When can a notary use a post office box as their address?

A notary may use a post office box as their address only if they also provide their home address. This requirement exists because notaries need to have a physical location where they can be contacted and where they perform their duties. Using just a post office box can lead to challenges in verifying the notary's identity and physical presence.

In California, the law specifies that a notary's address must reflect a location where they can be reached. Therefore, providing a home address along with a post office box aligns with legal requirements, ensuring accountability and transparency in the notarial process. It allows clients and authorities to verify the notary's identity more easily while also providing a method of contact through the postal system.

This provision primarily supports the integrity of notarial acts by keeping the process accessible and transparent.