Skip to main content

Notarizing your VS-20

After you fill out your VS-20 form as detailed on the previous page, you'll need to notarize it. Notarizing a document means visiting a Notary Public, who is a person entrusted by the state to verify your identity.

The Notary Public will look at your ID, verify that you are who you say you are, fill out the Certificate of Acknowledgement, and stamp and sign your form. Then, they'll have you fill out the portion of the VS-20 that has to be completed in their presence. Once the notarization is complete, they'll have you sign and provide your fingerprint in their record book so that they have a record of the notarization.

Where to notarize a document

Notaries can be found in many places. Most UPS stores have a notary. That's where I notarized my VS-20. If you use a UPS store's notary services, verify on their website that the location you're visiting has a notary before going. Once you arrive, tell the cashier that you need to notarize a document and they'll get the notary for you.

What to bring

A notary may refuse to accept your court order. In this case, you can have them fill out the Certificate of Acknowledgement on the VS-20 using the name on your form of ID. The CDPH will accept that.
 

When you visit a notary, you will need your partially filled out VS-20 form, a form of photo ID such as a driver's license or passport, your name change court order, and a payment method to pay for the notary's services. In California, notaries cannot charge you more than $15 for their services by law. In other states, the cost of a notary's services may vary.

Back to top