For older residents of Mar Vista, the easiest notary appointment is the one that comes to the house. We visit seniors across 90066 every week, usually set up by a son or daughter, for powers of attorney, health care directives, deeds and bank forms.
Check the ID first
This is where most senior appointments get stuck. The ID has to be current or issued within the last five years. A license from 2015 that expired years ago won’t work. A California ID card from the DMV is a good replacement for someone who no longer drives. If there’s no usable ID, California allows credible witnesses, with strict rules about who can serve.
Pick the right time of day
Book when your parent is usually most alert and rested, often mid-morning. We’ll talk with them directly to confirm they understand what they’re signing and want to sign it. They should answer for themselves, even if a family member made the booking. Our guide on notarizing for someone with dementia explains what we look for.
If your parent can’t sign their name
Someone who can’t write a signature because of arthritis, a stroke or another condition may be able to sign by making a mark, with witnesses, under California’s rules. See signature by mark, and tell us when you book.
Common documents
- Durable powers of attorney for finances
- Advance health care directives
- Deeds moving a house into a trust, or adding a child to title
- Bank and brokerage forms that ask for notarization
We can’t advise which documents your parent should sign; an elder law attorney can. Sensitive documents carry a higher travel fee; see our Policies. For same-day help, see our Mar Vista mobile notary page.
Need a notary? We come to you anywhere in Los Angeles County, 24/7 by appointment. Book online or call (424) 484-9268.