In California, Family Code §7571(f) provides a list of authorized agencies that are qualified to witness a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage, including:

• Hospitals – At the time of birth
• County Offices of Registrar of Births and Deaths – Vital Records
• Courts – Family Law Facilitator
• Notary public
• County Welfare Departments – Health and Human Services Agency
• County Child Support Agency Offices

When signing a Declaration outside of California, a notary public* is the only authorized witness. A Declaration must be completed and signed by both parents with signatures properly witnessed and filed with the Parentage Opportunity Program before legal parentage is established.

*A notary public may charge a fee for services.