1. Not Legal Advice

California notaries public are expressly prohibited under California Business and Professions Code section 6125 from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Prohibited acts include: the preparation, drafting, or selection of legal documents; advising on the legal effect of any document; selecting the type of notarization on behalf of a signer; and providing legal counsel of any kind.

If you require legal advice, document preparation, or guidance on the legal implications of any document, you must consult a licensed California attorney.

2. No Attorney-Client Relationship

No attorney-client relationship is formed by your use of our Site, submission of any form, or engagement of our services. Red Oak is a notary and fingerprinting service only.

3. Notary Limitations Under California Law

California notaries public are ministerial officers whose duties are prescribed exclusively by statute. A notary public's role is limited to:

• Taking acknowledgments
• Administering oaths and affirmations
• Certifying copies of powers of attorney
• Certifying copies of certain documents
• Completing jurats (verification on oath or affirmation)
• Proving execution by a subscribing witness

A California notary public does not and cannot verify the accuracy, legality, or appropriateness of the content of any document. Notarization authenticates the identity of the signer and the act of signing — not the truth or validity of the document's contents.

4. Live Scan Fingerprinting Disclaimer

Red Oak is an authorized Live Scan fingerprinting service provider. We submit fingerprint data electronically to the California Department of Justice and/or the FBI as directed by the requesting agency. We do not control, interpret, or have access to background check results.

Background check results are provided by the DOJ and/or FBI directly to the requesting agency — not to Red Oak or the applicant. Red Oak makes no representations or warranties regarding the outcome of any background check or the accuracy of any database maintained by law enforcement agencies.

Live Scan fingerprinting requires a completed Request for Live Scan Service form (BCII 8016 or equivalent) provided by the requesting agency. It is the applicant's sole responsibility to obtain the correct form and billing information from the requesting agency before the appointment.

5. Apostille Disclaimer

Red Oak provides notarial preparation and guidance for documents intended for apostille certification. Apostille certification is issued by the California Secretary of State — not by Red Oak. Red Oak does not guarantee apostille issuance and is not responsible for any delays, rejections, or complications arising from the Secretary of State's review process.

The client is solely responsible for ensuring that documents submitted for apostille meet all requirements of the destination country and the California Secretary of State.

6. Errors & Omissions Insurance

All Red Oak signing agents maintain Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. However, E&O insurance does not cover fraud, intentional misconduct, or acts outside the scope of notarial duties. The existence of E&O insurance is not a guarantee of any particular outcome or payment of any claim.

7. Website Information Accuracy

While we strive to ensure all information on this Site is accurate and current, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of any information on the Site. Laws and regulations affecting notaries public change over time, and information on this Site may not reflect the most current legal developments.

Always consult current California law and a licensed attorney for legal guidance regarding your specific situation.

8. Limitation of Reliance

You rely on information provided on this Site and by our agents at your own risk. Red Oak expressly disclaims liability for any errors or omissions in Site content and for any losses resulting from reliance on Site information. Information on this Site is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice of any kind.