California notarization requirements, costs, and where to get it done
By Rozsa Gyene, Estate Planning Attorney | CA State Bar #208356
California requires living trusts to be notarized. The grantor(s) must sign in front of a notary who verifies identity and witnesses the signature. Notary fees are $15 per signature. Unlike wills, no witnesses are required for California living trusts.
Under California law, a living trust must be:
Unlike California wills (which require 2 witnesses), living trusts do not require witnesses. Only notarization is needed.
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. Find them on Notarize.com, Notary.com, or local search.
Cost: Usually included if attorney prepared documents
Attorney offices typically have notaries on staff. If you prepared your trust with an attorney, notarization is usually included in their fee.
As of January 1, 2024, California authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON). This means you can now get your living trust notarized via secure video call — without leaving your home.
RON services typically charge $25-50 per session (which includes the $15 statutory fee plus platform fees). This is competitive with mobile notary travel fees and offers convenience.
The notary MUST be commissioned in California for RON sessions. Some national platforms use out-of-state notaries — make sure you request a California notary for California estate planning documents.
When meeting with a notary (in person or online), have ready:
The notary must witness you signing the document. If you sign beforehand, the notarization is invalid. 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:
Our California living trust package includes deed preparation and recording instructions. We prepare the grant deed transferring your property into your trust — you just need to sign, notarize, and record it.
No. A notary cannot notarize documents for family members, spouses, or anyone in which they have a financial interest. This would invalidate the notarization.
Yes. Trust amendments should be notarized with the same formality as the original trust. This ensures they are legally valid and can be relied upon by financial institutions.
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 notarized 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 includes your complete trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney, healthcare directive, AND deed preparation. You just need to sign and notarize.
Create Your Trust — $400Reviewed by Attorney Rozsa Gyene, CA Bar #208356
Get your complete California living trust package with deed preparation included.
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