near you.
Cost: Varies by office
Some attorney offices have notaries on staff. Ask the office directly about its notary fee.
California notaries cannot notarize documents online yet. California law requires you to appear personally before a notary public for an acknowledgment, and the California Secretary of State advises that a video image is not a personal appearance under current California law.
The Online Notarization Act (Government Code 8231 and the sections that follow it) will allow California notaries to notarize online, but only after a notary registers with the Secretary of State and after the Secretary of State completes the technology project needed to support it. The law sets January 1, 2030 as the deadline for that project, unless the Secretary of State tells the Legislature and the Governor in writing by January 1, 2029 that it is not complete.
Until then, a California notary can notarize your trust only if you appear in person before the notary.
When you meet with the notary, have ready:
Wait to sign until you are in front of the notary. The notary must see you in person and check your identification, and some documents must be signed in the notary's presence. Bring your unsigned trust and sign in front of the notary.
After your trust is notarized, you'll also need to record a new deed transferring your real estate into the trust. The deed transfer:
For which deed you need, who signs it, and what to take to the county recorder, see Trust Transfer Deeds in California: Which Deed You Need.
Our California living trust package includes recording instructions. Deed preparation is a separate $100 per property: we prepare the grant deed transferring your property into your trust, and you sign it before a notary and record it yourself with your county recorder.
No. A notary cannot notarize documents for family members, spouses, or anyone in which they have a financial interest. This would invalidate the notarization.
California law does not require it, but they should be. Sign an amendment before a notary with the same formality as the original trust so that banks, title companies and other institutions will rely on it.
California allows "signature by mark" (an X) or having someone sign on your behalf in your presence if you are physically unable. The notary will document this. Additional witnesses may be required.
A properly signed living trust is valid indefinitely until you revoke or amend it. There is no expiration on the notarization. The trust remains in effect until you die or revoke it.
Our $400 package ($500 joint) includes your revocable living trust (with schedule of assets), pour-over will, general durable power of attorney, advance health care directive, HIPAA authorization, certification of trust, trustee affidavit, assignment of personal property and personal property memorandum. Deed preparation is a separate $100 per property. You sign before a notary and record the deed with your county recorder.
Create Your Trust: $400Reviewed by Attorney Rozsa Gyene, CA Bar #208356
Get your complete California living trust package, with deed preparation available for $100 per property.
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