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Notary · California

Website advertising rules for notaries in California

Notaries answer to their regulator's advertising and conduct rules as well as to privacy law. This is what California Government Code §8219.5 (non-attorney notary advertising) means for your website: testimonials, claims, fees, titles and the details you must show. It applies only to sites of that profession, and only where you are licensed. For the general laws every site in California must follow, see California's laws.

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California Government Code §8219.5 (non-attorney notary advertising)

In force; text last updated 1 Jan 1999 and verified current on a mirror on 9 Nov 2026 (the official leginfo site blocked automated access).

Who it covers: California notaries who are not attorneys. Set by the California Secretary of State, Notary Public Section.

What it requires of a website or app (3)

  • Advertising in a language other than English carries, in English and that language, the statement "I am not an attorney and, therefore, cannot give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matters" and the statutory fees (if the site advertises notary services in a language other than English)AI review§8219.5(a)(1)-(2)
  • The notice is printed and posted as the Secretary of State prescribes (if the site advertises notary services in a language other than English)AI review§8219.5(b)
  • No literal Spanish translation of "notary public" ("notario publico", "notario") is usedAI review§8219.5(c)

Sources:Cal. Gov. Code §8219.5

Rules for notaries in other markets

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A plain-language summary of what each law requires of a website or app, from the SafeLaunch rulebook, with the provision and official sources. It is not legal advice and not every duty in each law is listed.