The primary purpose of the Notary Public is to prevent fraud by forgery. Notaries are most 
often used whenever real property is purchased or transferred to another party. Part of 
either transaction will include the notarization of certain documents by a notary public. 
What Is A Notary Public? 
A notary public is a reputable witness, commissioned by California’s Secretary of State, who may legally certify by 
written acknowledgment on a document that he or she knows you to be the person who has executed the document. 
Note: Any person requesting notarization of a will should be referred to an attorney. 

Why Is A Notary Public Necessary? 
The law required notary certifications under many situations. Most documents in real property transactions, such as a 
grant deed or trust deed, must be notarized before they can be recorded by the county recorder. When you have an 
important document notarized it affords you the fullest protection against possible forgery. 

Who Is Entitled To Be A Notary Public? 
In California, a notary public must be a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of the state in which he or she is 
commissioned, not less than 18 years of age, and must satisfy the Secretary of State that he or she is of good moral 
character. A notary public must also satisfactorily pass a qualification examination and provide a performance bond 
under which any official misconduct or neglect of the notary public makes the notary, together with the surety of the 
bond, liable to the persons injured thereby for damages sustained