FAQs for Students: Notarization
Q: What is a notarization? [show]
A: A notarization is verification that a document and the signature attached to it are authentic.
Q: How do I know if I need something notarized? [show]
A: Documents from the Office of the Registrar are official documents; a notarization is an additional security measure. If a third party requires a notarization, they will tell you.
Q: What types of documents does the Office of the Registrar notarize? [show]
A: The Office of the Registrar can notarize Certificates of Completion, Enrollment Verifications, Diplomas, and Official Transcripts for an additional special processing fee (listed on each request form). The Notary Public in the Office of the Registrar is the only person who can notarize these documents.
Q: What types of notarization do the Office of the Registrar perform? [show]
A: The Office of the Registrar will perform an acknowledgment unless you specify that you would like a jurat. An acknowledgment is the most commonly requested type of notarization.
Q: What if I need a copy of my diploma notarized? [show]
A: If a third party asks you to provide a notarized copy of your diploma or asks that your original diploma be notarized, you will need to complete the Diploma Notarization Request Form and submit the form along with your original diploma and payment to the Office of the Registrar, either in person or by mail. Our Notary Public will either notarize a copy of your diploma or notarize the original, depending on your request. The notarized document will be mailed back to you (along with your original diploma if you requested a notarized copy of your diploma) or made available for pick up at our office.
Q: What is an apostille? [show]
A: An apostille is made by the Secretary of State, verifying the authenticity of a public official signature on a document to be used outside the United States of America. Before you can request an apostille from the Secretary of State, your document will need to be notarized (or signed by an authorized public official). For more information, please see the following link: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/authentication.htm.
Revised: 08/24/17
