Red Oak Notary & Fingerprinting Services, LLC is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect information obtained through our website and in connection with our services.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly:

• Full legal name
• Email address and telephone number
• Physical address and location information
• Service type and document details
• Scheduling preferences and special instructions
• Payment information (processed via secure third-party processors)
• Government-issued identification type presented at notarization (type and issuing agency only — we do not retain copies)

Information Collected Automatically:

• IP address and general geolocation data
• Browser type, version, and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent, and referring URLs
• Device identifiers and screen resolution
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

Live Scan Fingerprinting Data: Biometric fingerprint data is transmitted directly and electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Red Oak does not retain, store, or otherwise possess biometric fingerprint data following transmission. All processing complies with California Penal Code sections 11100 et seq.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To process and fulfill your service requests and appointments
• To communicate regarding scheduling, confirmations, and follow-up
• To process payments and issue receipts
• To comply with our legal obligations as California-commissioned notaries public, including maintaining required notary journal records
• To improve our Site and Services
• To send occasional service announcements (with opt-out options)
• To resolve disputes and enforce our Terms
• To detect and prevent fraud or unauthorized use of our Services

3. Legal Basis & Mandatory Record-Keeping

As California-commissioned notaries public, we are legally required by California Government Code section 8206 to maintain a sequential notary journal of all official notarial acts, including: date and time, type of document, type of identification presented, fee charged, and the signature of each signer. This journal is subject to inspection pursuant to Government Code section 8206(d) and may be subpoenaed by a court.

Upon expiration or revocation of the notary commission, journal records must be delivered to the county clerk's office per Government Code section 8209. We retain business records for a minimum of seven (7) years.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information for marketing purposes. We may share your information in limited circumstances:

• Service providers: Third-party vendors who assist in operating our Site or processing payments — contractually bound to protect your information
• Legal compliance: When required by law, court order, subpoena, or to protect the rights and safety of Red Oak, clients, or the public
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger or sale of assets, subject to the same privacy protections
• Government agencies: California DOJ and FBI — for Live Scan fingerprinting transmission only
• With your consent: In any other circumstance where you have given explicit consent

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

• Essential cookies: Required for the Site to function properly
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our Site (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Functional cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

You may control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain Site functionality. We do not use cookies for cross-site tracking or behavioral advertising.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information. Our Site uses SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission. However, no method of electronic storage is 100% secure.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, comply with legal obligations (including notary journal requirements), resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Business records are generally retained for seven (7) years following the last service transaction.

8. Your Rights

• Right to access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Right to correction: Request correction of inaccurate personal information
• Right to deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to our legal record-keeping obligations
• Right to opt out: Opt out of promotional communications at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@redoaknotaryservices.com. We will respond within 45 days as required by California law.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review third-party privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Site and Services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child under 18 without verification of parental consent, we will delete that information.