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STUDY GUIDE

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2021

California Notary Study Guide 2021 Edition

Table Of Contents: 2 

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Terms A Notary Should Know

Common Questions & Answers - For California Notaries

California Notary Study Questions: 2021 24

Please be advised! This study guide, along with the questions & answers, and practice exams, are designed to cover requirements needed to pass the California Notary Public state exam and are provided ONLY as study materials for the California Notary Exam and are NOT a legal reference. Please refer all legal references to the most recent California Notary Public Handbook and/or Secretary of State's office. https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/

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Terms A Notary Should Know Acknowledgment: An acknowledgment is an act by which a Notary certifies that they have legally identified a document signer who personally appeared before the Notary. Administrator: Is a court-appointed person who has the legal right to administer (manage) the affairs of a decedent (or diseased person) with regards to the assets of said person’s estate when no will or executor was named. Affiant: Person who signs an affidavit. (When a notary is completing a jurat and the person is swearing or affirming the document they are an Affiant.) Affidavit: An affidavit is a sworn or written statement signed before a notary public by a public official who can administer an oath or affirm to the Notary that the statement is true to the best of the signers knowledge by placing a signature and finishing the jurat. It is made under penalty of perjury. (In California a notary can put a person under oath) Bill of Sale: A legal document made by a seller that is then given to a purchaser that reports that on a specific day, location, and for a sum of money, the seller sold an item to the purchaser. Chattel: Are a person's possession other than real property (Example: item(s) in a house or garage, but not the actual land or structure) Chattel paper: A written obligation to pay money for a specific item is referred to as a chattel paper. Codicil: An addendum or supplemental addition used to alter a previous will (as it relates to wills). Consideration: Something that is legally bargained for between parties. Examples of consideration would be money, property, and/or services.

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Contempt of court: Contempt of court, commonly referred to as just contempt, is an offense, or action, that is considered disrespectful behavior that defies the authority of the court, or hinders a court’s order. Deponent: A person who makes an affidavit or deposition under oath. (Deponent has the same meaning as affiant.) Deposition: A written statement or testimony, taken out of court, used during a lawsuit or trial, that contains transcribed words spoken under oath in front of an authorized official or notary public. Duress: Wrongful and typically unlawful threats or other actions that coerce a person to act against their will. Encumbrance: A legal claim or limitation made on an owner’s property. Escrow: Escrow generally refers to a financial arrangement where a designated third party holds funds or a valuable asset until a condition is met. Executor: When someone with a will passes away, the designated executor named in their will manages and distributes the assets to the listed beneficiaries after the person’s death. Felony: In criminal law, a felony encompasses the most serious types of criminal offenses and is more serious than a misdemeanor crime. Grant Deed: A document that transfers ownership of real property from one person or intent to another. Legal Guardian: Person with the legal authority to manage another individual’s affairs. Identification Document: This is the document (can be an ID, passport, etc) that was used to determine a person's identification. Judgment: A judgment declares the rights of individuals, including that one party owes money to another and specifying the amount owed. Judgments may be final or temporary.

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Jurat: A Jurat is the section of an affidavit that contains the certification that a Notary affirms that they have watched the signing of a document prior to giving an oath or official affirmation. A Jurat is the second most frequently completed form by a notary public. (Government Code section 8202) The jurat is identified by the wording “Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed)” contained in the form. In the jurat, the notary public certifies:

• That the signer personally appeared before the notary public on the date indicated and in the county indicated;

• That the signer signed the document in the presence of the notary public; • That the notary public administered the oath or affirmation*; and • To the identity of the signer.

Lease: A lease is a legal agreement (contract) between an owner of a property, piece of land, building, or vehicle and another that allows a renter to use said property for an allotted time in return for a specified fee. Lien: An official order that allows one entity to keep another entity’s property until they are paid money that is owed. Litigation: The act or process of a lawsuit between disputing parties involved in the court of law. Misdemeanor: A crime considered minor in comparison to others or less serious than a felony. Mortgage on Real Property: A legal binding agreement that is used to create a lien on real property until the debt has been paid in full. As the mortgagee, the lender has the right to sell the property to pay off the loan if the borrower fails to pay. Oath: A spoken, solemn promise to a supreme entity, a revered person or thing made before a pledge of the truth of a statement. A notary will give an oath (affirming or swearing) to the validity of the documents contents. *There is no prescribed wording for the oath, but an acceptable oath would be “Do you swear or affirm that the statements in this document are true?” When administering the oath, the signer and notary public traditionally each raise their right hand but this is not a legal requirement.

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Plaintiff: A person who calls for (or starts) a legal case against another in a court of law. Power of attorney: A legal document that gives an appointed person the authority to act on behalf of someone else with regards to legal or financial matters. Protest: is a written statement by a notary public that a promissory note or bill of exchange was presented for acceptance or payment, but the payment was refused. This applies only to a notary public employed by a financial institution, during the course and scope of the notary’s employment with the financial institution. Principle or Party: A person that is involved or part of the document. Statute of limitations: A law that sets the ‘maximum time’ after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated (started) by. Venue: This is the county and state by which the notarization act took place, for example, Sacramento County, California. Will: A written legal statement pertaining to a person’s wishes after death. Satisfactory Evidence: The type of evidence that a notary uses to confirm the identity of a signer is called “Satisfactory Evidence” Scribing Witness: Should a person that signed a document not be able to appear before the notary, the signer may request another person to sign the document as a witness that the principle singer did sign or stated to them that they signed the original document, this person is called a “subscribing witness”.

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Common Questions & Answers - For California Notaries Question: What arrests or convictions on your record should you disclose on your application? Answer: All Notary applicants are required to disclose any arrests where a trial is pending along with ALL prior convictions. Question: You are not required to disclose a conviction that happened over 10+ years ago. Answer: False, you are required to list ALL prior convictions Question: The term of office for a notary is for how many years after the start of their term. Answer: 4 years. (CGC 8204) Question: To complete your notary filing and to act as a notary, a person must file with their County Clerk's office (within 30 days of the commission start date) the following items: Answer: 1) oath of office, and 2) $15,000 bond (cgc 8213) Question: True or False: A notary has the ability to perform a notary act outside the county they field their oath of office? Answer: True, they have the ability to perform notary acts in all California counties regardless of what county their oath was filed in. Question: When filling a notary bond (the surety bond) the sum of the bond must be in the amount of? Answer: $15,000 Question: Once a notary, your journal can be lent to other notaries as needed. Answer: False. Your notary journal must ALWAYS be kept in a secure place under the notaries’ control at all times. Question: What penalty could a notary face if they fail to secure his/her journal? Answer: His/her notary public commission may be suspended or revoked AND civil and criminal penalties may be imposed (CGC 8214.1(o), 8214.15(b), and 8228.1) Question: A Journal entry must be made at the time of the notarial act and must be recorded in what order? Answer: in sequential order. Question: Should a notary willfully (intentionally) not properly maintain her journal, they can be found guilty of _____________.

7 Answer: a misdemeanor. Question: What should a notary do if a member of the public requests the ORIGINAL journal entry? Answer: You will need to deny the request. You may, however, give a photocopy of the journal entry. Question: Can I charge a person for a photocopy of a journal entry? Answer: Yes, you may charge them. You are allowed to charge (30 cents) per photo-copy page. Question: Who is the person that appoints notaries in the state of California? Answer: The California Secretary of State is the public official that appoints notaries in California. Question: I have my primary residence in Utah but I spend a lot of time and do business in California, can I become a California Notary Public? Answer: No (unless appointed to serve in the military), your primary residence must be in California to become a California Notary Public. Question: I am a resident of North Carolina but stationed in California for the military, am I eligible to be a California notary. Answer: Yes, if you are 18+ and stationed and in the military stationed in California, there are special provisions to become a notary. Question: Am I allowed to take an approved California 3-hour course of study to become a notary? Answer: No, if you are not currently licensed as a notary, you must complete a 6-hour study course, from an authorized vendor, in order to become a notary public. Question: I'm currently listed as a notary and have already taken a 6-hour course of study. Am I required to take the 6-hour course again? Answer: No, you will only need to complete a 3-hour approved course of study to complete your license as long as you complete all filings prior to the expiration date of your current commission. Question: I'm currently licensed as a notary, but will not be able to complete my filing until after my commission expires due to a health issue, can I take the 3-hour course. Answer: No, if for ANY reason your commission expires prior to completing your paperwork to renew your commission, you are required to take the 6-hour approved course.

8 Question: I’m a licensed notary and I’m completing my renewal PRIOR to it expiring, can I take the 6-hour course or must I take the 3-hour course? Answer: Yes, you are ALWAYS allowed to take the 6-hour approved course as part of your filing. Question: Can a notary purchase their Notary Seal from ANY company that makes rubber stamps? Answer: No, you can only purchase your notary seal from a company that is AUTHORIZED by the Secretary of State's office. Question: What are the criteria that a notary seal must abide by? Answer: The State of California requires each notary to use a rubber stamp as their official seal. However, an embossing seal may be used in conjunction with the ink stamp.

1. The seal impression must be photographically reproducible. 2. Round notary seals must be no larger than two inches in diameter, rectangle notary

seals must be no larger than one inch in width by two and one-half inches in length with a serrated or milled edge border.

3. The notary seal must contain: a) The State Seal of California, b) the words "Notary Public", c) the name of the Notary Public as shown on their commission, d) the name of the county where their oath of office and Notary Public bond are

on file, e) the expiration date of the Notary Public's commission, f) the sequential identification number (commission number) assigned to the

Notary Public, g) and the identification number assigned to the seal manufacturer.

Question: Does the notary Seal HAVE to be round? Answer: No, the seal may be either square or round. (Circular, may not be more than 2 inches in diameter. If rectangular, it must not be more than 1-inch in width by 2 and ½ inches in length) CGC 8207) Question: From whom does a notary obtain a CERTIFICATE to purchase an official notary California Notary seal? Answer: The California Secretary of State will issue a certificate to purchase your official notary seal. You must use your official letter when purchasing your seal and NOT a copy. Question: Can a notary be held personally liable for damages that occur from their notarial acts?

9 Answer: Yes, if a notary is found to have acted with negligence that person may be found personally liable for damages, costs and attorney’s fees. A notary may purchase supplemental insurance to safeguard themselves. Question: Can The Secretary of State appoint and commission a state, city, county, and public school district employee as a notary public to act for and on behalf of the governmental entity for which appointed Secretary of State? Answer: Yes, the Secretary of State may appoint as many as they see fit. Question: If you are a notary appointed for a public entity, can you act as a notary outside the public entity? Answer: No, they may only perform notary acts for that public entity. Question: Notaries appointed for public entities have to charge fees? Answer: Yes, the notaries charge for all services and remit the fees received to the employing agency. Each fee charged must be entered in the journal. Question: If a notary appointed by a public agency terminates their position (voluntarily or is fired) are they entitled to keep their notarial status? Answer: No, once a notary appointed by a public agency leaves their position, their actions are viewed the same as a notary’s resignation of the commission of the notary. Question: Does a person appointed to serve as a military notary on a California reservation have to be a U.S. citizen? Answer: Yes, they must be a U.S. Citizen; however, they don’t have to be a California resident. Question: Can a military notary appointed to notarize on behalf of a reservation perform their notary acts outside of the reservation where they were appointed? Answer: No, they must perform all notary acts on the military reservation they were appointed. Question: Does a MILITARY notary appointed to notarize on behalf of a reservation charge the same fees as all other notaries? Answer: No, they are NOT allowed to charge any notary fees. Question: How long is a SIX hour or THREE-hour notary course of study Proof of Completion valid for? Answer: It is valid for 2 years from the time of completion. Question: If I am a current notary who took a SIX-hour refresher course, do I still have to pass the written state exam?

10 Answer: Yes, every notary, whether renewing their commission or obtaining it for the first time, must take the state exam. Question: If a notary applicant has been convicted of a crime, does that make them ineligible to become a notary? Answer: No, if a person has been convicted of a crime it MAY render them ineligible but such offense does not count as grounds for immediate disqualification. Question: Are those who committed a felony, including crimes committed over 10 years ago that are compatible with notary public duties, subject to disqualification? Answer: Yes, persons who committed a felony compatible with the duties of a notary would become immediately disqualified. Question: Who ultimately makes the decision if an applicant is unfit to be a notary public? Answer: The California Secretary of State. Question: What can happen if a notary completes a certificate of acknowledgment that contains a statement the notary knows to be false? Answer: The notary can be liable for Civil penalties and administrative actions, and the act is also a criminal offense. Question: Can a notary be guilty of forgery if they issue an acknowledgment that they know to be false? Answer: Yes. Question: Can a person be sent to prison for forgery? Answer: Yes, if a person is found guilty of forgery, they may be imprisoned for no more than one year. (California Penal Code 473) Question: What form should a notary use when a person swears (or affirms) that the contents of a document are true and correct? Answer: A Jurat. Question: In order for a notary to complete a jurat, do they need to certify that the signer personally appeared before them? Answer: Yes, to complete a jurat, a notary must certify that the signer appeared before them and must include the date and county where it occurred. CGC 8202(a) Question: If I am a notary for my employer, can I leave my journal with my employer, so that they may inspect whether I am present or not?

11 Answer: No, the notary must be present at ALL times. The journal must stay in the possession of the notary at all times. Question: If notaries who work for their employers are requested to hand over copies of their journal entries, can the notary certified copies of their entries? Answer: No, the notary must provide plain copies of the journal entries. Question: Should a notary be ‘subpoena duces tecum’ which is a subpoena to produce records in court, are the copies to be certified copies? Answer: Yes, they shall be certified copies if requested. Question: At any time, do I have to turn my journal over to someone? Answer: Yes, but only during a select number of occasions:

1) If requested in writing by law; 2) by a peace officer after a legal request; 3) by a county clerk (pursuant to Section 8209)

Question: If a police officer believes that my journal has evidence of a criminal offense, am I required to surrender my journal? Answer: Yes. Question: Can I accept an identification card issued by a Mexican public agency that has the person’s photo? Answer: Yes, so long as it also includes a description of the person, signature, and ID number. Question: Can I accept all U.S. Military identification cards as proof of identification? Answer: Yes, but they must also contain a photo, a description of the person, signature, and ID number. (Note most modern military ID cards do not satisfy these requirements) Question: Can I accept an employee ID card issued by an agency or office of the State of California, or by an agency or office of a city, county, or city and county in this state? Answer: Yes, so long as it also contains a photo, a description of the person, signature, and Searel or ID number. Question: Can a notary establish the signer's ID by the oath of a single credible witness when they personally know the signer? Answer: Yes, so long as the notary also knows the credible witness personally and a proper ID of the credible witness is provided. Question: If a peace officer properly requests my journal but I refuse their request, what consequence may I face?

12 Answer: You may be punished by law or stripped of your notary public license. Question: When a notary has their journal surrendered to a peace officer, what should the notary public do? Answer: The notary must do the following:

● Obtain a receipt for the journal from the peace officer. ● Notify the Secretary of State within ten (10) days by certified mail or other means that

provides a receipt. (The notification shall include the period of the journal entries, the commission number of the notary public, the expiration date of the commission, and a photocopy of the receipt.)

● The notary shall obtain a new sequential journal. ● If the journal is returned, the notary shall make NO new entries in the returned journal.

Question: What should a notary public do if my journal is stolen? Answer: If a sequential journal of official acts performed by a notary public is stolen, lost, misplaced, destroyed, damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable, the notary shall:

● Immediately notify the Secretary of State by certified mail or other means that provides a receipt. (The notification shall include the period of the journal entries, the commission number of the notary public, the expiration date of the commission, and a photocopy of the receipt.)

● When applicable, a photocopy of any police report that specifies the theft should be included with the notification. The notary may then obtain a new journal.

Question: If I wish to no longer be a notary (resign my position) what am I to do with my notary supplies and journal? Answer: You are to return your notary journal to the county clerk's office where you filed your notary public oath of office and destroy your notary seal/stamp. Question: I’m a notary public and my commission expired, and I have NOT obtained a re-appointment. What do I do? Answer: If you do not obtain reappointment within 30 days of the expiration of your commission, all notarial records and papers shall be delivered within 30 days (of your expiration date) to the clerk of the county in which the notary public’s current official oath of office is on file. Question: After obtaining your notary license and you change your place of residence, is updating my information with the DMV sufficient? Answer: NO. You must, within 30 days, notify the Secretary of State's office in writing, by certified mail or any other means of physical delivery that provides a receipt, of your change of address. There is a change of address form (found on the S.O.S website) that can help you with this task.

13 Question: When submitting my change of address, do I need to supply a check to cover the fee? Answer: NO. There is no fee to change your address. Question: When changing my address, I moved to a different county than my original oath and bond are filed in. What should I do? Answer: You are not required to change where your bond is filed because you are permitted to perform notary acts in all California counties. However, a business filing may elect to file a new oath of office and bond in the new county but this is optional. Question: I decided to change my legal name. What do I need to do next? Answer: If a notary public changes his or her name, the notary public shall:

● Send a completed name change form to the Secretary of State. ● Once approved, you will be issued an amended commission that reflects your new

name. ● Next, you will need to file a new oath of office and an amendment to your bond with the

county clerk within 30 days from the date the amended commission was issued in order for the name change to take effect.

● Within 30 days of the filing, you must obtain a new seal that reflects the new name. ● Once the amended oath and bond are filed, you may no longer use the commission,

including the stamp, that was issued in your previous name. ● If you fail to file your amended oath and bond within the 30-day time limit, the name

change will become void, your commission will revert back to the previous name, and you will be required to submit another name change application.

Question: What happens if I fail to notify the Secretary of State of my name or address change, within 30-days? Answer: Willful failure to notify the Secretary of State of a change of address is punishable as an infraction by a fine of not more than $500. (Government Code section 8213.5) Question: Can my private employer require all notary fees be turned over to them and not allow me to perform notary duties outside their place of business? Answer: Yes, if the employer pays the premiums on any bond and the cost of any stamps, seals, or other supplies required in connection with the appointment, commission, or performance of the duties of such notary public. Question: If a person influences a notary to conduct an improper act are they guilty of a crime? Answer: Yes, they can be found guilty of a misdemeanor. Question: Is it okay to keep my journal and seal in the company safe, only employees have access to open it.

14 Answer: No, it must be under the exclusive control of the notary. Question: Is there a time where the notary seal is NOT required on an acknowledgment? Answer: The law allows a limited exception when a notary public may authenticate an official act without using an official notary public seal. Because subdivision maps usually are drawn on a material that will not accept standard stamp pad ink and other acceptable inks are not as readily available, acknowledgments for California subdivision map certificates may be notarized without the official seal. The notary public’s name, the county of the notary public’s principal place of business, and the commission expiration date must be typed or printed below or immediately adjacent to the notary public’s signature on the acknowledgment. Question: Are their special rules for placing the notary stamp on a document? Answer: Yes, the seal must be legibly (photographically reproducible) and not placed over signatures or other printed material when placed on the document. Question: I lost my stamp. What do I do? Answer: Send a letter immediately by CERTIFIED mail or any other means of physical delivery that provides a receipt to the Secretary of State explaining what happened and, if applicable, a photocopy of a police report. Upon written request, the Secretary of State will send an authorization so you can have a new stamp made. (Government Code sections 8206 and 8207.3(e)) Questions: If I resign my commission, what do I do with my seal? Answer: If a person resigns, is terminated, has their license revoked or a notary dies, their seal must be destroyed. You can do this by peeling off the rubber portion of your stamp and cutting it into pieces. Question: What is the purpose of a Certificate of Acknowledgment? Answer: The purpose of a Certificate of Acknowledgment is to acknowledge that the person who signed appeared before the notary, was properly identified, and signed the document. Question: If a notary realizes the documents are NOT complete, can they still perform an acknowledgment? Answer: No, the notary public must refuse to notarize the document. Question: To complete an acknowledgment, does the signer have to sign the document in the presence of the notary? Answer: No, they only need to acknowledge that they did sign the document. Question: What is a subscribing witness?

15 Answer: Should a person that signed a document not be able to appear before the notary, the signer may request another person to sign the document as a witness that the principal singer did sign or stated to them that they signed the original document; therefore, this person is called a “subscribing witness.” Question: Does a subscribing witness have to swear under oath? Answer: Yes, they must swear under oath that:

● The subscribing witness either saw the principal sign the document or heard the signer acknowledge that he or she signed the document.

● The principal requested that the subscribing witness sign the document as a witness. Question: When can a Subscribing Witness not be used? Answer: A proof by a subscribing witness cannot be used with any Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, Quitclaim Deed, or Grant Deed document. This makes sense since with these documents the notary is required to obtain the right thumbprint for these types of documents. As in the case of right thumbprints, a Proof by Subscribing witness may indeed be used for a Deed of Reconveyance and a Trustee’s Deed if the property is in foreclosure. These two documents are singled out because while they do contain the word “Deed” in them, they do not require thumbprints and they may be used with a subscribing witness. Question: If there is a credible witness, what must the witness do? Answer: The credible witnesses must sign the notary public’s journal and the notary public must indicate in his or her journal the type of identifying documents, the identifying numbers of the documents, and the dates of issuance or expiration of the documents presented by the witnesses to establish their identities. (Government Code section 8206(a)(2)(E)) Question: Once a person has become a Notary Public, what other titles are they entitled to? Answer: None. The only title they may use is “Notary Public” and only for the purpose of rendering notarial services. Question: If a notary has a financial interest in a document, are they allowed to notarize a signature in the document? Answer: No, if the notary has a financial or beneficial interest, then you are not able to notarize the document. (G.C. 8224) Question: When inspecting a document before it is notarized, which act should a notary complete before they notarize the signature? Answer: They must inspect the document to determine that the document is COMPLETE. Question: If after reviewing a document the notary realizes that information is incomplete or missing, what must the notary do?

16 Answer: The notary must refuse to notarize the document. Question: If a notary is presented a document that is in a foreign language (non-English) can a notary notarize a signature in that document? Answer: Yes, a notary may notarize a foreign language document. Question: A notary is requested to notarize a document by a person that speaks a different language and is not able to communicate with their customers, are they able to notarize their documents? Answer: No, a notary must be able to communicate directly with their customers. Question: If a person with a foreign language brings an interpreter in with them to notarize a document, how should the notary proceed? Answer: The customer should be referred to a notary who speaks the customer's language. Question: If a notary is unable to identify the type of foreign language document being notarized, what should the notary enter into the journal? Answer: They should enter the type of document as, “a document in a foreign language.” Question: In what language must the notarial certificate be written when the document is in a foreign language? Answer: The notarial certificate must be written in English. Question: Before the notary can notarize the signature of a document what must the notary confirm? Answer: The notary must confirm the identity of a person before they can notarize a signature. Question: What is satisfactory evidence? Answer: Satisfactory evidence is used to establish the identity of a signer which includes:

1) the oath of 1 credible witness; 2) the oaths of 2 credible witnesses; 3) proper identification documents.

Question: If you as a notary personally know the signer, is this sufficient or “satisfactory evidence” to establish the identity of the signer? Answer: No, this is not satisfactory evidence. Question: If an ID document is not current but issued less than 5 years ago, is the document valid to use? Answer: Yes, a requirement of ID documents is that they must be current or issued within the previous 5 years.

17 Question: Is it true that U.S. passports aren’t required to have a description of the person to be an acceptable ID? Answer: True. A passport issued by the U.S. doesn’t have to have the description of the person to be considered an acceptable ID. Question: Is an inmate ID a valid form of ID in or out of custody? Answer: False. For an inmate ID card to be valid, the inmate has to be in the custody of the issuing state or local sheriff’s department detention facility. Question: Can you list 4 items that must be present on ID’s to be listed as reasonable evidence? Answers: IDs must have:

1) Serial number or other identifying number; 2) a photograph; 3) description of the person; 4) signature of the person.

Question: Once a notary, do you have the power to perform a marriage? Answer: No, except for those authorized by California Law. Question: Does a notary have the ability to charge any fee they wish? Answer: No. The maximum fees allowed are listed in the notary handbook. Question: Is it required to write “$0 or No FEE” to indicate that no fee was charged for a notary service? Answer: Yes, a notary must write in his journal “$0 or NO FREE” to indicate that no fee was charged, they must not leave the fee blank. Question: What is the Maximum Allowable fee for the signing of an Acknowledgment? Answer: $15 for each signature acknowledged. Question: What is the Maximum Allowable fee for administering an oath or affirmation to one person? Answer: $15 per individual taking the oath or affirmation & certificate. Question: What is the Maximum Allowable fee for taking a deposition, administering the oath of office certificate of deposition? Answer: For all services rendered in connection with the taking of any deposition, the sum of thirty dollars ($30), and in addition thereto, the sum of seven dollars ($7) for administering the oath to the witness and the sum of seven dollars ($7) for the certificate to the deposition.

18 Question: How long does a notary public have to file his oath of office and $15,000 surety bond? Answer: This must be done within 30 days of the start date in the notary commission. Question: In what county must the notary file their bond and oath? Answer: Both the oath and bond must be filed with the county clerk where the principal place of business of the notary is located. Question: What is an acceptable exception for not having the oath and bond filed within 30-days? Answer: None. Exceptions are not made to the 30-day filing requirement due to mail service delays, county clerk mail processing delays, or for any other reason. (CGC 8213) Question: Once a notary changes their business address or residence address, how long do they have to notify the Secretary of State's office? Answer: They must notify the Secretary of State by Certified mail within 30-days. Question: Can a notary be guilty of an infraction if they don’t notify the Secretary of State of his address changes within 30-days? Answer: Yes, and the infraction can be punished by a fine not exceeding $500 (CGC 8213.5) Question: Can a commercial mailbox or Post Office Box (PO Box) be listed as 1) residence address OR 2) the principal place of business. Answer: No. Question: What addresses need to be updated if there are changes (business or personal)? Answer: Both. Any change of address must be reported to the Secretary of State's office. Question: When completing a Jurat using credible witnesses to establish the signer's identity, how many credible witnesses do you need? Answer: You will need one credible witness if the notary personally knows the witness OR two credible witnesses if they don’t personally know the witness in order to establish the signer's identity. ( 1185(b)(3) and (b) (4) ) Question: What is a good example of a Jurat Oath? Answer: “Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the contents of this document are the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?” (California Code of Civil Procedure 2094(2); California Evidence Code 165) Question: Is a notary able to certify copies of a birth certificate?

19 Answer: No, a notary is not able to certify copies of any vital records such as Birth Certificates, Marriage License, or Death Certificate. Copies of these documents may lawfully be certified only by officials in the relevant public records office. (CGC 8230) Question: What is the purpose of a Subscribing Witness? Answer: If a person, called the principal, has signed a document but does not personally appear before a notary public, another person can appear on the principal’s behalf to prove the principal signed (or “executed”) the document. That person is called a subscribing witness. (Code of Civil Procedure section 1935) Question: Are their limitations to when a “Subscribing Witness” CAN NOT be used? Answer: Yes, A proof of execution by a subscribing witness cannot be used in conjunction with any power of attorney, quitclaim deed, grant deed (other than a trustee’s deed resulting from a decree of foreclosure, or a nonjudicial foreclosure pursuant to Civil Code section 2924, or to a deed of reconveyance), mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, any instrument affecting real property, or any instrument requiring a notary public to obtain a thumbprint from the party signing the document in the notary public’s journal. Question: When advertising in Spanish, can a person use the literal translation, notario publico? Answer: No. You cannot use the literal translation of Notary Public when advertising any language. (CGC 8219.5) Question: Do I need to state any disclaimers when advertising in a foreign language? Answer: Yes, every notary public who is not an attorney who advertises the services of a notary public in a language other than English by signs or other means of written communication, with the exception of a single desk plaque, shall post with that advertisement a notice in English and in another language which sets forth the following: (CGC 8219.5)

i. This statement: I am not an attorney and, therefore, CANNOT give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matters.

ii. The fees set by statute which a notary public may charge. Question: When making a Journal entry, what would be the proper entry for the type of document? Answer: The “type of document” should be listed as the title of the document which is most often found at the top of the page. Question: When filling in the “Venue Statement,” you are listing what? Answer: You are listing the State and County in which the person appeared before the notary public, and the notarial act took place.

20 Question: When filling in the day, month and year in the journal entry, what date should be used? Answer: The date must be the one by which the person personally appeared in front of the notary. Question: When can a person use a Signature by Mark? Answer: When the signer of an instrument cannot write (sign) his or her name, that person may sign the document by mark. (Civil Code section 14.) Question: Are witnesses required when a Signature by Mark is used? Answer: Yes, The signer’s mark must be witnessed by two persons who must subscribe their own names as witnesses on the document. One witness should write the person’s name next to the person’s mark and then the witness should sign his or her name as a witness. The witnesses are only verifying that they witnessed the individual make his or her mark on the document. Question: Is a notary able to certify copies of powers of attorney? Answer: Yes. Question: If a notary is convicted of a felony, are you required to surrender the notary seal to the court? Answer: Yes, upon conviction of any felony or any crime relating to misconduct on the part of a notary, the court shall revoke the commission of the notary public, and shall require the notary public to surrender to the court the seal of the notary public. (CGC 8214.8) Question: If a person knowingly destroys a notary journal is that a crime? Answer: If any person shall knowingly destroy, deface, or conceal any records or papers belonging to the office of a notary public, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be liable in a civil action for damages to any person injured as a result of such destruction, defacing, or concealment. (CGC 8221) Question: If a person attempts to convince a notary to make an improper notarial act, can they be found guilty of a crime? Answer: Yes, Any person who solicits, coerces, or in any manner influences a notary public to perform an improper notarial act knowing that act to be an improper notarial act, including any act required of a notary public under Section 8206, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (CGC 8225) Question: Is a notary able to notarize a signature on an immigration document? Answer: Yes, however, they may not help advise or fill out any information unless they are certified by the state to do so.

21 Question: Can a California registered immigration consultation or an attorney help a person fill out immigration forms? Answer: Yes. Question: Can an immigration consultation also advertise as a notary? Answer: NO. A notary public legally is barred from advertising in any manner whatsoever that he or she is a notary public if the notary public promotes himself or herself as an immigration specialist or consultant. (Government Code section 8223) Question: Do the two credible witnesses need to swear (or affirm) that they personally know the signer? Answer: Yes, (California Civil Code 1185). Question: Do the two credible witnesses need to swear (or affirm) that the signer doesn’t have an ID to establish their own identity? Answer: Yes, (California Civil Code 1185). Question: Can any of the credible witnesses be listed in or have a financial interest in the document being signed? Answer: No, a credible witness must not have any financial interest or be listed in the document. (California Civil Code 1185) Question: For the privacy of a signer, can a notary skip around in their notary journal? Answer: No. All notarial acts must be recorded in sequential order. Question: What is the infraction if a notary does not willfully maintain their notary public journal? Answer: A notary public is guilty of a misdemeanor if the notary public willfully fails to properly maintain the notary public’s journal. (Government Code section 8228.1) Question: If a notary has an outstanding court order or judgment, can they be refused to be a notary? Answer: Yes (CGC 8214.1) Question: Is there a reason for the refusal to re-appoint as a notary due to using the phrase Spanish, notario publico? Answer: Yes, (CGC 8214.1). Question: Is the date and time required to be recorded in the notary journal? Answer: Yes. Date, time and type of each official act (e.g., acknowledgment, jurat) is required to be recorded in the notary journal. (CGC 8206)

22 Question: Can a notary journal be seized by a peace officer that is investigating a crime and has reason to believe there is evidence in the journal? Answer: Yes, the notary public shall not surrender the journal to any other person, EXCEPT the county clerk, pursuant to Section 8209, or immediately, or if the journal is not present then as soon as possible, upon request to a peace officer investigating a criminal offense who has reasonable suspicion to believe the journal contains evidence of a criminal offense. Question: If a sequential journal is seized for legal reasons by a peace officer and a new journal has been obtained, can the notary add additional entries when the journal is returned? Answer: No. If the journal relinquished to a peace officer is returned to the notary public and a new journal has been obtained, the notary public shall make NO new entries in the returned journal (Section 8206). Question: Is it required to record the signature of each person whose signature is being notarized? Answer: Yes, (Section 8206). Question: When recording the type of ID used, what must be included? Answer: 1) the governmental agency issuing the document, 2) the serial or identifying number of the document, and 3) the date of issue or expiration of the document. Question: What items need to be recorded when using two credible witnesses as satisfactory evidence? Answer: The signatures and a form of ID’s used by the credible witnesses (CGC 8206). Question: If the notary doesn’t charge a fee for a notary act, can they leave the fee box blank? Answer: No, they must write “0” or “no fee” as the fee (CGC 8206). Question: What types of documents require a right thumbprint entry in the journal? Answer: If the document to be notarized is a deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, or other document affecting real property or a power of attorney document, the notary public shall require the party signing the document to place his or her right thumbprint in the journal. Question: What should you do if the right thumbprint is not available? Answer: If the right thumbprint is not available, then the notary public shall have the party use his or her left thumb, or any available finger, and shall so indicate in the journal. If the party signing the document is physically unable to provide a thumb or fingerprint, the notary public shall so indicate in the journal and shall also provide an explanation of that physical condition. Question: What is an Acknowledgement used for?

23 Answer: In the certificate of acknowledgment, the notary public certifies:

1. That the signer personally appeared before the notary public on the date indicated in the county indicated;

2. To the identity of the signer; 3. That the signer acknowledged executing the document.

Question: Are there any times the right thumbprint is not required when dealing with real property? Answer: Yes, it shall not apply to a trustee’s deed resulting from a decree of foreclosure or a nonjudicial foreclosure pursuant to Section 2924 of the Civil Code, nor to a deed of reconveyance. Question: What does a Certificate of Acknowledgment verify? Answer: Only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document. (California Civil Code 1189). Question: Can the Notary Seal and Signature be attached to any document? Answer: It is not acceptable to affix a notary public seal and signature to a document without the notarial wording. Question: What is a “Venu Statement”? Answer: It states the county and state by which the notarization act took place. For example, Sacramento County, California. Question: Are their different fee structures for a notary who is appointed to a military reservation? Answer: They are not allowed to charge a fee. Question: Can I notarize a document using a LIVE video feed? Answer: No. A video image or other form of non-physical representation is NOT a personal appearance in front of a notary public under California State law. Question: Swear vs. Affirm, what is the difference? Swear is using God, affirm is not. There is no difference between these two terms when a notary places a person under oath.

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California Notary Study Questions: 2021

These study questions are designed to prepare you for the California Notary State Exam. They are not intended to be used as legal references. To register for your exam please visit: https://www.cpshr.us/exam-registration/notary/registration/

1. Name “One” requirement for becoming a California Notary Public?a. Be under 18 years of ageb. Have a criminal recordc. Not pass the examd. Be a legal resident of California

2. Your jurisdiction will be limited to what geographical area:a. The entire state of Californiab. The county in which you livec. The city in which you workd. The entire United States

3. When completing a notary by Two Credible Witness, not know to the notary public, whoneeds to be placed under oath to establish Satisfactory Evidence.

a. Only one credible witness must take the oathb. Both credible witness must take the oathc. Both credible witnesses and the signer must take the oath.d. Only one credible witness and the singer must take the oath.

4. How many days do you have to take your oath of office after your commencement date:a. 6 monthsb. 10 daysc. 30 daysd. None of the above

5. If you request a new Certificate of Authorization, the State of California must respondwithin:

a. One monthb. 5 daysc. One yeard. 30 days

6. The agency of the State that will give you the new certificate is the:a. Corporation Commissionerb. Bureau of Notary Publicsc. Secretary of Stated. Department of Real Estate

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7. Using the words notario publico to advertise your notary practice: a. Is encouraged b. Is legal only in California c. Is prohibited d. Indicates bilingual ability

8. If a notary willingly and knowingly notarizes a real estate document that they know to be

fraudulent, they are guilty of a: a. Misdemeanor b. Lis pendes c. Carpe diem d. Felony

9. What statement holds true when ask to notarize a Death Certificate:

a. Must be notarized for NO FEE b. You cannot notarize a Death Certificate c. To notarize it must be signed in the accompany of two credible witnesses

whereas one witness must personally know the notary. d. The death must have taken place less than 5 years prior.

10. A subscribing witness can bring you:

a. Quit Claim Deed b. Grant Deed c. Mortgage d. Homestead Declaration

11. If a notary states a known false fact as true, the penalty is:

a. No penalty b. $1,500 c. $10,000 d. $75,000

12. When using two credible witnesses, one must:

a. Personally know the notary b. Must be over 21 c. Must be fingerprinted d. None of the above

13. When do you officially become a notary?

a. When you pass the exam b. When the Secretary of State sends your commission c. When you complete your first notarial act d. When your oath and bond are filed

26 14. The max size of a circular Notary Seal CANNOT exceed:

a. No more than 1 inch in diameter b. No more than 1.5 inches in diameter c. No more than 2 inch in diameter d. There is no size restriction of a circular notary seal

15. The max size of a square or rectangular seal CANNOT exceed:

a. No more than 2 inches x 2 inches b. 1 inch in width by 2 ½ inches in length c. 2 ½ inches in width by 3 inches in length d. There are no size restrictions on a square or rectangular seal.

16. If you are one of the following concerning a document, you must NOT notarize it:

a. A CFO of the company presenting the document. b. Employee of the company listed in the document c. A relative of a named person in the document. d. Trustor or Trustee listed in the document

17. The fine for overcharging for a non-immigration form is:

a. Up to $10 b. Up to $1,000 c. Up to $75,000 d. Up to $750

18. The fine for failing to notify the State that your stamp or journal was lost is:

a. Up to $10 b. Up to $1,000 c. Up to $1,500 d. Up to $75

19. Willful failure to provide a peace officer with a journal when requested is punishable by a

civil penalty of up to: a. $750 b. $1,500 c. $500 d. $2,500

20. What is the penalty for failing to post signs in English and in the other language that you use that “I am not an attorney and, therefore, cannot give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matters”, when you advertise Notary Services in a language other than English and are not an attorney:

a. Up to $750 fine b. Not less than a one-year revoke of the commission, and the second offense shall

be revoked permanently. c. Two – four years in prison d. $75,000 fine

27 21. When a regulation states 30 days it means:

a. Calendar days b. Business days c. Business days excluding holidays d. none of the above

22. Your commission start date is dated 04/24/20 and you get your oath filed on 05/11/20.

Your commission will expire: a. Immediately – you were too late b. 04/23/2024 c. 05/11/2024 d. 05/11/2021

23. The fee for notarizing a circulator’s affidavit is:

a. $0 (You are not allowed to charge) b. $7.00 c. $15.00 d. Negotiable

24. A notary can certify a copy of a power of attorney according to the:

a. Civil Code Sections 8205 b. Section 4307 of the California Probate Code c. Bus. & Prof. Code d. Notary Public Code

25. You may surrender your journal over to:

a. Your employer, if they purchased your notary supplies b. Your employer, up leaving their employment c. A Peace Officer with probable cause d. All of the above

26. During the signature by mark process, how many people write the name signer next to

the signature by mark: a. Neither witness must write the person's name. b. Both witnesses must write the person's name. c. One witness shall write the person’s name next to the person’s mark. d. All answers are incorrect.

27. If a notary changes their business or residence address, who must they notify within

30-days: a. Secretary of State b. Local Law Enforcement c. County Clerk where your oath and bond ar field d. Both the Secretary of State and County Clerk’s office

28 28. If you move, you must contact the Secretary of State's office in writing, by certified

mail, within: a. Immediately b. 10 days c. 30 days d. 6 months

29. If you surrender your journal to a proper authority, you must notify the Secretary of State

within: a. 1 day b. 10 days c. 30 days d. 1 month

30. A commission is valid for what period of time ______ years:

a. It never expires. b. 2 years c. 4 years d. 6 years

31. Your notary surety bond is worth ______ in order to protect the public financially from the

possibility of a negligent mistake or initial misconduct: a. $15,000 b. $1,500 c. $75,000 d. $35,000

32. The statute of limitations for making a statement known to be false is:

a. One year b. Two years c. Three years d. Four years

33. One stipulation of an acceptable form of a an identification document is it must be

current or issued within: a. 1 year b. 2 years c. 5 years d. 10 years

34. Which of the following does NOT need to be on a U.S. passport?

a. Picture of holder b. Holder’s signature c. Description of the Person d. Date of issue

29 35. Notary certificates are signed by:

a. Notary Public b. Secretary of State c. Client d. Lender

36. A Driver's License Issued by a State other than California must include:

a. Photograph & Signature b. Physical Description c. Serial or other Identifying Number d. All of the above

37. When administering the oath:

a. The signer must raise their right hand b. Both the singer and notary public must raise their right hands c. The signer must swear to god d. None; raising right hand is not required

38. One requirement of being a Notary Public is to:

a. Keep a photocopy of every document notarized b. Keep their stamp and journal under their direct control at all times c. Refuse to notarize any document that is not in English. d. None of the above

39. To resign your commission, send a letter of resignation to the ______ and deliver all of

your notarial records and papers to the county in which your current oath of office is on file within 30 days and destroy your seal:

a. Secretary of State office b. County Clerk where your current oath is on file c. Your employer d. None of the above

40. Once your commission has been issued and an applicant fails to file the oath and bond

within 30-calendar-days, what do you do: a. You will need to have your fingerprints retaken at a Live Scan Site b. You must pay $20 to reapply c. You must complete a new application (with all required documents). d. All of the above

41. A notary seeking reappointment must retake the notary exam:

a. Any time after you have to pay a fine b. Only once if your notary commission lapses c. Every 4 years d. None of the above

30 42. The fine for willful failure to notify the Secretary of State of an address or name

change is no more than: a. $500 b. $750 c. $1,500 d. $15,000

43. Notaries can/must withhold their notarial services:

a. When they can not directly communicate with the signer. b. When a document is incomplete c. When the notary knows the document to be false. d. All of the above

44. Which is a true statement?

a. It is the notary’s duty to draft power of attorney, mortgages and deeds when requested

b. A notary does not have to charge a fee c. A right thumb print is required for ALL notary acts d. All statement are true

45. A notary may complete the following types of notarial acts:

a. Notarize a document in a foreign language b. Place a person under oath. c. Notarize a relative’s documents, so long as they have NO direct financial benefit d. All of the above

46. Signers of the what following document(s) must place their right thumbprint in the

journal: a. On all documents notarized b. Power of Attorney c. Deed or document affecting real property d. Both B & C

47. A notary must purchase _______ in order to become a notary public:

a. Purchase a Notary Surety Bond in the amount of $15,000 b. Purchase a Notary Surety Bond in the amount of $35,000. c. Purchase, Errors and Omission Insurance for No less than $5,000 d. NO answer is correct.

31 48. A suitable oat, affirmation, or deloration to an action or a proceeding may be

administered by obtaining an affirmative response to which of of the following statements:

a. Do you solemnly state that the evidence you shall give in this issue (or matter) shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

b. Do you solemnly state, under penalty of perjury, that the evidence that you shall give in this issue (or matter) shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

c. Neither A or B are permissible. d. Both A & B are permissible.

49. A Notary (who is NOT an immigration consultant or Attorney) may help in completing:

a. Any legal document present to the notary b. ONLY Immigration documents in English c. ONLY Immigation documents for Mexican citizens d. They can’t help complete any documents.

50. A notary may NOT notarize:

a. When they are the attorney who drafted the Trust deed for their client and they are not named as a beneficiary or have a financial interest.

b. When the document is for a State other than California. c. For a spouse d. When they are a mortgagor in a transaction

51. For a first-time applicant seeking to obtain their notarial commission, they must:

a. Pass an exam b. Be fingerprinted as part of a thorough background check c. Be at least 18 years of age d. All of the above

52. A Certificate of Authorization to manufacture a notary public seal may be obtained from:

a. The governor’s office b. The Department of Real Estate c. The Secretary of State d. None of the above

53. Satisfactory evidence of identity can NOT be obtained from _____ even if they include: A

Photo, Signature, serial or ID number, and description of person. a. A State Government Issued ID card that is EXPIRED and was issued less than 5

years ago. b. Passport of a Forign Country c. California ID card this NOT a Driver's License d. Company Issued ID Badge.

32 54. Once a person is appointed as a Notary Public, they may:

a. Advertise they are immigration consultants b. Take depositions and affidavits, and administer oaths and affirmations. c. Make Certified copies of a California birth certificate d. Make Certified copies of a California residents death, or fetal death, certificate.

55. What statement is true regarding administering oaths or affirmations:

a. An affirmation must NOT be used when taking a witness testimony as the person is not swear or afriming to God.

b. An oath my NO longer be used on Federal Property c. A solemn spoken pledge where both the Notary and person taking the oath or

affirmation must raise their right hand. d. Are considered interchangeable and are left up to the signer to choose.

56. A certified copy of a power of attorney that has been certified by a notary public:

a. has the same force and effect as the original power of attorney. b. is only valid for 30 days from the date it was notarized c. must be both stamped and embossed by the notary to hold the same power as

the original power of attorney. d. None of the above

57. Any person who solicits, coerces, or in any manner influences a notary public to perform

an improper notarial, shal be guild of: a. a Moral Turpitude Felony b. a Misdemeanor c. a Felony d. an Infraction

58. Notaries shall NOT perform notary actions if they are:

a. An Attorney b. An employee of the business listed in the document c. Named as a principal in a financial transaction d. All of the above

59. Which of the following notarial act(s) MUST the DOCUMENT be signed in the presence

of the notary: a. Acknowledgment b. Jurat c. Both Acknowledgement and Jurats must be signed in the presence of of the

notary d. Neither an Acknowledgement or a Jurat has to be signed in the presence of the

notary.

33 60. In the certificate of acknowledgment, the notary public certifies:

a. That the signer personally appeared before the notary public on the date indicated in the county indicated

b. To the identity of the signer c. That the signer acknowledged executing the document d. All of the above

61. Notaries obtain their seals from:

a. The Secretary of State b. Their County Clerk c. An Approved vendor or manufacturer d. Their employer or may create their own

62. When a subscribing witness presents a document to be notarized the action is called:

a. Acknowledgment b. Protest c. Jurat d. Proof of Execution

63. If a principal, has signed a document, but cannot appear before a notary public, the

document may be brought to the notary by: a. Any peace officer b. An agent for the principal c. A spouse d. A subscribing witness

64. A subscribing witness is placed under oath and (say under oath) what to be true:

a. If they were requested by the principal to sign the document as a witness? b. That the subscribing witness saw the principal sign the document or in the

presence of the principal heard the principal acknowledge that the principal signed the document?

c. That the person who signed the document as a party, the principal, is the person described in the document, and the subscribing witness personally knows the principal?

d. All of the above

65. An embossed seal impression: a. Is always required when completing an acknowledgment b. Can only be used by a notary when completing birth or death certificates. c. Is acceptable the same as a rubber stamp seal. d. Notaries public may use an embosser seal in addition to the rubber stamp.

34 66. Which of the following is are/a Notary Act a non-specialty licensed/approved notary

may perform: a. Acknowledgment & Jurat b. Certified Copies, of select document c. Proof of Execution d. All answers are correct.

67. What is true, with regards to a Credible witness(es):

a. Are never placed under oath b. Must NOT have a financial interest in the document c. Must personally know the notary d. All of the above

68. If you are a notary and your principal place of business changes due you resigning a

position with your employer: a. you must resign your commission within 30 days. b. You are required to leave all journals with your ex-employer for the new notary c. You are required to retake the state exam within 30-days d. You are required to Notify the Secretary of State of any business address change

69. What is true regarding, A Military and Naval Reservation Notary:

a. Is appointed by their commanding officer, not the Secretary of State's office. b. Charges no fees and shall be authorized to act only within the boundaries of this

reservation c. Can only notarize classified documents d. None of the above

70. A person who is not commissioned and holds herself out as a notary is:

a. Guilty of a felony b. A Sudo Notary c. Guilty of an infraction d. Guilty of a misdemeanor

71. An employer of a Notary can:

a. Copy Journal entries of business generated documents in front of the notary b. Inspect and retain the notaries sequential journal at any time c. Enter necessary corrections to a journal d. Appoint another employee to use the journal when the notary is absent

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72. A notary public must respond within _____ business days after the receipt of a written request from any member of the public for a copy of a transaction in the notary public journal by supplying either a photostatic copy of a line item from the notary public’s journal or an acknowledgment that no such line item exists.

a. One (1) b. Two (2) c. Thirty (30) d. Fifteen (15)

73. California law requires every notary public to file an official bond (Surety Bond) in the

amount of $15,000. This bond is designed to: a. Be an issuance policy for the notary public. b. Paying claims against the notary public. c. Be an insurance policy for the notary publics employer d. All of the above.

74. Which of the following documents does not require an official notary public seal to be

stamped: a. Subdivision maps b. Veterans Application or Claim for a Pension c. Circulator’s affidavit d. Quitclaim Deed

75. The county named in the Venue is where:

a. The signer personally appeared b. The notary’s place of business is located c. Where the signer lives d. None of the above

76. If the notary act requires a right thumb print and the right thumbprint is not available,

then the notary public shall: a. have the party use his or her left thumb b. us any available finger c. shall so indicate in the journal what finger was used. d. All of the above

77. If asked to notarize an incomplete document, a notary should:

a. Make a note in the journal b. Take a thumbprint c. Require two subscribing witness d. Refuse The Notarial Act

36 78. A Notary seal must:

a. Be photographically reproducible and contain an expiration date b. Contain the state seal and the words notary public c. Have a serrated or milled edge border d. All of the above

79. The most frequently completed form is:

a. The acknowledgment b. Jurat c. Confidential marriage license d. Protest

80. A notary public qualified and bonded as an immigration consultant under Chapter 19.5.

And uses the title ‘Immigration Consultant’, may not advertise: a. That she is a notary public b. In any print media her immigation consultant services c. In any language other than English d. None of the above

81. Which items must always be put in the journal:

a. Date, time, type of document, fees b. Date, type of document, fees, address of signer c. Fees, time, document date, name of signer d. Date, time, fees, thumbprint

82. An item that must be found on an official notarial seal is:

a. State seal and notary’s name b. Expiration date of commission and county where oath is on file c. Sequential ID number of manufacturer and notary’s sequential commission

number d. All of the above

83. A notary may not advertise:

a. Fees to be charged b. In Spanish or any other forieng language c. The Spanish terms notario publico or notario d. On a desk plaque

84. The main purpose of a credible witness is to:

a. Substitute for a signer b. Watch the signer sign the document c. Prove that a person signed a document d. Establish satisfactory evidence of the Identify of a signer

37 85. What is a requirement of two witnesses for a signature by mark necessary?

a. To view the making or the acknowledging of the mark b. To identify the signer c. To sign the journal on the signers behalf d. All of the above.

86. You are notarizing a document for a personal friend, and they use a California Driver's

license as a satisfactory form or ID. Which of the following must be included in your journal?

a. Driver’s license number b. Type of Document c. Notary fee d. All of the above

87. A written request for a photocopy of a journal entry by a person from the general public

must contain: a. Type of notarization, type of document and signers ID number b. Type of document, month and year of notarization, and a copy of the parties’

signature c. Type of notarization, venue of notarial act, and names of parties d. Type of document, month and year of notarization and names of parties

88. A right thumbprint is not required in the Notary journal for a:

a. Deed of reconveyance b. Grant deed c. Warranty deed d. Deed of trust

89. A private employer, pursuant to an agreement with an employee who is a notary public,

may pay the premiums on any bond and the cost of any stamps, seals, or other supplies required in connection with the appointment, commission, or performance of the duties of such notary public. When doing so:

a. Always require any fees collect by the notary be remitted to the employer b. No fees can be collected for any notarial act. c. The notary must keep their notary supplies in their employers custody at all

times. d. Notary actions can be limited by the employer to business transactions

90. An expired California Driver’s License was issued 4 ½ years ago, can it be used as proof

of ID: a. Yes, It is acceptable as identification b. No, the license is expired and no longer valid c. Yes, it is acceptable so long as the address list is still current. d. Yes, only if the notary personally knows the person

38 91. Notaries may NOT certify a copy of a:

a. Journal entry requested by the Secretary of Stateb. power of attorneyc. Journal entry requested by a member of the publicd. Limited power of attorney document

92. When a Notary changes a business address to a new county within California:a. The Notary must notify the Secretary of State of the address changeb. The Notary must file a new oath of office and amendment to the Notary’s bond in

the new county before notarizing documents in the new countyc. The Notary must change the name of the county imprinted on the Notary’s seald. All of the above

93. A proof of execution may be performed on which of the following type of document:a. Deed of reconveyanceb. Quitclaim deedc. Security agreementd. Deed of trust

94. A notary who allows their commission to expire without obtaining reappointment within30-days and does not deliver all notarial records and papers to the county clerks officewhere their official oath of office is field can be found guilty of:

a. Guilty of a felonyb. Guilty of a misdemeanorc. Guilty of an infractiond. None of the above

95. A certificate reads: Subscribed & Sworn to before me on August 5, 2020 by ________.Whose name goes on the blank?

a. Notaryb. Signerc. Credible Witnessd. Secretary of State

96. You are automatically disqualified from doing a notarization when you are a:a. Lessor to the transactionb. Vendee to the transactionc. Grantor to the transactiond. All of the Above

97. By contract an employee and employer can:a. Charge $20 for a one-person Juratb. Notarize outside of Californiac. Eliminate their journald. Limit services solely to their business

39 98. By using the term notario publico in an advertisement, the Notary’s commission could

be: a. Suspended for a period of not less than six months or revoked immediately. b. Suspended for a period of not less than six months and revoked on the second

offense c. Suspended for a period of not less than one year and revoked on the second

offense d. None of the above

99. A Notary may not charge a fee for notarization on:

a. A power of attorney b. A circulator’s affidavit c. A quitclaim deed d. An affidavit of support

100. A Notary may NOT charge a fee to a United State Military Veteran when:

a. They help a veteran who is in need of legal advice when completing documents that deal with real property.

b. Notarization of an application or a claim for a pension, allotment, allowance, compensation, insurance, or any other veterans benefit.

c. You may never charge a US military veteran a fee for any notarial act. d. All answers are correct.

101. A Notary who engages in the unauthorized practice of law may face:

a. Commission denial b. Commission revocation c. Commission suspension d. All of the above

102. Which of the following instances can your notary commission be suspended and/or

revoked? a. Failure to not comply with child or family support obligations b. Refusing to complete a notarial act for a person who speaks only Spanish and

you were not able to communicate with them. c. Charging a friend less than the general public d. Not charging for a notary act.

103. When a notary is appointed to act for and on behalf of certain public agencies,

pursuant to Government Code section 8202.5 all fees collected are: a. To be kept by the Notary b. Split 50/50 with the agency c. To be remitted by the Notary Public to the employing agency d. All notary acts must be a Zero Charge.

40 104. Which statement is true regarding a notary public when notarize documents for

relatives or a family member: a. They may do so if they are a licensed signing agent when dealing with mortgage

documents where they are personally listed as a beneficiary. b. They may do so only if they do NOT live with the family member. c. Only if there is a witness to the notary act present, and the witness must sing the

journal entry d. They may do so, unless doing so would provide a direct financial or beneficial

interest to the notary public.

105. A notary can notarize documents to be filed in another State but: a. Must Always use a California form b. Can’t certify a signer holds a particular capacity c. Can’t charge any fees d. May only complete an acknowledgement.

106. Oath of a witness: An oath, affirmation, or declaration in an action or a proceeding,

may be administered by obtaining an affirmative response to, which of the following statements.

a. “Do you solemnly state that the evidence you shall give in this issue (or matter) shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”

b. “Do you solemnly state, under penalty of perjury, that the evidence that you shall give in this issue (or matter) shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”

c. Both A & B statements are incorrect.. d. Both A & B statements are permissible.

107. If your employer asks to see your journal to take photocopies and was the one who

paid for the journal and other notarial related fees, you should: a. Allow your employer to take possession of your journal for a period NOT to

exceed 24-hours. b. Refuse to let your employer look at the journal c. Shall permit inspection and copying of journal but limit to only transactions that

are directly associated with the business purposes of the employer d. Never allow your employer to look at the journal and make certified copies for

their inspecial.

41 108. In the case of the death of a notary public, the personal representative of the

deceased shall: a. Promptly notify the Secretary of State and return the journal to the notary's

employer, if they are self-employed said person shall keep the records in a safe place for 4 years.

b. Promptly notify the Secretary of State and deliver seal and journal to a local or state peace officer.

c. Promptly notify the County where the oath and bond are recorded, and mail all notarial records and papers of the Secretary of States.

d. Promptly notify the Secretary of State and shall deliver all notarial records and papers of the deceased to the clerk of the county where their oath is on file

109. No fees may be charged for:

a. Completing a jurat b. Verifying an nomination document or circulator’s affidavit c. Any acknowledgments made at a place of worship. d. All answers are incorrect.

110. When performing a signature by mark notarization:

a. The signer must make his or her mark in the Notary’s journal b. The signer does not have to be identified c. The notary must make the mark in his or her journal on the signers behalf d. The notary must sign the person’s name near his or her mark on the signature

line

111. A Notary Public can notarize a signature on a document that: a. They signed as a principal b. In which they have a direct financial interest c. Is incomplete d. Is in a foreign language that the notary is NOT fluent.

112. Which of the following MUST be included in a Journal:

a. Date of completion printed on the document present for notarization. b. Address of signer, residential or place of business. c. Character of every instrument sworn to, affirmed, acknowledged, or proved

before the notary. d. Right Thumbprint of every notary act completed.

113. If a credible witness personally knows the signer and the notary:

a. Only one credible witness is needed b. Two credible witnesses are still always required c. The notary must refuse the notarial act due to a conflict of interest. d. None of the above

42 114. Notaries need NOT record in their journals:

a. The date and time of notarization b. The fees charged for notarial services c. Type of document notarized d. The signer’s address

115. When the venue of the Notary’s certificate has been filled in beforehand with an

incorrect state and/or county, the Notary must: a. Always attach a loose certificate with a correct venue b. Reject the document c. Not tamper with words that may have been filled in by an attorney d. Line through the inapplicable words, writing in the correct state and county

116. Any person who solicits or coerces a notary to perform improperly is guilty of:

a. A Felony b. An Infraction c. Nothing d. Misdemeanor

117. All person seeking to be a newly appointed notary public must first complete:

a. Six-hours of study, from an approved vendor b. Three-hours of study, from an approved vendor c. Ten-Hours of study, from an approved vendor d. All answers are incorrect.

118. When completing an acknowledgment, what statement is true:

a. The singer must be able to communicate effectively in english with the notary. b. If the signer has their middle name on their satisfactory proof of identification they

must also sign their middle name. c. The signer must present a valid US Passport and/or California ID that was issued

no more than 5 years ago. d. The signer must acknowledged executing (signing) the document

119. When the last day for filing an instrument or other document with a state agency falls

upon a Saturday or holiday, such act may be performed: a. Within one week b. Within two weeks c. Within thirty days d. Upon the next day that is not a holiday

120. When notarizing a document containing an acknowledgment, the Notary:

a. Must see the document signer sign before them b. May accept a document that has already been signed c. Must administer an oath d. Must make a copy of the acknowledgment to keep in their personal records.

43 121. To communicate with the Secretary of State about a change in address, what

statement(s) is/are true: a. A Notary must communicate the change when it is a business address b. A Notary must communicate the change when it is a residence address c. It must take place within 30 days by certified mail or a form that provides a

receipt. d. All of the above

122. At what time would an oath be involved before completing an acknowledgment:

a. Every time b. When the signer would like to swear that the contents of the document are true c. When the signer utilizes a credible witness(es) as ID d. No answers are correct.

123. Name a statement that is True when completing a Jurat:

a. If he notary personally knows the signer, this will act as sufficient proof of identification.

b. The signer may pre-sign the document so long as they take the oath in front of the notary.

c. The signer must personally appear, take an oath, and sign in the presence of the notary public.

d. All answers are incorrect.

124. To establish proper ID the Notary can accept which of the following from the principal:

a. Two credible witnesses with proper ID, who personally know the principal b. A Credible witness personally known by Notary and principal with proper ID. c. One proper ID of the principal – current or issued in the last five years d. All of the above

125. Exceptions to personal appearance by the principal are:

a. The notary personally knows the signer b. Credible witness c. Video conference d. Subscribing Witness

126. A notary public, who completes notaries for their employer and after hours for

personal profit is allowed to use how many active notary journals: a. They may use one active journal at work and one for after hours use. b. They may keep as many active journals as necessary to ensure they are always

available to complete a notarial act. c. Only one active sequential journal may be used by the notary at any time. d. No answer is correct.

44 127. To meet the 30 calendar day filing limit of the oath with the county you must:

a. Ensure your certified letter is postmarked by the 30-day if you file by mail. b. Request an extension by certified mail if you expect to be late. c. Allow for any form of delay as there are no exceptions. d. Pay a $5 fine for each day you are late.

128. A judgment is lodged against a Notary for $22,000 and the bonding company pays

$15,000 to the client. The notary is liable for: a. $7,000 b. $22,000 c. $15,000 d. $0

129. What statement is true when requested to complete a notary act via a teleconference

call for your employer: a. The notary must personally know the signer. b. The notary must keep on file, for no less than 4 years, a video recording of the

notarial act. c. The notary must refuse, as the signer must personally appear before the notary

public. d. The notary public must have completed a notary act for the person, in-person

within the past 30-days and have photocopy of their ID on file.

130. The identity of a subscribing witness must be established by: a. Their current U.S. Passport or California ID Card b. The oath of a credible witness who personally knows the subscribing witness and

who is known personally by the notary public. c. Two credible witnesses with proper ID cards d. A Notary who personally knows the subscribing witness.

131. The true statement below about qualifications to be a California Notary Public is, you

must be: a. Able to read English or Spanish b. A U.S. Citizen c. Currently Employed d. Resident of California

132. It is never acceptable to affix a notary seal and signature to a document without:

a. The notarial wording b. Being paid c. Giving an oath d. Seeing the person sign the document

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133. If a notary is unable to communicate with a customer due to a language barrier the notary:

a. Should use an interpreter b. Refer them to someone who speaks their language c. Should use a state approved interpreter d. Should complete the notarial act to the best of their ability

134. In foreign language advertising regulations there are strict rules but the one

exception is: a. A business card in the foreign language b. A single desk plaque c. An 8 ½” x 11” brochure d. Yellow pages advertising

135. When a public agency pays an employee’s expenses, the fees:

a. Shall be remitted to the agency b. Are distributed per an employee-agency agreement c. Are never collected d. Go to the notary

136. When a check has not been honored for payment, the Secretary of State shall give a

written notice. If no correction is done a second notice of cancellation shall be effective when:

a. 90 days b. 30 days c. 20 days d. 10 days

Answer Sheet Print these 2 sheets to take the quiz, then use the key to check your answers.

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Question & Answer Key

1. D 2. A 3. B 4. C 5. B 6. C 7. C 8. D 9. B 10. D 11. C 12. D 13. D 14. C 15. B 16. D 17. D 18. C 19. D 20. B 21. A 22. B 23. A 24. B 25. C 26. C 27. A 28. C 29. B 30. C 31. A 32. D 33. C 34. C 35. A 36. D 37. D 38. B 39. A 40. D 41. C 42. A 43. D 44. B 45. D 46. D

47. A 48. D 49. D 50. D 51. D 52. C 53. D 54. B 55. D 56. A 57. B 58. C 59. B 60. D 61. C 62. D 63. D 64. D 65. D 66. D 67. B 68. D 69. B 70. D 71. A 72. D 73. B 74. A 75. A 76. D 77. D 78. D 79. A 80. A 81. A 82. D 83. C 84. D 85. A 86. D 87. D 88. A 89. D 90. A 91. C 92. A

93. A 94. B 95. B 96. D 97. D 98. C 99. B 100. B 101. D 102. A 103. C 104. D 105. B 106. D 107. C 108. D 109. B 110. A 111. D 112. C 113. A 114. D 115. D 116. D 117. A 118. D 119. D 120. B 121. D 122. C 123. C 124. D 125. D 126. C 127. C 128. B 129. C 130. B 131. D 132. A 133. B 134. B 135. A 136. C