Mobile Notary at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles (MDC)
When a federal inmate at MDC Los Angeles needs documents notarized, we travel to the downtown federal detention facility so they can sign powers of attorney, federal court documents, immigration forms, and other legal paperwork without waiting until release.
About Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles (MDC)
Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles is a federal Bureau of Prisons facility that holds men and women facing federal charges in the Central District of California, along with some sentenced inmates. MDC Los Angeles is an administrative-security jail located next to the federal courthouses in downtown Los Angeles.
- Address: 535 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Main phone: (213) 485‑0439
- Inmate mail: Inmate Name, Register Number, MDC Los Angeles, P.O. Box 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90053
- Operated by: Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
- Security level: Administrative (holds all security levels)
- Population: Typically 700–1,000 federal inmates (capacity about 1,100)
- Opened: 1988
- Location: Downtown Los Angeles near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
Why federal inmates at MDC need notary services
- Federal criminal cases — Declarations, affidavits, and powers of attorney related to ongoing federal charges, forfeiture matters, and post-conviction issues.
- Immigration and consular paperwork — Forms for consulates, immigration attorneys, and family members when immigration status is involved.
- Business, property, and financial decisions — Authorizing trusted relatives or professionals to manage companies, property, bank accounts, and other assets.
- Family and estate planning — Powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and other planning documents that cannot wait until the case is resolved.
Common Documents for Federal Inmates
Powers of attorney & authorizations
- General power of attorney
- Limited or special power of attorney
- Durable power of attorney for finances
- Healthcare power of attorney / advance directive
- DMV power of attorney for vehicle transfers
- Bank and financial institution authorizations
Family and estate documents
- Guardianship and custody-related documents
- Spousal and support agreements
- Estate and inheritance documents (with attorney guidance)
- Affidavits for family law or probate matters
Federal court & legal documents
- Declarations and affidavits in federal criminal cases
- Documents related to forfeiture, restitution, or property release
- Agreements and authorizations requested by federal defenders or private counsel
- Immigration-related affidavits and consular documents
Other documents
- Real estate documents (deeds, refinance, sale documents)
- Business resolutions and authorizations
- Insurance claims and benefit forms
- Any document requiring a notarized signature
Scheduling a Notary Appointment at MDC Los Angeles
1. Contact us with the inmate’s information
Call or text with the inmate’s full legal name, Bureau of Prisons register number (if known), and a description of the documents that need to be notarized. Let us know any federal court deadlines or time-sensitive issues.
2. We confirm MDC procedures
Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities have their own rules for professional visits. We confirm MDC Los Angeles procedures for notary visits, including identification requirements, scheduling windows, and where professional visitors check in.
3. Prepare your documents
Have all documents ready and complete before the appointment — we cannot draft legal documents, only notarize signatures. If the inmate needs to review documents first, coordinate with their attorney or mail the documents to MDC in advance following BOP mail rules.
4. The notary appointment at MDC
We travel to MDC Los Angeles, clear federal security, and meet with the inmate in the designated attorney or professional visiting area. The inmate confirms their identity, signs the documents in our presence, and we complete the notarization with the appropriate certificate.
5. Document delivery
After the appointment, we return the signed and notarized documents to you, your attorney, the federal court, or another designated recipient — by hand delivery in the LA area, courier, or mail depending on your timeline.
Tip: Federal cases often involve strict court deadlines and coordination with attorneys in other states. The more notice you can provide, the easier it is to schedule a visit at MDC Los Angeles that fits both the facility’s rules and your legal timeline.
MDC Los Angeles Federal Notary Fees
Notary appointments at MDC Los Angeles require navigating federal security, downtown traffic, and coordination with Bureau of Prisons procedures. Pricing reflects the time required on site and the complexity of federal jail visits.
- MDC Los Angeles appointments: Typically comparable to downtown LA county jail visits, with adjustments for timing and document volume
- Price includes travel to MDC, coordination with facility staff, wait time, and notarization
- Additional signatures at the same appointment may be added for a reduced fee
- Rush or specific‑time appointments may have additional fees based on availability
What is included
- Travel to MDC Los Angeles (535 North Alameda Street) and back
- Coordination with federal jail procedures and visiting rules
- Security screening and wait time
- Notarization of documents (California notary fees per signature)
- Return of documents to you, your attorney, or the appropriate federal court or agency
We provide a clear quote before scheduling so you know the expected cost based on your documents, timing, and any special circumstances, including coordination with out‑of‑state attorneys or consulates.
MDC Los Angeles Notary FAQs
Is MDC Los Angeles the same as Twin Towers or Men’s Central Jail?
No. Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles is a federal Bureau of Prisons facility that holds federal inmates, while Twin Towers and Men’s Central Jail are Los Angeles County jails. If you are not sure which facility the person is in, we can help you check before scheduling.
How do I confirm someone is at MDC Los Angeles?
You can search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator at bop.gov/inmateloc using the inmate’s name or register number. The system will show "MDC Los Angeles" if that is their current location. You can also contact the facility directly at (213) 485‑0439.
Can you work with out-of-state attorneys or consulates?
Yes. Many MDC appointments involve federal defense attorneys from other states or consular officials. We coordinate timing, document preparation, and delivery so that signatures at MDC meet the requirements of courts, agencies, or consulates.
Do you notarize documents for immigration cases at MDC?
We can notarize affidavits, declarations, and other documents related to immigration matters when a notary is permitted. We cannot give immigration or legal advice, but we work closely with your immigration attorney or representative to ensure documents are ready to sign.
What ID does the inmate need for notarization?
MDC Los Angeles maintains federal booking records with photos and identification information that can be used for identification. If the inmate has a valid passport or other government‑issued ID on file, that may also be used. We confirm acceptable ID options with the facility before the appointment.
What if the inmate is moved to another federal facility?
Federal inmates may be transferred between MDC Los Angeles and other BOP facilities. We recommend confirming the inmate’s location close to the appointment time. If they have been moved, we can discuss options based on the new facility and your timeline.
Need notary services at a different facility?
In addition to MDC Los Angeles, we provide mobile notary services at Los Angeles County jails and detention centers.
Downtown Los Angeles
- Men’s Central Jail (MCJ)
- Twin Towers Correctional Facility
- Inmate Reception Center (IRC)
Other LA County facilities
- Pitchess Detention Center (Castaic)
- North County Correctional Facility (Castaic)
- Century Regional Detention (Lynwood)
- City jails and court holding facilities
Not sure which jail?
Call or text with the inmate’s name and we can help confirm whether they are in a federal facility like MDC Los Angeles or a Los Angeles County jail before scheduling.
For an overview of all jail notary services, visit our LA County Jail Notary hub page.
Call or text to get started
Share the inmate’s name, register number, and what documents need to be signed, and we will confirm availability, MDC procedures, and next steps.
When you contact us, it helps to include:
- Inmate’s full legal name and Bureau of Prisons register number (if available)
- Confirmation they are currently housed at MDC Los Angeles
- Type of documents that need to be notarized
- Your deadline or federal court date
- Who should receive the signed documents after the appointment (attorney, court, family)
We will confirm MDC Los Angeles procedures, coordinate scheduling with your legal team, and provide a clear quote before the appointment is finalized.