Which item is essential for a California Notary to have when officiating a notarization?

A California Notary Public must possess an official seal when officiating a notarization. This seal is a vital tool that serves as a form of authentication for the notarial act being performed. The seal provides important information such as the notary's name, the state of California, and the commission number, which helps to verify the legitimacy of the notarization.

While a witness can sometimes be involved in certain notarizations, it is not a requirement for all notarial acts. Additionally, a valid driver's license or other form of identification is helpful for confirming the identity of the signer, but it is not considered essential for the notary themselves to possess. Likewise, having a legal advisor on hand is generally not necessary during the notarization process, as notaries do not provide legal advice during the act of notarization. The official seal is the only item that is a universal requirement for the completion of notarizations in California.