Call or text us
Share the inmate’s full legal name, booking number if available, and what documents need to be notarized. If documents are not yet prepared, mention that — we can advise on what to prepare before the visit.
Federal Jail Notary — Downtown Los Angeles
Mobile Notary at Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Los Angeles
When a federal inmate at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles needs documents notarized, we coordinate with Bureau of Prisons procedures — serving powers of attorney, court documents, and legal paperwork through proper federal facility channels.
- Los Angeles County — all professional visiting hours served
- Powers of attorney, affidavits & vehicle titles
- Coordinated with facility security procedures
We are an independent mobile notary service — not affiliated with Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles (MDC). We coordinate professional visits through the facility’s established procedures to reach inmates in the professional visiting area. Call or text (213) 933‑2507 and let us know the inmate’s name, booking number, and what needs to be signed.
About MDC Los Angeles
Jail notary service at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles (MDC).
Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles (MDC) is a federal detention facility operated by the Bureau of Prisons, located in downtown Los Angeles near Union Station. Unlike county jails, MDC houses federal inmates and requires advance coordination for professional visits — including attorney sponsorship and BOP approval. We work with federal defense attorneys and their clients to complete notarizations within these requirements.
Address
535 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Facility Phone
(213) 485-0439 BOP MDC main line — use for all inquiries.
Professional Visiting Hours
Federal facility — attorney/professional visits require advance BOP approval; contact MDC directly at (213) 485-0439
Parking
Street parking and nearby pay lots on Alameda Street in downtown Los Angeles
Operated By
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Capacity
Approximately 1,500 federal inmates
Inmate Locator (Online)
BOP Federal Inmate Locator Search by name or BOP register number.
How it works
What to expect from a jail notary visit at MDC Los Angeles.
We confirm & travel
Located at 535 North Alameda Street in downtown LA, MDC is a federal Bureau of Prisons facility. Federal visits require advance BOP paperwork, attorney involvement, and approval that can take several business days. We recommend starting the process at least one week before any deadline. Travel from Granada Hills is typically 35–50 minutes.
Professional visit & signing
We check in with facility staff, clear security, and meet the inmate in the professional visiting area. We verify identity, review the documents, and complete the notarization. Most visits take 30–60 minutes depending on security procedures and document volume.
Inmate Documents We Notarize
Document types commonly notarized at MDC Los Angeles.
Click any document type below for complete information on requirements and how notarization works for that specific form.
Before your appointment
What to have ready for a jail notary visit.
Inmate identification — no personal photo ID required
MDC Los Angeles is a federal Bureau of Prisons facility. Every inmate is issued a BOP inmate identification wristband with a federal register number that is matched to the BOP booking record on visit day. That sheriff- or agency-issued form of inmate identification satisfies California’s satisfactory-evidence rule under Civil Code § 1185, so you do not need to bring a personal wallet ID, driver’s license, or passport. Just give us the inmate’s full legal name and federal register number when you call. If the wristband is missing or unreadable, California law also allows identification by credible identifying witnesses under Civil Code § 1185(b)(1)–(2).
Complete documents ready to sign
Bring all pages of the document — not just the signature page. Documents should be fully prepared and ready to sign. Missing pages or incomplete forms will require a return visit. We can advise on preparation before we schedule.
Inmate name & booking number
We need the inmate’s full legal name and booking number to confirm their location within the facility. You can typically find the booking number through the county sheriff’s online inmate search or by calling the facility directly.
Mobile Notary FAQ — MDC Los Angeles
Frequently asked questions.
Is MDC Los Angeles the same as Twin Towers or Men\u2019s Central Jail?
No. Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles is a federal Bureau of Prisons facility that holds federal inmates, while Twin Towers and Men\u2019s Central Jail are Los Angeles County jails.
Is the process the same as visiting a county jail?
No. MDC Los Angeles is a federal Bureau of Prisons facility with a more involved approval process for professional visitors. Federal visits require advance paperwork, attorney involvement, and approval that can take several business days.
Does the inmate\u2019s attorney need to be involved?
In most cases, yes. Federal facilities typically require notary visits to be coordinated through or sponsored by the inmate\u2019s attorney of record.
How far in advance should I schedule an MDC notary appointment?
We recommend contacting us at least one week before your deadline so we can complete Bureau of Prisons approval steps and schedule your appointment without rushing.
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\u2019s name or register number, or contact MDC Los Angeles directly at (213) 485-0439.
Can you work with out-of-state attorneys or consulates?
Yes. We frequently coordinate MDC notary appointments with federal defense attorneys from other states and with consular officials to meet court and agency requirements.
Other jail locations we serve