CA Notary Acknowledgments and Jurats 2

Question 1

Can a California notary use an out-of-state acknowledgment certificate form?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as it does not require the notary to do something illegal under California law

Answer

A California notary may complete an out-of-state certificate form as long as its language does not require the notary to perform any act prohibited by California law.

Question 2

What action must a California notary take if a pre-printed certificate on a document contains incorrect notarial language?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize or attach a separate California-compliant certificate

Answer

If a pre-printed certificate contains improper language, the notary should refuse to use it and may attach a separate, California-compliant certificate instead.

Question 3

For an acknowledgment, what must the notary personally verify about the signer?

Accepted Answer

That the signer personally appeared and is who they claim to be

Answer

The notary must verify that the signer personally appeared before them and satisfactorily proved their identity.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT required in a California jurat certificate?

Accepted Answer

The document's full legal description

Answer

A jurat certificate does not require a full legal description of the document; it requires the oath wording, notary signature, seal, and commission expiration date.

Question 5

How does California define 'satisfactory evidence' of identity for notarizations?

Accepted Answer

Oath of a credible witness or an acceptable ID document

Answer

California law defines satisfactory evidence as an acceptable ID document or the oath of one or two credible witnesses who personally know the signer.

CA Notary - California Notary Exam Practice Test

CA Notary - California Notary Exam Practice Test

CA Notary Acknowledgments and Jurats 2