Notarial ActsQuestion 44 of 100
May a notary notarize a signature if the signer is not physically present at the time of the notarization?
a.Yes, if the notary knows the signer
b.No; the signer must personally appear before the notary
c.Yes, by phone
d.Yes, if a family member brings the document
Explanation
Personal appearance of the signer is mandatory for every California notarial act. The notary cannot notarize a signature based on a phone call, video (except under specific online-notarization law), or a document dropped off by someone else.
Law Reference: CA Civil Code §1185Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- When a signer executes a document with a mark (such as an X) instead of a signature, what does California require?
- How may a credible witness be used in an acknowledgment?
- What should a notary do when presented with a document that has blank spaces to be filled in later?
- What should a notary do if the signer appears confused, heavily medicated, or unable to understand the transaction?
- When administering an oath, what is a common and proper practice?
- An acknowledgment certificate must include a venue showing what?
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