California Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A signer asks a notary to notarize a document but then declines service before the act is completed. May the notary charge a fee?

No, a fee may only be charged after the notarial act is completed (Correct answer)
Yes, for time and travel already expended
Only if the notary already opened the journal
Only if the signer signed a fee agreement

Correct answer: No, a fee may only be charged after the notarial act is completed

California notaries generally may only charge their statutory fee when a notarial act is completed; however, a pre-agreed travel fee may still be collected.

Question 2: What makes someone a 'credible witness' for California notarial identity purposes?

A licensed attorney who can vouch for the signer
A person who personally knows the signer, is not a party to the transaction, and takes an oath to the signer's identity (Correct answer)
A notary from another county who knows the signer
Any adult citizen who knows the signer

Correct answer: A person who personally knows the signer, is not a party to the transaction, and takes an oath to the signer's identity

A credible witness must personally know the signer, not be named in the document, not have a financial interest in the transaction, and swear an oath to the signer's identity.

Question 3: What must a California notary do if their journal is lost or stolen?

Wait 30 days before reporting
Notify the Secretary of State by certified mail within 10 days (Correct answer)
File a police report only
Purchase a replacement and continue without reporting

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State by certified mail within 10 days

California Government Code Section 8206 requires a notary to notify the Secretary of State by certified mail within 10 days of discovering a lost or stolen journal.

Question 4: A notary is disciplined by the Secretary of State for misconduct. Can they reapply for a new commission?

Yes, after a waiting period and with demonstrated rehabilitation, they may reapply (Correct answer)
No, revocation is permanent
Yes, immediately after the revocation period ends
Only if the misconduct did not involve fraud

Correct answer: Yes, after a waiting period and with demonstrated rehabilitation, they may reapply

A notary whose commission has been revoked may reapply after a waiting period if they can demonstrate rehabilitation, though a prior revocation will be considered in the new application.

Question 5: Under California law, what happens to a notary's journal when the notary dies?

The notary's personal representative must deliver it to the county clerk within 30 days (Correct answer)
It is automatically sent to the Secretary of State
It becomes the property of the notary's employer
It must be destroyed within 60 days

Correct answer: The notary's personal representative must deliver it to the county clerk within 30 days

If a California notary dies, their personal representative is required to deliver the journal to the county clerk's office within 30 days of the notary's death.

Question 6: Which of the following acts constitutes grounds for denial or revocation of a California notary commission?

Charging the maximum allowable fee
Notarizing documents for non-residents of California
Conviction of a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude (Correct answer)
Performing more than 50 notarizations per day

Correct answer: Conviction of a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude

A conviction for a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude is a statutory ground for denial or revocation of a California notary commission.

Question 7: What should a notary do if they witness suspicious behavior during a notarization?

Ignore the behavior and proceed with the notarization
Refuse to notarize the document and report the incident (Correct answer)
Ask the signer to leave and return later

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize the document and report the incident

Notaries are obligated to refuse to notarize if they witness suspicious behavior that suggests fraud, coercion, or an unwilling signer. In such cases, they should refuse the notarization and, if appropriate, report the incident to the proper authorities. This action upholds their duty to protect the public trust and prevent illegal activities.

Question 8: Under California law, may a notary rely on personal knowledge of a signer in lieu of an ID document?

Yes, a notary who personally knows the signer may rely on personal knowledge (Correct answer)
Only for repeat clients with at least 5 prior notarizations
Only for family members of the notary
No, an ID document is always required

Correct answer: Yes, a notary who personally knows the signer may rely on personal knowledge

California law allows a notary to rely on personal knowledge of the signer's identity as a valid means of identification without requiring an ID document.

Question 9: What is a notary seal?

A handwritten signature
A personal stamp with the notary's information (Correct answer)
A digital signature

Correct answer: A personal stamp with the notary's information

A notary seal is an official, physical stamp or embosser that contains specific identifying information about the notary, such as their name, commission number, and the county where their principal place of business is located. This seal is affixed to documents to officially authenticate the notary's act and is a mandatory requirement for all notarizations.

Question 10: Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes, if the notary is simply unwilling to do so
Yes, if the notary suspects fraud or wrongdoing (Correct answer)
No, a notary must notarize any document presented

Correct answer: Yes, if the notary suspects fraud or wrongdoing

Notaries public have a legal and ethical obligation to refuse a notarization if they suspect any fraud, coercion, or if the signer does not appear willing or competent. This power to refuse is a critical safeguard designed to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the notarization process, preventing illegal or fraudulent transactions.

Question 11: For an acknowledgment, must the signer sign the document in the notary's presence?

No, the signer may have signed previously and simply acknowledges the signature (Correct answer)
Only if requested by the recipient
Only for real estate documents
Yes, always

Correct answer: No, the signer may have signed previously and simply acknowledges the signature

For an acknowledgment, the signer does not need to sign in the notary's presence; they only need to personally appear and acknowledge the signature is theirs.

Question 12: Under California law, who sets the maximum notary fees?

Individual notary associations
The California Legislature through the Government Code (Correct answer)
The county clerk
The Secretary of State by regulation

Correct answer: The California Legislature through the Government Code

Maximum notary fees in California are established by the California Legislature and codified in the Government Code, specifically Section 8211.

Question 13: What is a notary seal?

A digital signature
A personal stamp with the notary's information (Correct answer)
A handwritten signature

Correct answer: A personal stamp with the notary's information

Question 14: May a California notary allow their employer to access or retain their notary journal?

No, the journal belongs solely to the notary and the employer has no legal right to it (Correct answer)
Only if allowed by a court order
Only during the employment period
Yes, employers have full rights to the journal

Correct answer: No, the journal belongs solely to the notary and the employer has no legal right to it

The notary journal is the personal property of the notary public; employers have no legal right to access, retain, or copy the journal.

Question 15: Is a California notary required to post their fee schedule?

Yes, fees must be posted in a conspicuous place in the notary's office if they charge fees (Correct answer)
Only if they charge more than $10 per act
Only if the notary works in a bank
No, posting is optional

Correct answer: Yes, fees must be posted in a conspicuous place in the notary's office if they charge fees

California law requires notaries who charge fees to post their fee schedule in a conspicuous location in their place of business.

Question 16: Under California Penal Code, what is the maximum jail sentence for a notary convicted of willful, unauthorized disclosure of confidential information from their journal?

1 year
6 months (Correct answer)
30 days
3 years

Correct answer: 6 months

California Penal Code provides for up to 6 months in county jail for a notary convicted of willfully disclosing confidential journal information without authorization.

Question 17: What is the purpose of a notary journal?

To record details of all notarizations performed (Correct answer)
To track the notary's income
To record personal information about the notary

Correct answer: To record details of all notarizations performed

A notary journal is a mandatory official record where a notary public must log details of every notarization performed. This journal serves as a crucial audit trail, documenting information such as the date, time, type of notarization, document title, and signer identification. It is essential for preventing fraud and protecting both the public and the notary.

Question 18: What is the protocol for a California notary if their notarial journal is lost, stolen, or destroyed?

Do nothing and continue without a journal
Immediately notify the Secretary of State by mail or email (Correct answer)
Start a new journal without reporting the loss
Purchase a new journal from a local office supply store

Correct answer: Immediately notify the Secretary of State by mail or email

If a California notary's journal is lost, stolen, or destroyed, they are legally required to immediately notify the Secretary of State by mail or email. This prompt notification is crucial for preventing misuse of the journal and for the Secretary of State to take appropriate action, protecting the public from potential fraudulent acts.

Question 19: When is it required for a California notary public to obtain a thumbprint from the signer in the notarial journal?

Only if the signer requests it
When notarizing documents related to real estate or powers of attorney (Correct answer)
Only for documents signed with an ink pen
When notarizing any document

Correct answer: When notarizing documents related to real estate or powers of attorney

California law specifically requires a notary public to obtain a legible thumbprint from the signer in the notarial journal when notarizing documents affecting real property or powers of attorney. This requirement adds an extra layer of security and helps deter fraud in high-value transactions that often involve significant assets.

Question 20: A California notary notarizes a document for a signer who later turns out to have used a stolen ID. Is the notary liable?

Yes, always, because the notary certified the identity
Yes, the notary is always jointly liable for fraudulent notarizations
The notary may not be liable if they acted in good faith and followed all required identity verification procedures (Correct answer)
No, the notary is never liable for signer fraud

Correct answer: The notary may not be liable if they acted in good faith and followed all required identity verification procedures

A notary who acts in good faith and follows all legally required identity verification procedures generally has a defense against liability when the signer commits fraud using a stolen ID.

Question 21: What must a California notary do when completing a jurat for a non-English-speaking signer?

Complete the jurat without administering an oath
Administer the oath through an interpreter and ensure the signer understands (Correct answer)
Require the document to be translated into English first
Refuse to proceed without a certified court interpreter

Correct answer: Administer the oath through an interpreter and ensure the signer understands

The notary should administer the oath through a qualified interpreter so the signer understands what they are swearing to.

Question 22: A notary working for an employer performs notarizations as part of their job duties. Who may keep the fees collected?

Fees must be donated to the state
The employer, if that is what the employment agreement specifies (Correct answer)
The Secretary of State
Always the notary personally

Correct answer: The employer, if that is what the employment agreement specifies

If an employer-employee agreement specifies that notary fees collected belong to the employer, the notary must remit those fees to the employer.

Question 23: Which of the following is NOT required in a California jurat certificate?

The document's full legal description (Correct answer)
The oath or affirmation wording
Notary's signature
Notary's commission expiration date

Correct answer: The document's full legal description

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

Only for federal documents
No, only California-specific forms are permitted
Yes, without restriction
Yes, as long as it does not require the notary to do something illegal under California law (Correct answer)

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

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 25: What does 'venue' refer to on a California notarial certificate?

The county where the notary's bond is filed
The state and county where the notarization took place (Correct answer)
The address of the signer
The location where the document will be filed

Correct answer: The state and county where the notarization took place

The venue on a notarial certificate identifies the state and county where the notarial act was performed.

Question 26: Which statement about California acknowledgment certificates is correct?

The notary may pre-sign blank certificates
The certificate must include the venue, the notary's signature, and seal (Correct answer)
Certificates are optional for real property documents
The notary's commission number is not required

Correct answer: The certificate must include the venue, the notary's signature, and seal

California acknowledgment certificates must include the venue (state and county), the notary's signature, and the notary's official seal.

Question 27: What should a notary do if they make a mistake in their journal?

Start a new journal
Erase the mistake and write the correct information
Cross out the mistake and write the correct information next to it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cross out the mistake and write the correct information next to it

When a notary makes a mistake in their journal, they must never erase or obliterate the entry to maintain the integrity of the record. The correct procedure is to draw a single line through the incorrect information, ensuring it remains legible, and then write the correct information clearly next to it, often with their initials. This preserves the complete history of the entry.

Question 28: How must a California notary identify a signer who uses a credible witness they personally know?

The witness must provide two forms of ID
Two witnesses are required even if the notary knows the signer
The notary must also verify the signer's address
One credible witness known to the notary who personally knows the signer is sufficient (Correct answer)

Correct answer: One credible witness known to the notary who personally knows the signer is sufficient

If the notary personally knows one credible witness and that witness personally knows the signer, one witness is sufficient to identify the signer.

Question 29: What is the primary ethical obligation of a notary public?

Maximize personal profit
Protect the public trust (Correct answer)
Prioritize the needs of the signer

Correct answer: Protect the public trust

The primary ethical obligation of a notary public is to protect the public trust by acting as an impartial witness and preventing fraud. Notaries serve as a frontline defense against document fraud, ensuring the integrity of transactions and upholding the law. Their duty is to the public, not to the signer or their own profit.

Question 30: Is there a fee limit for a California notary who provides a certified copy of a notarial record (journal page)?

$15 flat
$0.10 per page
$0.30 per page (Correct answer)
$10 flat

Correct answer: $0.30 per page

California Government Code sets the fee for providing a certified copy of a notarial record at $0.30 per page.

Question 31: Can a notary charge a fee for providing legal advice?

No, notaries are prohibited from giving legal advice (Correct answer)
Yes, as long as they are qualified to give legal advice
Yes, but only if the client specifically requests it

Correct answer: No, notaries are prohibited from giving legal advice

Notaries public are strictly prohibited from practicing law, which includes offering legal advice, drafting legal documents, or interpreting the legality of a document. Their role is purely ministerial, focused on verifying identities and witnessing signatures, not providing legal counsel. Doing so could constitute the unauthorized practice of law.

Question 32: Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes, if the notary suspects fraud or wrongdoing (Correct answer)
No, a notary must notarize any document presented
Yes, if the notary is uncomfortable with the document

Correct answer: Yes, if the notary suspects fraud or wrongdoing

Notaries public have a legal and ethical obligation to refuse a notarization if they suspect fraud, coercion, or if the signer does not appear willing or competent. This power to refuse is a critical safeguard designed to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the notarization process, preventing illegal or fraudulent transactions.

Question 33: What type of seal is a California notary public required to use as their official seal?

A wax seal with a personalized insignia
Either an embosser or rubber stamp at the notary's discretion
A rubber stamp seal that produces a photographically reproducible impression (Correct answer)
An embosser seal only

Correct answer: A rubber stamp seal that produces a photographically reproducible impression

California law requires notaries to use a rubber stamp seal that produces a photographically reproducible ink impression, ensuring documents can be clearly copied.

Question 34: Under California law, who is authorized to use a notary public's official seal?

The notary public and any employee they designate in writing
Any licensed California notary public
The notary public only, personally (Correct answer)
The notary public and their supervising employer

Correct answer: The notary public only, personally

Only the commissioned notary public personally may use their official seal; allowing another person to use it constitutes a violation of California notary law.

Question 35: Is it ethical for a notary to notarize a document if they suspect fraud?

Yes, but only if they report the suspicion to authorities
No, they should refuse to notarize the document (Correct answer)
Yes, as long as they get paid

Correct answer: No, they should refuse to notarize the document

It is unethical and often illegal for a notary to proceed with a notarization if they suspect fraud, coercion, or any other wrongdoing. Notaries are entrusted with preventing fraud, and their duty requires them to refuse service in such circumstances to protect the public and the integrity of the transaction. Reporting suspicious activity may also be necessary.

Question 36: What is the primary duty of a notary public?

Provide legal advice
Draft legal documents
Witness signatures and administer oaths (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Witness signatures and administer oaths

The primary duty of a notary public is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents and to administer oaths and affirmations. This role is crucial for deterring fraud and ensuring that the individuals signing documents are indeed who they claim to be and are doing so willingly. Notaries do not provide legal advice or draft documents.

Question 37: A signer is confined to a hospital and cannot produce acceptable ID. A friend visits and swears an oath that the patient is who they say they are. How many such witnesses are needed if the notary does not know the friend?

Two (Correct answer)
One
Witnesses are not permitted in this situation
Three

Correct answer: Two

When the notary does not personally know the credible witness, two credible witnesses who personally know the signer are required to identify the signer.

Question 38: What should a California notary do if a signer refuses to provide identification or a thumbprint when required?

Refuse to notarize the document (Correct answer)
Proceed with the notarization and note the refusal in the journal
Call law enforcement
Ask the signer to come back with an attorney

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize the document

A California notary public must refuse to perform a notarization if the signer cannot or will not provide satisfactory identification or a required thumbprint. These are mandatory steps to verify identity and prevent fraud, and failure to comply means the notarization cannot proceed. The notary's duty is to protect the public trust.

Question 39: Which of the following is considered unauthorized practice of law by a California notary?

Certifying that a copy of a document is true
Explaining the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat
Drafting legal documents, preparing immigration forms, or giving legal advice for compensation (Correct answer)
Translating a document for a non-English speaker

Correct answer: Drafting legal documents, preparing immigration forms, or giving legal advice for compensation

Drafting legal documents, completing immigration forms for compensation, or providing legal advice constitutes unauthorized practice of law, which is prohibited for notaries.

Question 40: After completing a jurat, what information must appear on the notarial certificate?

Only the notary's name and county
The signer's full legal address
Venue, oath language, notary's signature, seal, and commission expiration date (Correct answer)
Only the notary's seal

Correct answer: Venue, oath language, notary's signature, seal, and commission expiration date

A complete California jurat certificate must include the venue, the oath/affirmation language, the notary's official signature, seal, and commission expiration date.

Question 41: Can a California notary accept a signed statement from the signer's employer as proof of identity?

Yes, employer letters are widely accepted
Only if the employer is a government agency
No, employer statements are not on California's list of acceptable identification (Correct answer)
Only for employment-related documents

Correct answer: No, employer statements are not on California's list of acceptable identification

California law specifies a defined list of acceptable ID documents, and employer statements are not included; the notary must use only listed forms of identification.

Question 42: What is the required surety bond amount for a California notary public?

$25,000
$5,000
$15,000 (Correct answer)
$10,000

Correct answer: $15,000

California Government Code requires every notary public to file a $15,000 surety bond with the county clerk before beginning to perform notarial acts.

Question 43: What is the maximum number of individuals who can be acknowledged in a single California notarial certificate?

Four
One
Two
No limit, as long as all appear simultaneously (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No limit, as long as all appear simultaneously

California law does not limit the number of signers who may be acknowledged on a single certificate, provided all appeared before the notary.

Question 44: What is the role of the Secretary of State in relation to notaries?

Investigates notary misconduct
Issues notary commissions (Correct answer)
Regulates notary fees

Correct answer: Issues notary commissions

In California, the Secretary of State is the government agency responsible for appointing and commissioning notaries public. They oversee the application process, issue commissions, and provide regulatory guidance to ensure notaries adhere to state laws and procedures. This central authority maintains oversight of all notarial acts in the state.

Question 45: A signer presents a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe. Is this acceptable in California?

Only if accompanied by a U.S. passport
Only for notarizations on tribal land
No, tribal IDs are not government-issued and not acceptable
Yes, IDs issued by a federally recognized tribe are acceptable under California law (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, IDs issued by a federally recognized tribe are acceptable under California law

California Government Code Section 8230 includes identification cards issued by federally recognized tribal governments as acceptable forms of ID.

Question 46: What is the purpose of a notary journal?

To record details of all notarizations performed (Correct answer)
To track the notary's income
To record personal information about the notary

Correct answer: To record details of all notarizations performed

California Notary Public Exam

The California Notary Public Exam is administered by the Secretary of State of California and is required for all new and renewing notary public applicants. The exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. A passing score of 70% (32 of 45 questions) is required. The exam covers California notary laws, identification of signers, journal requirements, fees, prohibited acts, and proper notarial procedures as defined in the California Government Code.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

sos.ca.gov — Score validity, fees, eligibility, renewal · verified Oct 2026
cpshr.us — Test delivery, exam format, retake policy, score release, retake fee, passing score, time limit, exam information · verified Oct 2026