California Notary Public Exam Questions verified with correct
answers 2026/2027 version
With who should the oath and bond be filed- correct answer >>>county clerk in the
county where the notary holds her principal place of business
How much time and who must a notary notify of an address change?- correct answer
>>>Notify Secretary of State by certified mail within 30 days of changing residence or
business address
Fine for failing to notify of address change:- correct answer >>>$500
What are the two duties to respond to written requests- correct answer >>>1-respond in
30 days to written requests for information
2-respond in time specified when certified copies of journal are requested
Can an employer request that fees be turned over to employer?- correct answer
>>>yes.
How many journals can a notary keep- correct answer >>>one
Who can request photostatic copies of a notary's journal?- correct answer >>>-any
member of the general public can request to see their line item in the journal
What must the request include when requesting copies of a notorial journal- correct
answer >>>-Name of properties
-type of document
-month and year the act occurred
Maximum fee per page of copy requests- correct answer >>>$0.30
How long does the notary have to respond to requests for copies of the journal- correct
answer >>>15 calendar days
Does an employee have to permit their employer, employer's auditor or agent to inspect
journal- correct answer >>>yes
Who has to be present when showing employer journal- correct answer >>>the notary
public
How long does notary have to notify the Secretary of state of journal being taken by
peace officer- correct answer >>>10 days
How long goes notary have to notify secretary of state of lost, stolen or misplaced-
correct answer >>>immediately
, How long after expiration does notary public have to return journal- correct answer
>>>30 days
What items does notary seal have to include- correct answer >>>-words Notary Public
-notary's name
-commission expiration date
-county where oath and bond were filed
-commission number
-sequential ID number for seal
When may someone use an embosser seal- correct answer >>>if it is also inked
When is a seal not required- correct answer >>>acknowledgements on a CA
subdivision map since the material used for maps isnt compatible with inks
What is included in the acknowledgment of the map- correct answer >>>-Name
-county where notary's commission is
-expiration date
-signature goes above or adjacent to all this
What must happen if Seal's impression is not clear- correct answer >>>It should not be
fixed. Should instead attach a seperate notorial certificate
How long does notary have to notify SoS of lost stolen or damaged seals?- correct
answer >>>immediate
Who is able to destroy the notary's seal- correct answer >>>The notary public or his
representative
Can a notary notarize a document written in foreign language they are not familiar
with?- correct answer >>>Yes.
What is the procedure / requirement for notarizing a document in another language that
notary isnt familiar with- correct answer >>>-Notary must be able to communicate with
the signer
-swear or affirm the contents of affidavit
Can an interpreter be used?- correct answer >>>NO. Should refer customer to another
notary if they cannot communicate
Critical commencement date- correct answer >>>commencement date stated in the
commission NOT date commission was issued or mailed
Who issues commission?- correct answer >>>Secretary of State
answers 2026/2027 version
With who should the oath and bond be filed- correct answer >>>county clerk in the
county where the notary holds her principal place of business
How much time and who must a notary notify of an address change?- correct answer
>>>Notify Secretary of State by certified mail within 30 days of changing residence or
business address
Fine for failing to notify of address change:- correct answer >>>$500
What are the two duties to respond to written requests- correct answer >>>1-respond in
30 days to written requests for information
2-respond in time specified when certified copies of journal are requested
Can an employer request that fees be turned over to employer?- correct answer
>>>yes.
How many journals can a notary keep- correct answer >>>one
Who can request photostatic copies of a notary's journal?- correct answer >>>-any
member of the general public can request to see their line item in the journal
What must the request include when requesting copies of a notorial journal- correct
answer >>>-Name of properties
-type of document
-month and year the act occurred
Maximum fee per page of copy requests- correct answer >>>$0.30
How long does the notary have to respond to requests for copies of the journal- correct
answer >>>15 calendar days
Does an employee have to permit their employer, employer's auditor or agent to inspect
journal- correct answer >>>yes
Who has to be present when showing employer journal- correct answer >>>the notary
public
How long does notary have to notify the Secretary of state of journal being taken by
peace officer- correct answer >>>10 days
How long goes notary have to notify secretary of state of lost, stolen or misplaced-
correct answer >>>immediately
, How long after expiration does notary public have to return journal- correct answer
>>>30 days
What items does notary seal have to include- correct answer >>>-words Notary Public
-notary's name
-commission expiration date
-county where oath and bond were filed
-commission number
-sequential ID number for seal
When may someone use an embosser seal- correct answer >>>if it is also inked
When is a seal not required- correct answer >>>acknowledgements on a CA
subdivision map since the material used for maps isnt compatible with inks
What is included in the acknowledgment of the map- correct answer >>>-Name
-county where notary's commission is
-expiration date
-signature goes above or adjacent to all this
What must happen if Seal's impression is not clear- correct answer >>>It should not be
fixed. Should instead attach a seperate notorial certificate
How long does notary have to notify SoS of lost stolen or damaged seals?- correct
answer >>>immediate
Who is able to destroy the notary's seal- correct answer >>>The notary public or his
representative
Can a notary notarize a document written in foreign language they are not familiar
with?- correct answer >>>Yes.
What is the procedure / requirement for notarizing a document in another language that
notary isnt familiar with- correct answer >>>-Notary must be able to communicate with
the signer
-swear or affirm the contents of affidavit
Can an interpreter be used?- correct answer >>>NO. Should refer customer to another
notary if they cannot communicate
Critical commencement date- correct answer >>>commencement date stated in the
commission NOT date commission was issued or mailed
Who issues commission?- correct answer >>>Secretary of State
