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National Notary Association
The National Notary Bulletin

Are there restrictions where I can advertise Notary services?

By NNA Staff

Am I able to post an ad on Google that lets people know that I am a commissioned Notary Public? — J.W., California

Yes, you may advertise on Google. California’s restrictions on advertising is specific to the information you are advertising, not the method.  When advertising, only promote the services you are permitted to perform as a Notary Public.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.




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9 Comments

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Cynthia A. Avalos

20 Jan 2026

I am considering working towards obtaining my notary license in CA. I was thinking of ways to promote myself and want to know if it would be acceptable to promote myself at events such as car shows, craft events, vendor events and other related events? I would purchase a space, set up a canopy, give out pens and business cards. Is this permitted?

National Notary Association

23 Jan 2026

Hello. In California, the main restriction for Notaries advertising their services is that if you advertise in a foreign language you may not use the Spanish language phrase 'notario publico' in advertising and if not an attorney, you must post a notice as follows: “(a) Every notary public who is not an attorney who advertises the services of a notary public in a language other than English by signs or other means of written communication, with the exception of a single desk plaque, shall post with that advertisement a notice in English and in the other language which sets forth the following: “(1) This statement: I am not an attorney and, therefore, cannot give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matters. “(2) The fees set by statute which a notary public may charge. “(b) The notice required by subdivision (a) shall be printed and posted as prescribed by the Secretary of State. “(c) Literal translation of the phrase ‘notary public’ into Spanish, hereby defined as ‘notario publico’ or ‘notario,’ is prohibited. For purposes of this subdivision, ‘literal translation’ of a word or phrase from one language to another means the translation of a word or phrase without regard to the true meaning of the word or phrase in the language which is being translated” (GC 8219.5[a]-[[c]). Also, there are restrictions on advertising as both an immigration consultant and a Notary in California: “A notary public who holds himself or herself out as being an immigration specialist, immigration consultant or any other title or description reflecting an expertise in immigration matters shall not advertise in any manner whatsoever that he or she is a notary public” (GC 8223[a]). As long as you follow the rules above, promotions such as giving out pens and business cards are perfectly acceptable. You can find other promotion suggestions in this article: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/05/22-ways-make-money-as-notary

jasonlick@gmail.com

11 Dec 2022

Is there a law that prohibits Notaries to give subscriptions to customers in California?

National Notary Association

14 Dec 2022

Hello. Effective January 1, 2017, the maximum fees that a California Notary may charge for a notarial act are: Notarizing a signature, either by acknowledgment, proof or jurat: $15 per signature of principal (GC 8211[a] and [b]); Administering an oath or affirmation, apart from a jurat: $15 per person (GC 8211[b]); For all services rendered in connection with taking a deposition: $30, plus $7 for the oath and $7 for the certificate (GC 8211[c]); For certifying a copy of a power of attorney, $15 (GC 8211[e]); For a photocopy of a journal entry: $0.30 per page (GC 8206[c]). You may not charge your customers an amount for notarizing that exceeds these statutory limits.

sasaylor1970@cox.net

08 Apr 2021

Same question as the article, but for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Thank you.

National Notary Association

09 Apr 2021

Hello. While Virginia does not restrict where Notaries can advertise, the state does have the following restrictions regarding advertising content using foreign-language terms: "A notary public shall not assume, use, or advertise the title of ‘notario,’ ‘notario publico,’ or ‘licenciado,’ or a term in a language other than English that indicates in such language that the notary is authorized to provide legal advice or practice law, unless such notary public is authorized or licensed to practice law in Virginia” (COV 47.1-15.1).

Dawn Thomas

12 Sep 2020

I would like to see a reply to this question. I have purchased a home with my husband and was not on the loan yet the title company was requesting all of my information as well.

Rhonda Lippencott

08 Sep 2020

The Patriot Act form is to be completed for all signers on the loan. When you have a non-borrowing spouse the non-borrower information is not to be completed as they are not obtaining credit/loan from the lender. It is a violation of HIPPA to disclose the non-borrowers information, however, several title companies require the information. Please advise how we are to inform the title/mortgage companies this is a violation and we are not to complete the form.

National Notary Association

08 Sep 2020

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

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