Hill Sign Mobile Notary – professional mobile notary services in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and Loomis, CA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

At Hill Sign Mobile Notary, we understand that the notarization process can raise many questions. To make things easier, we’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries from clients across Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, and surrounding Placer County areas. These FAQs cover general and business-related notarizations, identification requirements, and what to expect during an appointment. While every situation is unique, this page provides a clear overview so you know what to prepare before we arrive.

What kind of notarization do I need?

We can’t choose the type of notarization for you—it’s against California law. But don’t worry! If your document already has a notary section printed on it, we’ll know exactly what you’re asking for and can take care of it.

The two most common types are:

  • Acknowledgment – You’re confirming that the signature is yours. It’s fine if you signed the document before meeting us.

  • Jurat – You’re swearing or affirming that what’s in the document is true, and we watch you sign it.

If you’re not sure which one you need:

  • Ask whoever sent you to the notary.

  • Check with an attorney.

  • We can show you the available certificate options and explain what they mean so you can choose the right one.

Often, yes. Sometimes we can use your out-of-state notary certificate exactly as it is. Other times, we may need to add our California notary wording with a stamp or attach a separate certificate.

We’ll look at your document, explain the options, and move forward with the solution you choose — as long as it meets California law.

That is completely fine. We can notarize your signature here in California as long as you personally appear here in California.

Yes! We can notarize documents in other languages — the main requirement is that the notary section (notary “block” or “certificate”) must be in English. If it isn’t, we can attach a California-compliant certificate so we can still complete the notarization.

It’s best to check with the person or organization requesting the notarization to be sure they’ll accept this solution. Once you confirm, we’ll do our best to make it work.

Possibly! In California, a Driver License can be used if it was issued within the last five years, even if it’s expired. And if that doesn’t work, there are other options. Common acceptable IDs include:
  • California ID cards
  • U.S. passports
  • Inmate ID cards (for currently incarcerated individuals)

Other IDs may be valid if they include all required information, such as:
  • Consular ID cards
  • Driver licenses from another U.S. state, Mexico, or Canada
  • State-issued ID cards from another U.S. state (but not from Mexico or Canada)
  • Military ID cards (must meet specific requirements)
  • California city, county, or state employee ID cards
  • Federally recognized tribal government ID cards
We’ll review your ID with you and find the best option that meets California law.

Yes! If you don’t have an acceptable form of ID and are actually unable to get one, we can verify your identity using two credible witnesses who personally know you.

Here’s how it works:

  • Both witnesses must be present at the signing.
  • Each witness must show their own valid ID.
  • Witnesses take an oath confirming your identity.

There’s no extra charge for this service, but you must provide your own witnesses since they need to know you personally.

If the signer understands what they are signing and is acting of their own free will, they may make a simple “mark” instead of a full signature.

For a mark to be valid:

  • Two witnesses must be present.
  • The witnesses do not need to show ID, as long as the signer has valid ID.

If the signer cannot communicate directly with the notary, appears unaware of the document’s meaning, or is under duress, we cannot proceed with the notarization.

It is up to the signer to determine if this form of notarization will be acceptable to whomever has requested the document.

Sorry, but no. California State Law does not permit me to do that. I am neither an attorney nor an Immigration Consultant and cannot give advice.

In most cases no. The only things we can certify for clients are copies of Powers of Attorney.

We may still be able to help!

If you need a different document certified, you can complete a Copy Certification by Document Custodian. This means you, as the custodian, sign under oath that the copy is accurate. We’ll provide the notary certificate—just let us know you’d like to use this option.

No. California law does not allow notaries to certify a person’s capacity or title—we verify identity only.

If you’d like to certify your own capacity, we can administer an oath and have you sign a statement to that effect. Just let us know, as we can’t choose this option for you.

At the time of this writing, California does not allow for us to notarize for you online.

This may change in the future, but for now, you’ll need to have us do it in person.

We’re very sorry to have missed your call. Due to the nature of notary services, we do not answer phone calls during a notarization. Additionally, while driving to and from appointments, it may not be safe to answer a call. 

Please leave a voicemail, text message or email and we will get back to you as soon as possible to provide you with excellent customer service!


Note: Some practices that are acceptable for general or specialty notary work may not be permitted in loan signing transactions. Items such as credible witnesses or signatures by mark may require prior approval from the lender or title company. This FAQ is intended primarily for personal and business notary clients, not for loan signings.