Can a mobile notary come to a hospital or nursing facility?
Yes. I provide mobile notary services at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, memory care facilities, and hospice locations throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. I travel directly to the patient's room whenever the facility permits visitors.
Does the patient have to be awake and alert?
Yes. California law requires every signer to be aware of what they are signing, willing to sign voluntarily, and able to communicate with the notary. If the signer is unconscious, heavily medicated, or unable to demonstrate awareness, I cannot legally complete the notarization.
Can you notarize a Power of Attorney in the hospital?
Yes, provided the signer has satisfactory identification, understands the document, is signing voluntarily, and the document is complete before the appointment. I cannot prepare or explain Power of Attorney documents.
Can you notarize estate planning documents at a hospital?
Yes. I regularly notarize trusts, Powers of Attorney, certifications of trust, affidavits, and other attorney-prepared estate planning documents at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and care facilities.
What identification is required for notarization?
The signer must present valid identification that complies with California notary law, such as a California driver's license, California identification card, U.S. passport, or another acceptable government-issued photo ID.
What if the patient cannot physically sign?
California law permits a Signature by Mark under certain circumstances. In limited situations, a Signature by Proxy may also be available when legal requirements are satisfied. Please let me know before the appointment if either situation may apply.
Do I need witnesses?
Some documents require witnesses in addition to notarization. Requirements depend on the document itself. Please review your paperwork or consult the document preparer or attorney before the appointment.
Can hospital employees act as witnesses?
Many hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities do not permit employees to serve as witnesses. It is best to confirm the facility's policy before the appointment. If witnesses are needed, arrangements should be made in advance.
How quickly can you arrive at the hospital?
Same-day and emergency hospital notary appointments are available whenever scheduling permits. Because hospital situations are often urgent, I make every effort to prioritize these appointments throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
Which hospitals and care facilities do you serve?
I regularly travel to Stanford Hospital, El Camino Health, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente hospitals, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Sequoia Hospital, and many assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and hospice facilities throughout the area.
Can you notarize documents in the ICU?
Yes, provided the hospital permits visitors and the signer is alert, aware, willing to sign, and able to communicate directly with me during the notarization.
What happens if the patient is discharged before the appointment?
Please contact me as soon as possible. If timing allows, I can often meet the signer at their home, rehabilitation facility, assisted living community, or another approved location instead.
Can you explain the documents to the patient?
No. California Notaries Public cannot provide legal advice or explain the legal effect of documents. If questions arise about the document itself, they should be directed to the attorney or person who prepared it before the notarization.
How do I schedule a hospital notary appointment?
Call or text (650) 675-7760 as soon as you know a notary is needed. Hospital appointments are often time-sensitive, and I make every effort to accommodate same-day and emergency requests.