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Notary Services

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The City Clerk’s Office offers notary services during regular business hours. Although appointments are not required, it is recommended to contact the office in advance to ensure availability.

Notary Business Hours

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with the exception of observed holidays.
Hours may change due to staffing levels. Please contact the office prior to ensure availability.

Contact Information

(559) 684-4200
Email

Fee

$15.00 per signature notarized

Notarization Requirements

  1. The signer must appear in person.
  2. A valid picture I.D. is required. A picture I.D. can consist of a state issued driver’s license or identification card or a current passport. If you do not have a valid picture I.D., you must bring either: a) one credible witness known to the notary and the signer (who has a valid picture I.D.); or b) two credible witnesses unknown to the notary and known to the signer (who have picture I.D.).
  3. The document must be completely filled out with no blanks other than the signature line (this will be signed in the presence of the notary). The signer must understand the document that he/she is signing.
  4. The notary is unable to prepare or complete documents or give advice as to the legality or correctness of a document. The notary never chooses the type of certificate a document needs. The signer must let the notary know which kind of notarial act to perform (Acknowledgment or Jurat).
  5. The notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer. A translator cannot be used. 

Copy Certification

Notaries are often asked to perform copy certification of a passport, driver's license, utility bill, or signed document. Unlike notaries in many other states and countries, California notaries are restricted from certifying copies of anything with the exception of a Power of Attorney under Probate Code section 4307 and his or her notary pubic journal. Certified copies of birth, fetal death, death, and marriage records may be made only by the State Registrar, by duly appointed and acting local registrars during their term of office, and by county recorders.