FREE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL · 4 QUESTIONS
Which Signing Do I Need?
Not sure whether you need a Notary, an Apostille, embassy legalization, or a specialty signing? Answer 4 quick questions and we'll tell you exactly what service applies, roughly what it costs, and what to bring.
Where will the document be used?
Common Questions
What's the difference between a Notary and an Apostille?
A Notary Public verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. An Apostille is an additional certification from the California Secretary of State authenticating the Notary's authority — required only for documents heading to Hague Convention countries. Documents used inside the US only need the Notary.
Do I need an Apostille or embassy legalization?
Depends on the destination. Hague Convention countries (about 130, including Mexico, most of Europe, Japan, South Korea, China) need only an Apostille. Non-Hague countries (Egypt, Vietnam, UAE, Qatar, Iran, Cuba, and about 65 others) need full consular legalization. See the Apostille Country List or Consular Legalization Directory.
How much does mobile Notary service cost in Los Angeles?
General mobile service starts at $80 including one signature and travel. Additional signatures are $15 per Cal. Gov. Code § 8211. Specialty signings vary by type. Apostille is $175 personal / $250 business, all-inclusive. See our full pricing page.
What can a Notary Public NOT do?
A California Notary cannot notarize a document without the signer physically present, cannot notarize their own signature, cannot give legal advice about which document to sign, cannot certify true copies of vital records, and cannot notarize a document written in a language the Notary can't read. If you need legal advice, we'll refer you to an attorney.