Notary Public Lori Senff joined the Five Cities Law Center in 2009, and looks forward to the opportunity to serve you.  A notary public is an individual authorized by the State of California to officially witness signatures on legal documents, collect sworn statements, and administer oaths. 

The primary role of a notary is to serve the public as an impartial witness when important documents are signed.  A notary public verifies the names and identities of the parties involved in the signing.  A notary’s functions are also to take affidavits and statutory declarations, witness and authenticate the execution of certain classes of documents, take acknowledgements of deeds and other conveyances, and protest notes and bills of exchange.  Any such act is known as a “notarization”.  Certain legal documents are required to be notarized in order to be recognized in Court.  The use of a notary seal is required.

In California, notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State for four-year terms.  In order to qualify for appointment, one must complete a mandatory course of study, pass the notary exam, and undergo an expanded FBI and Department of Justice background check.

Ms. Senff charges the basic notary fee of $10.00 per notarized signature.  This fee is set by the California Secretary of State.  All persons requiring her services must:  (1) show proper current identification; (2) sign all documents in person; and, (3) be 100% capable of understanding the terms of notarization.  Proper current identification includes a passport, California driver’s license, California DMV ID, out-of-state picture driver’s license, alien registration/green card picture ID, or military ID.

Notary Public Lori Senff offers notary services Monday through Friday in the afternoons from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  No appointment is necessary, but she recommends that you call ahead of time to make sure that she is available.  Please call Ms. Senff at: (805) 489-1031.