The notary step

Updated

Our agreement is signed online and needs no notary. The Controller's own claim form is different: it needs a wet-ink signature, and often a notary.

When the claim form must be notarized

Almost every claim we file is $10,000 or more, so plan on a notary.

What it costs

California caps the fee a notary may charge for an acknowledgment at $15 per signature (Government Code section 8211). A business claim usually has one signer, so the notarial fee is typically $15. A mobile notary who comes to your office may add a travel fee, which is not capped by that section. You pay the notary directly.

How we help

  1. We pre-fill the claim form and mark where to sign. Do not sign before you are in front of the notary.
  2. We help arrange a mobile notary to come to your office at a time that suits you, or you can use a notary near you, such as at your bank or a shipping store.
  3. Bring photo ID. The notary checks the signer's identity.
  4. Send us the original by tracked mail. The Controller does not accept claim packages by email or fax.

Online notarization

California notaries cannot yet perform remote online notarization; the state's system is still being built. Whether the Controller accepts an online notarization performed by an out-of-state notary is not settled yet. Until it is, we use in-person notaries.

Common questions

Can a power of attorney sign the claim form instead?

Generally no. The Controller requires the claimant's own signature; a power of attorney is accepted only in narrow medical situations.

Does the agreement with RecoverOwed need a notary?

No. The Controller's investigator handbook says notarization of the agreement is not required. Only the Controller's claim form may need one.

Can the notary be in another state?

An in-person notary in another state can notarize the form under that state's rules. Tell us where the signer is and we will arrange it.

Sources

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