PLEASE NOTE: A California notary public is a public official appointed by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness. A notary is not an attorney. Here's what a California notary does:

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1. Acknowledging Signatures:

   • A notary verifies the identity of the signer, ensuring that the person signing a document is who they claim to be. This often involves checking a government-issued identification like a driver's license or passport. 

2. Administering Oaths and Affirmations:

   • Notaries can administer oaths for affidavits or sworn statements. An oath is a solemn promise to tell the truth, often with a religious connotation, while an affirmation is a similar promise without religious wording. 

3. Certifying Copies of Documents:

   • When someone needs a certified copy of an original document, like a diploma or passport, a California notary can verify that the copy is a true and exact copy of the original. However, notaries in California are not allowed to certify copies of vital records like birth or death certificates.

4. Jurats:

   • For documents where the signer must swear or affirm that the content of the document is true, the notary administers an oath or affirmation and then signs and seals the jurat, which is the notarial certificate on the document.

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Limitations:

• Notaries in California cannot:

  • Give legal advice or draft legal documents.

  • Notarize documents where they are named or have a direct financial interest.

  • Certify copies of public records like birth certificates.

  • The maximum amount any Notary Public can charge per signature is $15.00