California Notary Public Exam Practice
Questions (2023)
Based on the search results, the California Notary Public exam
consists of 45 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60
minutes, with a passing score of 70% or higher. This practice exam
covers key topics from the Notary Public Handbook, including laws,
procedures, ethics, and professional responsibilities.
SECTION 1: QUALIFICATIONS & COMMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
1. What is one requirement for becoming a California Notary Public?
● A) Be under 18 years of age
● B) Have a criminal record
● C) Not pass an exam
● D) Be a legal resident of California
Answer: D
Rationale: California law requires every appointed notary public to be a
legal resident of California at the time of appointment, at least 18
years old, complete a six-hour approved course, and pass the written
examination.
2. Your jurisdiction as a California Notary Public is:
, ● A) The entire state of California
● B) The county in which you live
● C) The city in which you work
● D) The entire United States
Answer: A
Rationale: A California notary has authority throughout the entire state
of California, not limited to a specific county or city.
3. A commission is valid for how many years?
● A) 1 year
● B) 2 years
● C) 4 years
● D) 12 years
Answer: C
Rationale: Notary commissions in California are valid for four years.
Notaries seeking reappointment must retake the exam every four
years.
4. Your 4-year notary bond is worth:
● A) $15,000
● B) $750
● C) $75,000
● D) $1,500
Answer: A
Rationale: The required notary bond in California is $15,000 for a
four-year commission.
, 5. A notary seeking reappointment must retake the notary exam:
● A) Any time after you have to pay a fine
● B) Never
● C) Every 4 years
● D) None of the above
Answer: C
Rationale: Notaries must retake the exam every four years when
seeking reappointment. This ensures knowledge of current laws and
procedures remains current.
6. You have how many days to take your oath of office after your
commencement date:
● A) 6 months
● B) 10 days
● C) 30 days
● D) None of the above
Answer: C
Rationale: A notary must take and file the oath of office within 30 days
of the commission commencement date. Failure to do so results in a
void commission.
7. If you fail to file the oath and bond on time:
● A) Your commission is void
● B) You must pay $20 to reapply
Questions (2023)
Based on the search results, the California Notary Public exam
consists of 45 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60
minutes, with a passing score of 70% or higher. This practice exam
covers key topics from the Notary Public Handbook, including laws,
procedures, ethics, and professional responsibilities.
SECTION 1: QUALIFICATIONS & COMMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
1. What is one requirement for becoming a California Notary Public?
● A) Be under 18 years of age
● B) Have a criminal record
● C) Not pass an exam
● D) Be a legal resident of California
Answer: D
Rationale: California law requires every appointed notary public to be a
legal resident of California at the time of appointment, at least 18
years old, complete a six-hour approved course, and pass the written
examination.
2. Your jurisdiction as a California Notary Public is:
, ● A) The entire state of California
● B) The county in which you live
● C) The city in which you work
● D) The entire United States
Answer: A
Rationale: A California notary has authority throughout the entire state
of California, not limited to a specific county or city.
3. A commission is valid for how many years?
● A) 1 year
● B) 2 years
● C) 4 years
● D) 12 years
Answer: C
Rationale: Notary commissions in California are valid for four years.
Notaries seeking reappointment must retake the exam every four
years.
4. Your 4-year notary bond is worth:
● A) $15,000
● B) $750
● C) $75,000
● D) $1,500
Answer: A
Rationale: The required notary bond in California is $15,000 for a
four-year commission.
, 5. A notary seeking reappointment must retake the notary exam:
● A) Any time after you have to pay a fine
● B) Never
● C) Every 4 years
● D) None of the above
Answer: C
Rationale: Notaries must retake the exam every four years when
seeking reappointment. This ensures knowledge of current laws and
procedures remains current.
6. You have how many days to take your oath of office after your
commencement date:
● A) 6 months
● B) 10 days
● C) 30 days
● D) None of the above
Answer: C
Rationale: A notary must take and file the oath of office within 30 days
of the commission commencement date. Failure to do so results in a
void commission.
7. If you fail to file the oath and bond on time:
● A) Your commission is void
● B) You must pay $20 to reapply
