Frequently Asked Questions About Notary, Jail Wedding, and Hospital Notary Services

Pass Notary & Weddings provides mobile notary, jail wedding, hospital notary, and apostille services throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Below are answers to the questions our clients ask most often. If your question is not answered here, call or text 951-723-7254 — Abraham Zamora is available seven days a week and provides all services in English and Spanish.

Jail Notary Questions

How do I get a notary to come to a jail in San Bernardino or Riverside County?

​Contact Pass Notary & Weddings at 951-723-7254 to schedule a mobile notary visit at any jail in San Bernardino or Riverside County. Abraham Zamora provides same-day jail notary services at Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside, West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County Detention Center, and Larry D. Smith Detention Center in Banning. He coordinates scheduling with the facility and handles all identification verification requirements.

Can an inmate sign legal documents with a notary?

​Yes. Under California law, an inmate can sign and have documents notarized as long as they are mentally competent, willing to sign, and can present valid identification. Common documents notarized in jail include powers of attorney, property deeds, vehicle title transfers, legal declarations, and divorce paperwork. The notary must have the credentials and experience required to enter the facility, and the visit must be scheduled through the jail’s administrative process.

How much does a jail notary visit cost?

Pass Notary & Weddings charges a flat rate of $300 for jail notary visits at Robert Presley Detention Center, West Valley Detention Center, San Bernardino County Detention Center, and Larry D. Smith Detention Center. The flat rate includes up to four notarized signatures, with each additional signature beyond four at $25. The fee also includes unlimited return trips at no additional charge — if the facility turns the notary away due to a lockdown, staffing shortage, or other issue, Abraham returns on a different date at no extra cost. The only exception is if the inmate refuses to sign, in which case the full fee applies. Pass Notary & Weddings also serves facilities outside the standard service area, including Adelanto Detention Center and Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta, at a flat rate of $500 with the same signature structure. Call or text 951-723-7254 to schedule.​

What identification does an inmate need for a notarization?

The inmate only needs their jail-issued ID, which all inmates receive at booking. No outside identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport is required for a jail notarization. The jail-issued ID is sufficient under California notary law for verifying identity during a notarization at the facility.

Can I get a power of attorney notarized for someone in jail?

Yes. Power of attorney documents are one of the most commonly notarized documents in jail settings. A mobile notary visits the inmate at the detention facility to notarize a durable, general, or limited power of attorney. The inmate must be the one signing the document and must be mentally competent. Pass Notary & Weddings regularly handles jail power of attorney notarizations at facilities throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Jail Wedding Questions

How do I get married in jail in San Bernardino County?

The jail wedding process requires four steps: First, the inmate signs a notarized Inability to Appear form — this allows you to obtain the marriage license without the inmate present at the County Clerk’s office. Second, you visit the San Bernardino County Clerk’s office with the notarized form to apply for the marriage license. Third, an authorized officiant performs the wedding ceremony at the jail. Fourth, you record the signed marriage license with the County Clerk after the ceremony. Pass Notary & Weddings manages this entire process from start to finish. Call or text 951-723-7254.

How do I get married in jail in Riverside County?

The process is the same as San Bernardino County. The inmate signs a notarized Inability to Appear form, you obtain a marriage license from the San Bernardino County Clerk's office (all jail wedding marriage licenses in the region go through SB County Clerk, regardless of which county the jail is in), an authorized officiant performs the wedding ceremony at the jail, and you record the signed marriage license with the County Clerk after the ceremony. Pass Notary & Weddings provides complete jail wedding packages at Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside and Larry D. Smith Detention Center in Banning. Call or text 951-723-7254.

How much does a jail wedding cost?

​Jail wedding costs include the Inability to Appear notarization, the county marriage license fee, the officiant’s ceremony fee, and travel to the facility. Pass Notary & Weddings offers complete jail wedding packages starting at $899 that cover every step from the initial Inability to Appear notarization through the ceremony at the jail. The county marriage license fee (approximately $100) is paid separately and directly to the County Clerk’s office. Call or text 951-723-7254 for current package pricing.

What is an Inability to Appear form?

An Inability to Appear form is a legal document signed by the incarcerated person that authorizes the County Clerk to issue a marriage license without the inmate’s physical presence at the clerk’s office. The form must be notarized by a certified notary who visits the jail. This is the critical first step in the jail wedding process — without it, the County Clerk cannot process the marriage license application. Pass Notary & Weddings handles this step as part of the complete jail wedding package.

Can a notary perform a wedding in jail in California?

No. A notary public cannot perform a wedding ceremony solely in their capacity as a notary. A wedding ceremony must be performed by an authorized wedding officiant — such as an ordained minister, judge, or other person authorized by California law. The notary's role in a jail wedding is limited to notarizing the Inability to Appear form, and the notary and the officiant must be two different people. Abraham Zamora of Pass Notary & Weddings is a notary and an authorized wedding officiant who performs jail wedding ceremonies. When performing jail wedding ceremonies, Abraham has a separate notary handle the Inability to Appear notarization.

Can you get married while in jail in California?

Yes. California law allows incarcerated individuals to marry. The process requires a notarized Inability to Appear form signed by the inmate, a marriage license issued by the County Clerk, a ceremony performed by an authorized officiant at the facility, and recording the signed license with the county. The entire process typically takes three to five days. The non-incarcerated partner handles the steps outside the jail, while the incarcerated partner signs the Inability to Appear form and participates in the ceremony.

How long does the jail wedding process take?

​The complete process — from the initial Inability to Appear notarization through the ceremony — typically takes three to five days. The timeline depends on how quickly the required documents are gathered, the County Clerk’s appointment availability, and the jail’s scheduling process for the ceremony visit. Pass Notary & Weddings coordinates all scheduling to move the process along as quickly as possible.

Do I need witnesses for a jail wedding?

No. Pass Notary & Weddings uses a confidential marriage license for jail weddings, which does not require witnesses. This simplifies the process since most jails limit the number of visitors allowed. A maximum of two visitors are permitted during the ceremony at most facilities.

What do I need for a jail wedding in San Bernardino County?

You need: non-expired government-issued photo IDs for both partners. The inmate can use a jail-issued ID for the notarization; for the marriage license, a birth certificate plus any photo ID is an acceptable alternative. If either party was divorced within the past year, divorce decree paperwork is required. You also need the marriage license application fee (approximately $100, paid to the County Clerk). Pass Notary & Weddings provides a complete checklist and guides you through every requirement.  Call or text 951-723-7254.

How to get married at Robert Presley Detention Center?

Robert Presley Detention Center is located at 4000 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501. It is a Riverside County facility. The marriage license is obtained through the San Bernardino County Clerk’s office. Pass Notary & Weddings provides complete jail wedding services at Robert Presley, including the Inability to Appear notarization, marriage license appointment assistance, the ceremony, and guidance on recording the license. Call or text 951-723-7254 to begin.

How to get married at West Valley Detention Center?

West Valley Detention Center is located at 9500 Etiwanda Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. It is a San Bernardino County facility. The marriage license is obtained through the San Bernardino County Recorder-Clerk’s office. Pass Notary & Weddings provides complete jail wedding packages at West Valley Detention Center, handling every step from the Inability to Appear through the ceremony. Call or text 951-723-7254.

Hospital Notary Questions

Can a hospital patient sign a power of attorney?

Yes, as long as the patient is mentally competent, alert, aware of what they are signing, and willing to sign. A mobile notary can come to the patient's bedside to notarize the document. This is common for patients who need to authorize a family member to make financial or medical decisions during their hospital stay. Pass Notary & Weddings provides same-day hospital notary services at Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, St. Bernardine Medical Center, and Community Hospital of San Bernardino.

What documents do I need for a power of attorney for my parent in the hospital?

You need: the power of attorney document itself, completely filled out before the notary arrives (your attorney can prepare this, or standard California forms are available). The person granting the power must have a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID and must be mentally competent and willing to sign. Pass Notary & Weddings can notarize the document at the hospital bedside on a same-day basis.

How much does a hospital notary cost?

Pass Notary & Weddings charges a flat rate of $200 for hospital notary visits, which includes up to four notarized signatures. Each additional signature beyond four is $25. This rate applies to bedside notarizations at Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, St. Bernardine Medical Center, and Community Hospital of San Bernardino. Call or text 951-723-7254 to schedule.

Can I get a notary at Loma Linda University Medical Center?

Yes. Pass Notary & Weddings regularly provides mobile notary services at Loma Linda University Medical Center, located at 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354. Services include notarizing powers of attorney, advance health care directives, wills, deeds, and other legal documents at the patient’s bedside. Same-day service is available. Call or text 951-723-7254.

Can I get a notary at Redlands Community Hospital?

Yes. Pass Notary & Weddings provides bedside notary services at Redlands Community Hospital, located at 350 Terracina Boulevard, Redlands, CA 92373. Common requests include power of attorney, advance health care directives, and other time-sensitive legal documents. Same-day service is available. Call or text 951-723-7254.

What is an advance health care directive and do I need a notary?

An advance health care directive is a legal document that lets you name someone to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to make them yourself. In California, an advance health care directive must be either notarized or signed by two qualified witnesses to be legally valid. Having it notarized provides stronger legal standing. Pass Notary & Weddings can notarize your advance health care directive at your home, hospital, or care facility.

Apostille Questions

What is the process for getting an apostille in California?

The California apostille process involves determining whether your document needs authentication by the Secretary of State or requires additional steps, preparing the document (some documents need certified copies first), submitting to the California Secretary of State's office for apostille certification, and receiving the authenticated document. Standard processing typically takes two to four weeks. Expedited processing is available and can be completed in approximately one week for an additional fee. Pass Notary & Weddings handles the complete apostille process on your behalf so you don't have to navigate the requirements yourself. Call or text 951-723-7254.​

How much does an apostille cost in California?

Pass Notary & Weddings charges a $220 processing fee plus $75 per document for standard apostille service. This includes the Secretary of State's certification fee, document preparation, and handling. Expedited processing, which reduces the timeline to approximately one week, is available for an additional $25 per document. Expedited service is only available for California documents — out-of-state apostilles require standard processing through that state's Secretary of State and cannot be expedited. Call or text 951-723-7254 to discuss your specific documents and timeline.

What documents can be apostilled in California?

Common documents that can receive a California apostille include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, court orders, corporate documents (articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing), notarized documents, and school transcripts or diplomas. The document must originate from California or be a federal document processed through California. If your document was issued by a different state, the apostille must go through that state's Secretary of State — Pass Notary & Weddings can handle out-of-state apostilles as well.

General Notary Questions

What do I need to get a document notarized?

​You need: the document to be notarized (completely filled out — do not leave blanks), a valid non-expired government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID), and all signers must be present, mentally competent, and willing to sign.

How much does a mobile notary cost?

Pass Notary & Weddings charges a flat rate of $100 for mobile notary visits within the local service area, which includes Redlands, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highland, Colton, and Yucaipa. The rate covers up to four notarized signatures, with each additional signature at $25. For locations outside the local area — including Banning, Beaumont, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Rialto, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and surrounding communities — the flat rate is $150 with the same signature structure. Service is available seven days a week, 8 AM to 7 PM.

Do you offer notary services in Spanish?

Yes. Pass Notary & Weddings provides fully bilingual notary and wedding officiant services in English and Spanish. Abraham Zamora is a native Spanish speaker and can explain the notarization process and answer questions in Spanish. Hablamos Español

What areas do you serve?

Pass Notary & Weddings serves the entire Inland Empire including Redlands, San Bernardino, Riverside, Loma Linda, Highland, Colton, Yucaipa, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Ontario, Moreno Valley, Banning, and surrounding communities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Service is available seven days a week, 8 AM to 7 PM. Call or text 951-723-7254.

Still Have Questions? Contact Pass Notary & Weddings

Pass Notary & Weddings provides mobile notary, jail wedding, hospital notary, and apostille services at Robert Presley Detention Center, West Valley Detention Center, San Bernardino County Detention Center, Larry D. Smith Detention Center, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, St. Bernardine Medical Center, and Community Hospital of San Bernardino. Abraham Zamora is available seven days a week with bilingual service in English and Spanish. Call or text 951-723-7254 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment or ask about your specific situation.