When qualifying a document for notarization, what are we looking for?
Documents can be signed in any color ink; blue ink is not a requirement for notarization.
Notarial wording is important, but the primary focus is on the signer's identity and willingness.
Notarization does not require prior recording with the county clerk.
California Government Code §8202 requires the notary to complete the prescribed certificate for the specific notarial act, and Civil Code §1189 sets the acknowledgment form requirements, including the venue, date, signer identity statement, and notary signature and seal. A document is therefore qualified only if it is sufficiently complete for the requested act and the certificate wording matches that act; the notary may not select or alter an improper certificate to fit a different notarization.
Notarization requires verifying the identity of the signer and the document's purpose.
Notarization requires verifying signer identity, not just acts specified in wording.
Explanation
When qualifying a document for notarization, we look for whether the document is complete and whether the notarial certificate wording is proper for the requested notarization. The certificate must include the wording needed for the requested act.