Situation guide
Jail and custody signings
A notary can come to a jail, but only after the facility approves the visit, and only if the person in custody can be identified. Those are the two things that stop most jail signings.
Updated 2026-10-31 by Michael Seutin, California Notary Public, commission 2518648.
Who arranges the visit?
You do, before calling the notary. Contact the facility and ask for permission, a date and a time for a notary visit. Families often don't know this step exists.
What ID works for someone in jail?
Their usual ID is often in their property and out of reach. In California, an inmate ID issued by the sheriff's department is accepted while the person is in custody in a local jail (Civil Code §1185). Ask the facility to confirm it will be available at the visit.
From the signings
"Jail signings are complex and a lot of work. Most of the time, when ID is the problem, it doesn't get solved and the notarization doesn't happen."
Before you book
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Get the facility's approval, date and time first
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Confirm which ID the person will have: their own, or the inmate ID
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Have the documents complete except for the signature
General information about how documents are executed, not advice about your situation. A notary public is not an attorney. The full disclaimer.