§ 1180 Document Proof Authorization

Civil Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that a paper (like a will or contract) can be signed or proven anywhere in the state as long as it's done before certain officials such as a judge, clerk, or the Secretary of the Senate.

Key Takeaways

•You can sign or prove a document anywhere in the state.
•It only needs a qualified official like a judge or clerk to witness it.
•The place doesn't have to be a courthouse.

Example

A person in a coffee shop wants to prove that a handwritten agreement they made is real.

They can go to a local judge or a court clerk and have that official witness the signing, and the agreement will be considered valid even though it wasn't done at a courthouse.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1180 Document Proof Authorization

The proof or acknowledgment of an instrument may be made at any place within this state before a justice, retired justice, or Clerk/Executive Officer of the Supreme Court, a justice, retired justice, or clerk of any court of appeal or judge or retired judge of a superior court, or the Secretary of the Senate or Chief Clerk of the Assembly. (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 36, Sec. 3. (AB 452) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

proof or acknowledgment instrument justice retired justice Clerk/Executive Officer of the Supreme Court Secretary of the Senate Chief Clerk of the Assembly

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1180.

Key Takeaways

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Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References