Notary at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles
How to get a document notarized for someone held at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles: identification, arranging the visit, and what families usually need signed.
Home Facilities We Serve MDC Los Angeles
Quick answer
A mobile notary can notarize for a person held at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles (535 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles), but the facility controls access, so the visit has to be arranged first. Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate IDs aren’t on California’s list of acceptable IDs, so the person needs another acceptable ID, such as a California driver’s license or ID issued within five years or a passport. Call (424) 484-9268 and we’ll help you plan it.
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About MDC Los Angeles
The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Los Angeles is a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility in Downtown Los Angeles, mostly holding people with pending federal cases.
We are an independent mobile notary service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We come at the request of patients, inmates and their families.
Identification
California’s list of acceptable IDs (Civil Code § 1185) includes inmate IDs from the state prison system and sheriffs’ departments, but not federal Bureau of Prisons IDs. The person needs another acceptable ID, often held in their property or brought in as the facility allows. Credible witnesses are only possible if the facility lets them in.
Arranging the visit
- Contact the facility (or the person’s attorney or unit team) to learn how notary or professional visits are approved and scheduled, and how documents reach the person in custody.
- Complete the document fully beforehand; a notary can’t fill in blanks.
- Have the person’s full name exactly as on their ID, their booking, CDCR or register number, and housing location ready.
- Book with us once the visit is approved. Correctional facility visits carry an added travel fee and can involve long waits; see our Policies.
Facilities set and change their own rules on hours, what visitors may bring in (including a notary’s journal and seal) and how long visits last. Confirm right before the appointment.
Documents families usually need
- Powers of attorney so a family member can handle finances, property, a car or a business
- Grant or quitclaim deeds
- Consent letters for children, including travel consent
- Affidavits and declarations for court or agencies
Common questions
Can a notary visit someone at MDC Los Angeles?
Yes, once the facility approves the visit. The facility controls scheduling and what can be brought in.
What ID does the person in custody need?
Federal inmate IDs aren’t accepted under California law. The person needs another acceptable ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport that is current or issued within five years.
Related guides
- Prison NotaryState prisons (CDCR) and federal facilities: ID rules and visit planning.
- Acceptable IDEvery ID a California notary can accept, the 5-year rule, and what doesn’t count.
- Power of AttorneyDurable, financial and limited POAs: notary vs. witnesses, recording and copies.
- Credible WitnessesHow to be notarized without ID: who qualifies and what they swear to.
Need a notary at MDC Los Angeles?
Call (424) 484-9268 and we’ll help you plan the visit.