Document Library → Domestic Partnership

California Declaration of Domestic Partnership Notary Guide

The California Secretary of State publishes two versions of the Declaration of Domestic Partnership: the standard form (DP-1) and the confidential form (DP-1A). Both require both partners to sign in front of a Notary Public. This page links to both official forms so you can find them easily. When your form is filled out, we come to you and notarize both signatures.

We Are Notaries, Not Attorneys

Mobile American Notary & Apostilles is not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, do not recommend which form you need, do not tell you how to fill it out, do not explain what your options mean, and do not review completed forms for accuracy. This page is a directory that links to authoritative source materials. If you have any question about which form to use or how to complete it, please consult a licensed California attorney. When your form is filled out and you are ready to sign, we can notarize your signature as a mobile Notary Public across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties.

Where to Get the Forms

Both versions are published as fillable PDFs by the California Secretary of State.

Form DP-1

Declaration of Domestic Partnership (Standard)

Official fillable PDF published by the California Secretary of State. Per the Secretary of State, a domestic partnership registered on this form is a public record open to public inspection.

  • Filing fee: $33 if both partners are under 62; $10 if either partner is 62 or older
  • Both partners sign; signatures must be notarized
  • Hosted on the Secretary of State website — download from the source to get the current version
Download from CA Secretary of State
Form DP-1A

Confidential Declaration of Domestic Partnership

Official fillable PDF published by the California Secretary of State. Per the Secretary of State, a domestic partnership registered on this form is a permanent record not open to public inspection except by court order.

  • Same filing fee as the DP-1: $33, or $10 if either partner is 62 or older
  • Both partners sign; signatures must be notarized
  • Copies are released only to the partners in person or by notarized written request
Download from CA Secretary of State

Additional Authoritative References

California statutory sources and official Secretary of State guidance on domestic partnerships.

What to Know Before Your Signing

  • Both partners sign the same original form in blue or black ink (wet signatures only).
  • Both signatures are notarized, either on one acknowledgment or on two separate acknowledgments.
  • Each partner brings valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
  • If a partner is changing a name on the form, they sign using their current name.
  • Nothing on the form can be changed after it is notarized, so review every field before the appointment.

Summarized from the Secretary of State form instructions for factual reference only. It is not legal advice. For questions about which form to use or how it affects your rights, please consult a licensed California attorney.

Once Your Form Is Complete, Call Us to Notarize It

We are a mobile Notary service across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties. We come to your home, office, hospital, or wherever works. If you need the form printed at the appointment, we can bring a laptop and printer — equipment use is an optional convenience, not a legal service or a form-preparation service.

Call or Text (213) 933‑2507 Book Online

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers below describe our notary service and cite publicly available statutory or agency information. They are not legal advice. For questions about which form to use, what to write in it, or how the statute applies to your situation, please consult a licensed California attorney.

Do you notarize the California Declaration of Domestic Partnership?
Yes. Both the standard form (DP-1) and the confidential form (DP-1A) require both partners’ signatures to be acknowledged by a Notary Public. We notarize both partners at one appointment anywhere in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties.
What is the difference between the DP-1 and the DP-1A?
According to the California Secretary of State, the DP-1 registers a public domestic partnership, which is open to public inspection. The DP-1A registers a confidential domestic partnership, which is not open to public inspection except by court order. Which one fits your situation is a decision for you and your partner, or your attorney.
Do both partners have to be at the same appointment?
No. The Secretary of State allows each partner to sign the same form and be notarized separately, including in another state or country. Both signatures must end up on the same original form — two separate forms with one signature each are not accepted.
Can you notarize the form if my partner is in jail?
Yes. The Secretary of State accepts domestic partnership filings where one partner is incarcerated. We notarize at LA, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Santa Barbara County jails — see our jail domestic partnership notary and filing page. The incarcerated partner signs and is notarized at the facility, and the other partner can sign on the same form before or after.
Can I fix a mistake on the form after it is notarized?
No. The Secretary of State does not allow any changes after the signatures are notarized. If something needs to change, a new form must be completed, signed, and notarized again. Review every field before your appointment.
Where do we file the form after it is notarized?
The Secretary of State accepts the original form by mail to Sacramento or in person at its Sacramento or Los Angeles office. Emailed, faxed, or scanned copies are not accepted.

Our Related Notary Services

Reminder: The information on this page is a factual reference (statutory citation and links to authoritative source materials) — it is not legal advice, not a legal opinion, and not a recommendation as to which form to use or how to complete it. Legal questions should be directed to a licensed California attorney. Our role begins after your form is completed and you are ready to sign it in front of a Notary Public.