California Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The county listed on a California notary public's official seal must be:

The county listed on the notary's driver's license
The notary's county of principal place of business as stated on the application (Correct answer)
Any county in California where the notary is authorized to act
The county where the notary most frequently performs notarizations

Correct answer: The notary's county of principal place of business as stated on the application

The seal must show the county of the notary's principal place of business as stated on their notary application, which is the county recorded with the Secretary of State.

Question 2: What is the fee limit for a California notary who provides a deposition service including swearing in the witness?

$30
$10 per hour
$15 flat
$15 for the oath plus $2 per page of the deposition (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $15 for the oath plus $2 per page of the deposition

California sets the fee at $15 for administering an oath to a deponent and $2 per folio (100 words) for any deposition taken by the notary.

Question 3: 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 simply unwilling to do so

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 4: What obligation does a California notary have if asked to notarize a document they believe may be used for an illegal purpose?

Report the suspicion and then proceed with notarization
Proceed if the document itself appears legal on its face
Only refuse if the illegality is confirmed by an attorney
Refuse the notarization if they have good reason to believe the document will be used illegally (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse the notarization if they have good reason to believe the document will be used illegally

A California notary should refuse to notarize a document if they have reasonable grounds to believe it will be used for an illegal purpose, even if the document appears facially valid.

Question 5: What information must a California notary public include in the notarial journal when recording the notarization of a document?

The notary's personal opinions about the document
The type of notarization (acknowledgment or jurat), the date and time of the act, the type of document, the signer's identification information, and the notary's fee (Correct answer)
The weather conditions on the day of notarization
The color of the signer's pen

Correct answer: The type of notarization (acknowledgment or jurat), the date and time of the act, the type of document, the signer's identification information, and the notary's fee

California law mandates specific information to be recorded in the notary journal for each act. This includes the type of notarization (acknowledgment or jurat), the date and time, the type of document, the signer's identification information, and the fee charged. This comprehensive record provides an essential audit trail and helps prevent fraud.

Question 6: Who is responsible for choosing whether an acknowledgment or jurat is used on a document?

The Secretary of State
The county recorder
The document's requester or the law governing the document (Correct answer)
The notary public

Correct answer: The document's requester or the law governing the document

The type of notarial act is determined by the document's purpose, the requester, or the law governing the document—not by the notary's personal preference.

Question 7: 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 8: Can a notary charge a fee for providing legal advice?

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

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

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

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 10: May a California notary refuse service to a signer who cannot afford the notary fee?

Yes, a notary is generally not obligated to provide free service except where law mandates it (Correct answer)
Only for non-profit-related documents
Only if the notary is employed by the government
No, notaries must serve all signers regardless of ability to pay

Correct answer: Yes, a notary is generally not obligated to provide free service except where law mandates it

California notaries are generally not required to provide free notarial services unless a specific law mandates it; they may decline service if a signer cannot pay the fee.

Question 11: What is the role of the Secretary of State in relation to notaries?

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

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 12: Which California government code section governs maximum notary fees?

Section 8214
Section 8211 (Correct answer)
Section 8300
Section 8100

Correct answer: Section 8211

California Government Code Section 8211 specifically establishes the maximum fees a notary public may charge for various notarial acts.

Question 13: What does 'venue' refer to on a California notarial certificate?

The state and county where the notarization took place (Correct answer)
The location where the document will be filed
The address of the signer
The county where the notary's bond is 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 14: For an acknowledgment, what must the notary personally verify about the signer?

That the signer personally appeared and is who they claim to be (Correct answer)
That the signer has legal authority to sign
That the signer read the document
That the document is free of errors

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

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

Question 15: Is it ethical for a notary to notarize a document if they suspect fraud?

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

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

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

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 17: A California notary signs a certificate certifying an act they did not actually perform. What is this called?

An administrative error
A clerical mistake
An unauthorized notarial act
False certification or fraudulent notarization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False certification or fraudulent notarization

Certifying a notarial act that did not actually occur is fraudulent notarization and constitutes a serious crime and grounds for commission revocation.

Question 18: Which of the following is NOT an acceptable form of ID for a California notarization?

U.S. passport card
Canadian driver's license
A recent utility bill with the signer's name and address (Correct answer)
California DMV-issued ID card

Correct answer: A recent utility bill with the signer's name and address

A utility bill is not on California's statutory list of acceptable identification documents; it does not include a photograph and is not government-issued for identity purposes.

Question 19: What is the penalty for a California notary who acts as an 'immigration consultant' without proper authorization?

A $500 fine
Criminal prosecution, civil penalties, and commission revocation (Correct answer)
Suspension of commission for 60 days
A mandatory 10-hour training course

Correct answer: Criminal prosecution, civil penalties, and commission revocation

Acting as an unauthorized immigration consultant exposes a California notary to criminal prosecution, significant civil penalties, and revocation of their commission.

Question 20: Which term describes the wording at the beginning of a notarial certificate that states where the notarization occurred?

Testimonium clause
Attestation clause
Caption
Venue (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Venue

The venue is the statement at the top of a notarial certificate specifying the state and county where the notarization took place.

Question 21: What is a notary seal?

A personal stamp with the notary's information (Correct answer)
A digital signature
A handwritten 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 22: What is the primary duty of a notary public?

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

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

Any licensed California notary public
The notary public and any employee they designate in writing
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 24: Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

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

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

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

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 26: A California notary is convicted of forgery. What is the likely consequence for their commission?

Completion of ethics training
Mandatory revocation of the commission, as forgery is a crime of moral turpitude (Correct answer)
Suspension for 1 year
A written warning

Correct answer: Mandatory revocation of the commission, as forgery is a crime of moral turpitude

Forgery is a crime of moral turpitude and a felony that constitutes mandatory grounds for revocation of a California notary commission.

Question 27: Is there a fee limit for a California notary who provides a certified copy of a notarial record (journal page)?

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

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 28: Which of the following documents is an acceptable form of identification for a California notarization?

An expired driver's license from 3 years ago
A current California driver's license or ID card issued by the DMV (Correct answer)
A birth certificate alone
A Social Security card alone

Correct answer: A current California driver's license or ID card issued by the DMV

A current California driver's license or DMV-issued ID card is an acceptable form of identification for California notarizations.

Question 29: A signer wants to use a foreign passport to establish identity for a California notarization. Is this acceptable?

Only for non-citizens who lack other ID
Only if the passport has a U.S. visa stamp
Yes, a current foreign passport is an acceptable form of ID under California law (Correct answer)
No, only U.S. passports are acceptable

Correct answer: Yes, a current foreign passport is an acceptable form of ID under California law

California law specifically lists current foreign passports as an acceptable form of identification for notarial acts.

Question 30: A signer presents a U.S. military ID card for a California notarization. Is this acceptable?

Only if accompanied by another form of ID
No, military IDs are not listed as acceptable in California
Yes, a current U.S. military ID card is on California's acceptable ID list (Correct answer)
Only for active-duty military signers

Correct answer: Yes, a current U.S. military ID card is on California's acceptable ID list

California Government Code lists a current U.S. military ID card as an acceptable form of identification for notarial purposes.

Question 31: How does California define 'satisfactory evidence' of identity for notarizations?

A credit card with the signer's name
Oath of a credible witness or an acceptable ID document (Correct answer)
Two utility bills showing the signer's address
Any government-issued card

Correct answer: Oath of a credible witness or an acceptable ID document

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

Question 32: What is the protocol for a California notary if their notarial journal is lost, stolen, or destroyed?

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

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 33: A California notary is asked to produce their journal by the Secretary of State for an investigation. What must the notary do?

Comply and provide the journal immediately or within the required timeframe (Correct answer)
Refuse until a court order is obtained
Provide only entries related to the specific investigation
Provide a summary only

Correct answer: Comply and provide the journal immediately or within the required timeframe

California notaries must comply with a lawful request from the Secretary of State to produce the journal as part of an official investigation.

Question 34: Which of the following is NOT required in a California jurat certificate?

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

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 35: May a California notary make corrections to journal entries after the fact?

Only with Secretary of State approval
Yes, by lining through the error and initialing the correction without obscuring original text (Correct answer)
No, journal entries can never be changed
Yes, by erasing and rewriting the entry

Correct answer: Yes, by lining through the error and initialing the correction without obscuring original text

Corrections to journal entries should be made by drawing a single line through the error, writing the correction, and initialing it, so the original entry remains readable.

Question 36: A signer asks a notary to notarize a document but then declines service before the act is completed. May the notary charge a fee?

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

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 37: A signer presents a document for acknowledgment but refuses to show ID, claiming the notary already knows them. What should the notary do?

Accept two witnesses instead of ID
Call the Secretary of State for approval
Refuse unless the signer qualifies as personally known or provides a credible witness (Correct answer)
Proceed because personal knowledge is sufficient

Correct answer: Refuse unless the signer qualifies as personally known or provides a credible witness

California notaries may use personal knowledge only if the signer is personally known; otherwise, acceptable ID or a credible witness oath is required.

Question 38: What should a California notary do if they suspect an ID document presented is counterfeit?

Refuse the notarization and may report suspected fraud to law enforcement (Correct answer)
Accept it but note the concern in the journal
Confiscate the ID and report immediately
Accept it if it looks reasonable

Correct answer: Refuse the notarization and may report suspected fraud to law enforcement

A notary who suspects an ID is counterfeit should refuse to perform the notarization, as they cannot be satisfied of the signer's identity; they may also report the suspected fraud to law enforcement.

Question 39: Which of the following pieces of information is NOT required to appear on a California notary public's official seal?

The words 'Notary Public' and 'State of California'
The notary's home address (Correct answer)
The notary's name as it appears on the commission
The notary's commission expiration date

Correct answer: The notary's home address

A notary's home address is not required on the seal; the required elements include the notary's name, 'Notary Public,' 'State of California,' county of principal place of business, commission number, and expiration date.

Question 40: A California notary notarizes a document for a signer who later turns out to have used a stolen ID. Is the notary liable?

No, the notary is never liable for signer fraud
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)
Yes, always, because the notary certified the identity

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 41: For a jurat in California, when must the document be signed?

Before visiting the notary
After the notary mails the certificate
In the presence of the notary at the time of the jurat (Correct answer)
Anytime within 30 days of the notarization

Correct answer: In the presence of the notary at the time of the jurat

A jurat requires the document to be signed in the notary's presence at the time the oath or affirmation is administered.

Question 42: A California notary loses a civil lawsuit for damages caused by a negligent notarization. The damages are $30,000. How much must the notary pay personally?

Nothing; the bond covers all damages
$15,000 from the bond; the notary owes the remaining $15,000 personally (Correct answer)
The full $30,000 personally since they were negligent
$15,000 from the bond and nothing more

Correct answer: $15,000 from the bond; the notary owes the remaining $15,000 personally

The surety bond pays up to $15,000 to the injured party; the notary is personally responsible for any damages that exceed the bond amount.

Question 43: What is the purpose of a notary journal?

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

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 44: What constitutes 'personal knowledge' for a California notary identifying a signer?

Seeing the signer's name on a mailbox or door
Being told the signer's name by a mutual acquaintance
A familiarity with the individual resulting from dealings sufficient to provide reasonable certainty that the person is who they claim to be (Correct answer)
Recognizing the signer from a prior notarization in the journal

Correct answer: A familiarity with the individual resulting from dealings sufficient to provide reasonable certainty that the person is who they claim to be

California defines personal knowledge as a familiarity with the individual through prior dealings that gives the notary reasonable certainty of the person's identity.

Question 45: 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)
Call law enforcement
Proceed with the notarization and note the refusal in the journal
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 46: How must a California notary public store their official seal when not in use?

There are no storage requirements as long as it is within the office
In a locked, secured area under the notary's direct control (Correct answer)
In a fireproof safe at the county clerk's office
At their employer's front desk for convenient access

Correct answer: In a locked, secured area under the notary's direct control

The notary must keep the seal secured to prevent unauthorized use, as the notary is personally responsible for its safekeeping.

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

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

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