Forms & Documents

Notary Resources

California certificate templates and information to help you prepare for your notarization appointment.

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California Notary Certificate Templates

Standard Certificate Forms

If you are creating your own document and need an acceptable notary certificate, use one of the forms below. It's preferred that you sign the document in the presence of the notary.

Acknowledgment

Most common — used when a signer acknowledges their signature on a document

A Notary Public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.


STATE OF CALIFORNIA   } ss.

COUNTY OF


On before me, (name and title of the officer) personally appeared who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.


I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.


WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Notary Signature
(Notary Seal)

Jurat

Used when a signer swears or affirms that written statements in a document are true

A Notary Public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.


STATE OF CALIFORNIA   } ss.

COUNTY OF


Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this day of , , by , proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) who appeared before me.


Notary Signature
(Notary Seal)
Understanding Certificate Types

Which Certificate Do I Need?

Acknowledgment

The signer appears before the notary and acknowledges they signed the document willingly. The notary verifies identity but does not verify content. Used for deeds, power of attorney, loan documents, and most general documents.

Jurat

The signer must sign in the presence of the notary and swear or affirm under oath that the document's contents are true. Used for affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements.

Not Sure?

If you're unsure which certificate your document requires, call or text us at (415) 508-6833 and we'll help you determine the right form before your appointment.

Before Your Appointment

Preparation Tips

  • Do not sign the document beforehand. For an acknowledgment, you may sign before but must appear in person. For a jurat, you must sign in front of the notary.
  • Bring a valid photo ID. Accepted forms: State ID, Senior Citizen ID, Driver's License, Military ID, or Foreign Passport with a valid U.S. Visa.
  • Attach the certificate to your document. If your document doesn't already include a notary certificate section, print and attach one of the forms above.
  • Leave the notary fields blank. The notary will complete the certificate fields (date, county, seal, signature) at the time of notarization.
  • Need printing? We can print your documents using our laser printer (B&W only) — additional fee applies.

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