Are notaries public in California allowed to prepare legal documents?

In California, notaries public are not permitted to prepare legal documents unless they are licensed attorneys. This regulation is established to protect the public from unauthorized practice of law, ensuring that legal documents are prepared correctly and in accordance with the law. Notaries are primarily tasked with verifying the identity of signers and witnessing signatures on documents, rather than providing legal advice or preparing documents, which require specialized legal knowledge.

The restriction emphasizes the importance of only allowing those with the appropriate legal qualifications to engage in activities that can significantly impact individuals' rights and responsibilities. Therefore, a notary public without legal training or the requisite attorney's license should avoid document preparation to maintain ethical standards and adhere to state laws.