Notarizations at Prisons and Detention Centers

In addition to the $10 per signature a mobile notary charges to notarize a document at a California jail, prison or detention center, mobile notaries also charge additional fees for their services, such as travel fees, wait time, parking, etc.

At Pitchess Detention Centerin Castaic, California, notaries and attorneys are allowed to visit 7 days a week.. If the inmate's valid photo identification (such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport, etc.) is available for the notary to examine, a notarization can be done during a weekday for a lot less.

If the inmate's photo ID is NOT available, two credible witnesses may be used.** The witnesses must have an ID and be able to positively identify the inmate. They will be required to sign the notary journal. The witnesses will have to go into the facility with the notary on the weekend and wait in a long line for approximatley 3-4 hours. Of course, this will be more costly. Note: The two witnesses who may be used cannot have an interest in the transaction nor can they be named in the document being notarized.

** For marrying an inmate in Los Angeles County, the County Recorder's must see an original, valid photo ID for ALL parties. This includes the inmate and the other party to be married, as well as that of the wedding officiant.