Q: What rule defines what documents have to be signed under penalty of perjury?
What rule defines what documents have to be signed under penalty of perjury?
A: There isn't one law or rule that encompasses every document that needs to be notarized. It would depend on the specific document.
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A:
In California, Code of Civil Procedure Section 2015.5 establishes the basic framework for documents requiring verification under penalty of perjury. This statute outlines that any matter required or permitted to be supported by sworn statement, affidavit, or declaration may instead be supported by an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury.
Various California statutes and regulations specifically mandate certain documents to be signed under penalty of perjury. For example, court filings, tax returns, business license applications, and many government forms must include this verification. Government Code Section 8202 also requires notaries public to complete their journal entries with a declaration under penalty of perjury.
The requirement typically applies to documents where truthfulness and accuracy are particularly important for legal or administrative purposes. When you're unsure whether a specific document needs this verification, you should consult the relevant California statute, regulation, or agency guideline governing that particular document type. Remember that making false statements under penalty of perjury can result in criminal charges, including potential jail time and fines.
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