California Notary Public Exam Questions and Answers
2026/27
Section A: Appointment, Qualifications, & Commissioning Process
Q1: Maria is 19 years old, has been a legal resident of California for two years, and is not
a U.S. citizen. She has completed the required education course and passed the
examination. She asks a licensed notary whether anything prevents her from qualifying
for a commission. What is the correct response?
A. She is disqualified because she is not a U.S. citizen.
B. She is disqualified because she is only 19 years old.
C. She is disqualified because she has not resided in California for at least five years.
D. Nothing in the facts prevents her from qualifying. [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: California law requires a notary applicant to be at least 18 years old and a
legal resident of California; U.S. citizenship is not required. (Gov. Code § 8201; 2026/27
Notary Public Handbook)
Q2: John is renewing his California notary commission after serving one full four-year
term. He previously completed the six-hour approved education course when he was
first appointed. How many hours of approved notary education must he complete for
his renewal application?
,A. 0 hours
B. 3 hours [CORRECT]
C. 6 hours
D. 8 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: New applicants must complete a six-hour course, while renewing notaries are
required to complete only a three-hour approved education course. (Gov. Code § 8201.5;
2026/27 Notary Public Handbook)
Q3: What is the minimum passing scaled score required on the California Notary Public
proctored examination?
A. 60
B. 65
C. 70 [CORRECT]
D. 75
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Secretary of State's proctored examination requires a passing scaled
score of 70. (2026/27 Notary Public Handbook)
, Q4: Sarah passes her notary examination and receives a commission date of March 1,
2026. By what date must she take her oath of office and file her official bond with the
county clerk?
A. March 15, 2026
B. March 30, 2026
C. March 31, 2026 [CORRECT]
D. April 15, 2026
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A notary must take the oath of office and file the bond with the county clerk
within 30 calendar days of the commission date. (Gov. Code § 8204)
Q5: What is the amount of the surety bond required for a California Notary Public?
A. $10,000
B. $15,000 [CORRECT]
C. $20,000
D. $25,000
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Every California notary must obtain a $15,000 surety bond before
commencing duties. (Gov. Code § 8212)
2026/27
Section A: Appointment, Qualifications, & Commissioning Process
Q1: Maria is 19 years old, has been a legal resident of California for two years, and is not
a U.S. citizen. She has completed the required education course and passed the
examination. She asks a licensed notary whether anything prevents her from qualifying
for a commission. What is the correct response?
A. She is disqualified because she is not a U.S. citizen.
B. She is disqualified because she is only 19 years old.
C. She is disqualified because she has not resided in California for at least five years.
D. Nothing in the facts prevents her from qualifying. [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: California law requires a notary applicant to be at least 18 years old and a
legal resident of California; U.S. citizenship is not required. (Gov. Code § 8201; 2026/27
Notary Public Handbook)
Q2: John is renewing his California notary commission after serving one full four-year
term. He previously completed the six-hour approved education course when he was
first appointed. How many hours of approved notary education must he complete for
his renewal application?
,A. 0 hours
B. 3 hours [CORRECT]
C. 6 hours
D. 8 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: New applicants must complete a six-hour course, while renewing notaries are
required to complete only a three-hour approved education course. (Gov. Code § 8201.5;
2026/27 Notary Public Handbook)
Q3: What is the minimum passing scaled score required on the California Notary Public
proctored examination?
A. 60
B. 65
C. 70 [CORRECT]
D. 75
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Secretary of State's proctored examination requires a passing scaled
score of 70. (2026/27 Notary Public Handbook)
, Q4: Sarah passes her notary examination and receives a commission date of March 1,
2026. By what date must she take her oath of office and file her official bond with the
county clerk?
A. March 15, 2026
B. March 30, 2026
C. March 31, 2026 [CORRECT]
D. April 15, 2026
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A notary must take the oath of office and file the bond with the county clerk
within 30 calendar days of the commission date. (Gov. Code § 8204)
Q5: What is the amount of the surety bond required for a California Notary Public?
A. $10,000
B. $15,000 [CORRECT]
C. $20,000
D. $25,000
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Every California notary must obtain a $15,000 surety bond before
commencing duties. (Gov. Code § 8212)
