CALIFORNIA NOTARY PUBLIC EXAM
CERTIFICATION EVALUATION EXAMS 2026
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● What does a Notary Public do? Answer: A NP authenticates a person's
identity
A NP verifies that the person has signed the document.
A NP compels an affiant to truthfulness.
Essentially, a Notary Public ensures the person is who they say they are,
witnesses them sign the document, and ensures they are telling the truth.
● What is required to become a Notary Public in California? Answer: -
18 years old or above
-Legal resident of California
- complete a state approved education course
- Pass a written exam prescribed by the Secretary of State
-Possess integrity
- Pass a background test
,-Submit an application
● How many hours of training must be completed to become a Notary
Public? Answer: - 6 hours
- 3 hours if you are renewing
● What is the duty of a Notary Public? Answer: It is the duty of a
Notary Public to perform a notarial act when presented with a proper
request and the fee for the notarial act has been paid.
● How can a Notary Public ensure they are an impartial witness?
Answer: The Notary Public must ensure they have no direct financial or
beneficial interest in the notarized transaction. This means that they:
-must not be named in the document.
-may never notarize their own signature.
● When would their be a conflict of interest for a Notary Public?
Answer: A NP who has a direct financial or beneficial interest in a
transaction shall not perform any notarization in connection to that
transaction.
- Since CA is a community property state, a NP should exercise caution
when performing notarial services for a spouse or domestic partner.
, ● In real property transactions, a Notary Public would have a Conflict of
Interest if named as: Answer: Grantor/grantee
Trustor/trustee
Lessor/lessee
Mortgagor/mortgagee
Vendor/vendee
Beneficiary
ENDS IN OR/EE NO TO NOTARY
● What is the memory tool to remember when you have to say no to
notary in event of conflict of interest? Answer: if it ends in or/ee - NO
TO NOTARY
● When does a Notary Public have no direct financial or beneficial
interest if acting on behalf of the signer in the capacity of: Answer:
Agent
Attorney
Employee
Escrow holder
Insurer
Lender
CERTIFICATION EVALUATION EXAMS 2026
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● What does a Notary Public do? Answer: A NP authenticates a person's
identity
A NP verifies that the person has signed the document.
A NP compels an affiant to truthfulness.
Essentially, a Notary Public ensures the person is who they say they are,
witnesses them sign the document, and ensures they are telling the truth.
● What is required to become a Notary Public in California? Answer: -
18 years old or above
-Legal resident of California
- complete a state approved education course
- Pass a written exam prescribed by the Secretary of State
-Possess integrity
- Pass a background test
,-Submit an application
● How many hours of training must be completed to become a Notary
Public? Answer: - 6 hours
- 3 hours if you are renewing
● What is the duty of a Notary Public? Answer: It is the duty of a
Notary Public to perform a notarial act when presented with a proper
request and the fee for the notarial act has been paid.
● How can a Notary Public ensure they are an impartial witness?
Answer: The Notary Public must ensure they have no direct financial or
beneficial interest in the notarized transaction. This means that they:
-must not be named in the document.
-may never notarize their own signature.
● When would their be a conflict of interest for a Notary Public?
Answer: A NP who has a direct financial or beneficial interest in a
transaction shall not perform any notarization in connection to that
transaction.
- Since CA is a community property state, a NP should exercise caution
when performing notarial services for a spouse or domestic partner.
, ● In real property transactions, a Notary Public would have a Conflict of
Interest if named as: Answer: Grantor/grantee
Trustor/trustee
Lessor/lessee
Mortgagor/mortgagee
Vendor/vendee
Beneficiary
ENDS IN OR/EE NO TO NOTARY
● What is the memory tool to remember when you have to say no to
notary in event of conflict of interest? Answer: if it ends in or/ee - NO
TO NOTARY
● When does a Notary Public have no direct financial or beneficial
interest if acting on behalf of the signer in the capacity of: Answer:
Agent
Attorney
Employee
Escrow holder
Insurer
Lender
