Jail & Detention Center Notary

Mobile Notary for Jails and Detention Centers in Los Angeles & Southern California

When someone is in custody and needs documents notarized, time and logistics matter. We travel to jails and detention facilities across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties so inmates can sign powers of attorney, real estate documents, court paperwork, and other legal documents without delay.

Often there are strict deadlines — real estate closings, court filings, power of attorney authorizations, or urgent family matters that cannot wait until release. We handle coordination with jail staff and security so you can focus on getting the documents prepared and where they need to go.

The Process

How a Jail Notary Visit Works

Every facility has different rules. We coordinate with jail staff so you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Contact Us
Call or text with inmate’s name, booking number, facility, and documents needed
We Coordinate
We confirm facility rules, visiting hours, security requirements, and scheduling
Prepare Documents
Make sure docs are fully prepared and ready to sign — we review notary wording beforehand
Sign & Notarize
We clear security, meet the inmate, verify ID, and complete the notarization
Document Return
Signed docs returned to you, your attorney, escrow, or court — by hand, courier, or mail

Tip: The more notice you can give, the easier it is to coordinate with the facility. If your situation is urgent, call or text and we will tell you what is realistically possible.


Find Your Facility

Jail & Detention Center Explorer

Choose a county to see the facilities we serve. Tap any facility for coordination details, what to expect, and how to book. We serve 20+ detention facilities across 6 counties.

County jails starting at $200–$250 per appointment • Federal facilities quoted separately

Men’s Central Jail (MCJ) County
441 Bauchet St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
LA County’s primary men’s jail in downtown Los Angeles. High volume — plan for wait times.
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Coordination:Professional visit scheduled through the facility’s legal office.
Security:Full security screening on entry. No electronics, bags, or personal items beyond documents.
ID verification:Inmate ID confirmed through booking records. Signer should have photo ID if available.
Good to know:One of the busiest facilities in LA County. Morning visits typically have shorter wait times.
Twin Towers Correctional Facility (TTCF) County
450 Bauchet St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Adjacent to MCJ. Includes medical and mental health housing units. Second-largest jail in the U.S.
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Coordination:Same process as MCJ — request submitted through the legal office.
Security:Full security screening. Medical/mental health housing may affect scheduling.
ID verification:Booking records used for identification. Photo ID preferred if available.
Good to know:If the inmate is in a medical or mental health unit, scheduling may take additional coordination.
Inmate Reception Center (IRC) County
450 Bauchet St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Short-term intake and processing facility. Inmates may be transferred quickly — timing is critical.
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Coordination:Contact us first to confirm the inmate is still housed here. Transfers happen frequently.
Security:Standard LASD security screening.
ID verification:Booking records available. Inmate may be in transit.
Good to know:IRC is primarily for intake and classification. Inmates are often moved to other facilities within days.
Pitchess Detention Center (Wayside) County
29320 The Old Rd, Castaic, CA 91384
One of the largest detention complexes in LA County with North, South, and East facilities. Located in Castaic, 35–50 min from downtown.
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Coordination:Professional visit request submitted through the facility. May take longer due to remote location.
Security:Full security screening at facility entrance.
Travel time:Located in Castaic — approximately 35–50 minutes from downtown LA via I-5.
Good to know:Multiple housing areas on site. Confirm which facility (North, South, or East) the inmate is housed in.
North County Correctional Facility (NCCF) County
29340 The Old Rd, Castaic, CA 91384
Higher-security facility adjacent to Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.
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Coordination:Request submitted through the facility’s administrative office.
Security:Enhanced security procedures due to higher classification level.
Travel time:Adjacent to Pitchess — same Castaic location via I-5.
Good to know:Houses higher-security inmates. Additional coordination may be needed.
Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF) County
11702 Alameda St, Lynwood, CA 90262
The primary women’s detention facility serving all of Los Angeles County.
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Coordination:Professional visit request submitted to the facility’s legal office for approval.
Security:Full security screening. Conducted during regular visiting hours in the visiting area.
Travel time:Located in Lynwood — approximately 25–40 minutes from downtown LA.
Good to know:This is the main women’s facility in LA County. If you’re looking for a female inmate in LA County, she is likely here.
Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Federal
535 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Federal Bureau of Prisons facility in downtown LA. Different procedures than county jails — we handle all BOP coordination.
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Coordination:Federal facilities have separate procedures from county jails. We handle all BOP coordination.
Security:Federal security screening. Rules differ significantly from county facilities.
Documents:Federal court documents, immigration paperwork, powers of attorney, and other legal forms.
Good to know:Federal facilities may require additional lead time for scheduling. Contact us as early as possible.
City Jails & Court Holding Facilities City
Various locations throughout Los Angeles County
LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center, city jails, and court holding facilities throughout LA County.
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Coordination:Varies by facility. Contact us with the specific location and we’ll confirm access procedures.
Security:Varies by facility — city jails and court holding have their own procedures.
Good to know:City jails typically hold inmates for shorter periods. If the inmate has been there more than 48–72 hours, they may have been transferred to a county facility.

Orange County facilities — Extended area pricing • 40–70 min from LA

Theo Lacy Facility County
501 City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868
One of the largest Orange County facilities. Notary requests generally processed efficiently.
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Coordination:Request submitted through the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Security:OC Sheriff’s standard security screening.
Travel time:Located in Orange — approximately 40–60 minutes from LA depending on traffic.
Good to know:One of the busiest OC facilities. Professional visits generally well-organized.
Central Men’s & Women’s Jail County
550 N Flower St, Santa Ana, CA 92703
Houses both men and women in separate areas. Located in downtown Santa Ana.
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Coordination:Request submitted through the OC Sheriff’s Department.
Security:Standard OC Sheriff’s screening procedures.
Travel time:Located in Santa Ana — approximately 45–60 minutes from LA.
Good to know:Downtown Santa Ana location. Houses both men and women in separate areas.
James A. Musick Facility County
13502 Musick Rd, Irvine, CA 92618
Minimum-security facility in Irvine. Generally more relaxed visiting environment.
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Coordination:Request submitted through the OC Sheriff’s Department.
Security:Standard screening. Outdoor visiting area available.
Travel time:Located in Irvine — approximately 50–70 minutes from LA.
Good to know:Minimum-security facility. Generally faster and more relaxed scheduling than higher-security facilities.

San Bernardino County facilities — Extended area pricing • 50–90 min from LA

West Valley Detention Center County
9500 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
One of the busiest San Bernardino County facilities. Located off the 15 freeway in Rancho Cucamonga.
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Coordination:Request submitted through the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Travel time:Rancho Cucamonga — approximately 50–70 minutes from LA via I-10/I-15.
Good to know:High-volume facility. Schedule as far in advance as possible.
Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center County
18000 Institution Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92407
Located in the Devore area of San Bernardino. Plan for extended travel time from LA.
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Coordination:Request through SB County Sheriff’s Department.
Travel time:Devore area — approximately 60–80 minutes from LA.
Good to know:Remote location in the Devore area. Plan for travel time.
Central Detention Center County
630 E Rialto Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Downtown San Bernardino location. Primarily a booking and short-term housing facility.
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Coordination:Request through SB County Sheriff’s Department.
Travel time:Downtown San Bernardino — approximately 60–75 minutes from LA.
Good to know:Primarily a booking and short-term housing facility. Inmates may be transferred to other SB County facilities.
High Desert Detention Center County
9438 Commerce Way, Adelanto, CA 92301
Located in Adelanto. Not to be confused with the nearby ICE facility.
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Coordination:Request through SB County Sheriff’s Department.
Travel time:Adelanto — approximately 1.5 hours from LA via I-15.
Good to know:Located in Adelanto. Not to be confused with the nearby ICE processing center. Extended travel fees apply.

Riverside County facilities — Extended area pricing • 60–90 min from LA

Robert Presley Detention Center County
4000 Orange St, Riverside, CA 92501
Downtown Riverside location. One of the main Riverside County booking facilities.
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Coordination:Request submitted through the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Travel time:Downtown Riverside — approximately 60–80 minutes from LA.
Good to know:Main Riverside County booking facility. Downtown location with straightforward access.
Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility County
1627 Hargrave St, Banning, CA 92220
Located in Banning near the 10 freeway. Approximately 1.5 hours from LA.
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Coordination:Request through Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Travel time:Banning — approximately 1.5 hours from LA via I-10.
Good to know:Remote location near Banning. Extended travel fees apply.
Southwest Detention Center County
28581 Lasselle St, Murrieta, CA 92563
Serves the southwest Riverside County area including Murrieta and Temecula.
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Coordination:Request through Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Travel time:Murrieta — approximately 1.5 hours from LA via I-15.
Good to know:Located in Murrieta. Extended travel fees apply for this distance.
Cois M. Byrd Detention Center County
27625 Cois M Byrd Dr, French Valley, CA 92592
Located in French Valley near Temecula and Murrieta. About 1.5 hours from LA via the 15 freeway.
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Coordination:Request through Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Travel time:French Valley — approximately 1.5 hours from LA via I-15.
Good to know:Near Temecula and Murrieta. Extended travel fees apply.

Ventura & Santa Barbara County — Extended area pricing • 60–90 min from LA

Ventura County Main Jail County
800 S Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009
Main Ventura County facility. About 1 hour from LA via the 101.
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Coordination:Request submitted through the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Travel time:Ventura — approximately 60–75 minutes from LA via US-101.
Good to know:Main Ventura County facility. Extended travel fees may apply.
Todd Road Jail County
600 S Todd Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060
Smaller Ventura County facility located in Santa Paula. Often faster processing.
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Coordination:Request through the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Travel time:Santa Paula — approximately 70–85 minutes from LA.
Good to know:Smaller facility, often faster processing than the main jail.
Santa Barbara County Jail County
4436 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Our farthest regular service area. About 1.5 hours from LA. Contact us to confirm availability.
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Coordination:Request submitted through the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Travel time:Santa Barbara — approximately 1.5 hours from LA via US-101.
Good to know:Our farthest regular service area. Extended travel fees apply. Contact us to confirm availability.
Not sure which facility? Share the inmate’s full name and date of birth. We can look up their location — county or federal — and coordinate the visit. Call or text (213) 933‑2507

What We Notarize

Common Jail Documents

Tap any document below to see what it is, when it’s typically needed in custody, and the notarial act required.

General & Durable Power of Attorney
Grants someone authority to manage finances, property, or legal matters while the signer is in custody.
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When needed:When an inmate needs a spouse, family member, or attorney to sign documents, manage accounts, or handle property while they are in custody.
Notarization:Under California Probate Code §§ 4121–4122, a power of attorney must be either acknowledged before a notary public or signed in the presence of two adult witnesses. For real estate and most financial uses, notarization is strongly recommended.
Good to know:Many banks and financial institutions require their own POA form. Bring those forms if available.
Limited Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to handle a specific transaction, such as selling a vehicle or signing a deed.
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When needed:Real estate closings, vehicle sales, or other one-time transactions that must happen while the signer is in custody.
Notarization:Typically requires an acknowledgment. The document itself usually specifies the notarial act.
Good to know:Be as specific as possible about the property or transaction to avoid questions later.
Court Forms, Affidavits & Declarations
Written statements under penalty of perjury for court cases, family law matters, or immigration proceedings.
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When needed:Family law cases, criminal cases, civil lawsuits, or immigration proceedings where the court requires a sworn written statement.
Notarization:Usually requires a jurat (the signer swears or affirms the statement is true in front of the notary).
Good to know:Bring the exact court-provided form if possible. We cannot draft legal language for you.
Real Estate Documents
Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, and other property documents that must be signed by someone in custody.
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When needed:Sale, transfer, or refinancing of property where an owner is in custody and must sign.
Notarization:Deeds require notarization before recording with the county. Typically an acknowledgment.
Good to know:Bring the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) and any escrow instructions if applicable.
Family Law & Child Custody Documents
Divorce, child custody, and support documents that require signatures from both parties.
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When needed:When a spouse or parent is in custody and must sign forms related to divorce, custody, or support.
Notarization:Varies by form. Many family law documents require notarized signatures or self-authenticating declarations.
Good to know:Bring forms provided by your attorney or the court self-help center. We can notarize but cannot give legal advice.
DMV & Vehicle Documents
Title transfers, DMV forms, and other vehicle paperwork for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
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When needed:Sale or transfer of a vehicle when the registered owner is in custody.
Notarization:Some DMV forms require notarization depending on the state and form type.
Good to know:Check with DMV or your attorney to confirm which forms are required before scheduling.

Not sure if your document needs notarization? Text us a clear photo and we will check the notary section for you before the appointment.


Before Your Appointment

What to Have Ready for a Jail Signing

Check off what you already have. We’ll walk you through any missing pieces when you call or text.

Your Checklist

  • Inmate’s full legal name and booking or register number (if known)
  • Facility name and location (if you’re not sure, we can help look it up)
  • Your unsigned documents printed and ready to go (we can review wording ahead of time)
  • Any instructions from your attorney, escrow officer, or the court
  • Payment method ready (estimate provided when you book)

0 of 5 ready

Good to Know

  • Documents must be fully prepared before the appointment. We cannot draft legal documents for you.
  • We cannot control facility lockdowns or unexpected restrictions, but we coordinate closely to minimize delays.
  • If the inmate is transferred or released before the appointment, a trip fee may still apply.
  • We accept cash, Zelle, Venmo, and Square (credit/debit) at the time of service.
  • We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or tell you what to write in your documents.

Pricing

Jail Notary Service Fees

Jail notarizations require additional travel, coordination, and time compared to standard mobile notary appointments. Pricing reflects the complexity of working within facility schedules and security procedures.

  • Los Angeles County jails (MCJ, Twin Towers, Pitchess, CRDF, etc.): Starting at $200–$250 per appointment
  • Federal facilities (MDC Los Angeles): Custom quote based on coordination requirements
  • Other counties (Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara): Extended area pricing based on distance and coordination
  • Price includes travel to the facility, coordination, wait time, and notarization of documents
  • Additional notarizations at the same appointment may be added for a reduced per-signature fee
  • Rush or same-day appointments may have additional fees depending on facility availability

What is Included

  • Travel to the detention facility
  • Coordination with facility staff and security procedures
  • Wait time at the facility (within agreed limits)
  • Notarization of documents (standard California notary fees apply per signature)
  • Document return to you or your designated recipient

Final pricing depends on the specific facility, number of documents, and any special circumstances. Call or text for a quote based on your situation.


Frequently Asked Questions

Jail Notary FAQs

Can an inmate sign legal documents?

Yes. Being in custody does not remove a person’s legal right to sign documents. As long as the signer is mentally competent, willing to sign, and can provide satisfactory identification, a notary can notarize their signature just like any other signing.

What ID does the inmate need?

Acceptable ID typically includes a valid driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. Some facilities can provide inmate identification verification through their booking records. We confirm ID options with you before the appointment.

Can I be present at the appointment?

This depends on the facility’s rules. In most cases, professional notary visits are conducted separately from regular visitation. If you need to be present (for example, if both spouses must sign), we can check whether the facility allows this.

How far in advance should I schedule?

Ideally, give us at least 24–48 hours notice so we can coordinate with the facility. However, we understand jail notarizations are often urgent. Call or text as soon as you know you need the appointment, and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline.

What if the inmate is transferred or released before the appointment?

If we arrive at the facility and the inmate is no longer there, you may still be responsible for a trip fee. To reduce that risk, we recommend confirming the inmate’s location close to the appointment time, especially if transfer or release is possible.

Do you notarize documents at federal facilities like MDC Los Angeles?

Yes. We provide mobile notary services at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles (MDC), the federal Bureau of Prisons facility at 535 North Alameda Street in downtown Los Angeles. Federal facilities have different procedures than county jails, including separate visiting rules and security requirements. We handle the coordination so your documents get signed on schedule. View MDC Los Angeles details.

Do you serve jails outside of Los Angeles County?

Yes. We serve detention facilities across Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties. Extended-area facilities may have additional travel fees. Call or text for a quote.

Can you help me figure out which jail my family member is in?

Often, yes. If you provide the inmate’s full name and date of birth, we can usually determine whether they are in an LA County, other county, or federal facility and advise on next steps.


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Contact & Scheduling

Ready to Get Started?

Book a jail notary visit and we’ll handle the coordination with the facility.

Book a jail visit

  • Book online through our Square scheduling page.
  • Let us know the inmate’s name, facility, and documents needed.
  • We’ll confirm pricing, facility rules, and arrival time.

Call or text

  • Call or text with questions about facilities, documents, or pricing.
  • Standard hours: 9:00 am–8:00 pm, 7 days a week.
  • For urgent jail signings, let us know so we can prioritize.

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