Quick facts
- POA must be signed in person before a California notary
- We send the form blank — never pre-filled (state notary law)
- Notary acknowledgment language must meet California requirements
- Apostilled by the California Secretary of State
- Consult an attorney for the POA's legal scope — we handle the apostille
What to know
California notary law requires that the signer be physically present, sign in front of the notary, and that the notary verify identity — so a POA that arrives pre-filled and pre-signed cannot be properly notarized. We provide a clean POA template and a notary checklist, you take it to any California notary to complete and sign, and we handle the California Secretary of State apostille from there. For the legal substance of the POA (powers granted, durability, real-estate rules in the destination country), please consult an attorney.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pre-fill the POA for me?
No. California notary law requires the signer to fill out and sign in front of the notary. We provide the blank template and a notary checklist instead.
Do you give legal advice on POA scope?
No — the legal substance (powers granted, durability, real-estate rules in the destination country) is an attorney's job. We handle the notarization-and-apostille mechanics.
Can a remote online notarization (RON) work?
No — California notaries are not authorized to perform remote online notarizations, so a RON cannot be apostilled by the California Secretary of State. You must sign in front of an in-person California notary (or use a mobile notary who comes to you).