California Notary Public Exam (2026/2027) (PDF) | Notary Law | CA Secretary of
State, Exams of Law Comprehensive Assessment
Year: 2026-2027 | Verified Question Count: 100 Questions | 100% VERIFIED
Introduction
This comprehensive examination question bank is designed to assess statutory knowledge, legal duties,
procedural execution, and ethical responsibilities required for commissioning as a California Notary Public,
mapped directly to the official California Secretary of State Notary Public curriculum and relevant California
codes. The assessment systematically evaluates essential legal mastery across ten specialized domains:
California Notary Public Law, Secretary of State Commissioning Requirements, Notarial Acts and Certificates,
Identification and Credible Witness Standards, Journal Entries and Recordkeeping, Oaths, Affirmations,
Acknowledgments, and Jurats, Fees, Advertising, and Immigration Consultant Restrictions, Misconduct,
Penalties, and Disciplinary Actions, Special Document Handling, and Ethical and Legal Responsibilities.
Rigorous understanding of these statutory mandates and recordkeeping protocols is vital for state
commissioning, consumer fraud deterrence, public record integrity, and lawful notarial operations.
Question 1: Under California Government Code Section 8201, what are the primary statutory qualifications
required for an individual to be eligible for appointment and commission as a California Notary Public?
A. Be a registered commercial insurance broker who has posted a $100,000 corporate bond
B. Be a legal resident of California, at least 18 years of age, satisfactorily complete an approved 6-hour
education course (or 3-hour refresher course for renewing notaries), pass a written proctored state
examination with a score of at least 70%, and clear a background check via fingerprinting (Live Scan)
C. Be an elected municipal official residing in California for at least 10 consecutive years
D. Be a United States citizen residing in any state, at least 21 years of age, and hold a law degree
Correct Answer: B. Be a legal resident of California, at least 18 years of age, satisfactorily complete
an approved 6-hour education course (or 3-hour refresher course for renewing notaries), pass a
written proctored state examination with a score of at least 70%, and clear a background check via
fingerprinting (Live Scan)
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8201, applicants must: 1) Be a legal resident of California;
2) Be at least 18 years of age; 3) Complete a 6-hour approved course of study (or 3-hour course for
renewing notaries who apply prior to expiration); 4) Pass the official written proctored examination
(minimum 70%); 5) Submit fingerprints for DOJ/FBI background check; and 6) Disclose all arrests and
convictions to establish moral character.
Question 2: Under California Government Code Section 8204, what is the statutory duration of a California
Notary Public commission term?
A. Four (4) years from the commencement date stated on the official commission certificate
B. Ten (10) years, subject to annual commercial business licensing renewals
C. Five (5) years from the date of filing the surety bond
D. Two (2) years from the date of passing the state examination
Correct Answer: A. Four (4) years from the commencement date stated on the official commission
certificate
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8204, the term of office of a Notary Public is exactly four
(4) years, commencing on the date specified in the commission issued by the California Secretary of State.
, A notary cannot perform any notarial acts prior to filing their oath and bond, nor after midnight on the
expiration date unless a renewed commission has been formally filed.
Question 3: Under California Government Code Section 8213, within how many calendar days following the
commission commencement date must a newly appointed notary public take, subscribe, and file their official
oath of office and $15,000 surety bond with the county clerk?
A. Within ninety (90) calendar days
B. Within fifteen (15) calendar days
C. Within thirty (30) calendar days
D. Within sixty (60) calendar days
Correct Answer: C. Within thirty (30) calendar days
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8213, a notary public must file their official oath of office
and $15,000 surety bond with the county clerk of the county specified in the commission within THIRTY
(30) CALENDAR DAYS from the commencement date stated on the commission. If the oath and bond are
not filed within 30 days, the commission is rendered completely VOID, requiring the applicant to re-apply
and pay new fees.
Question 4: What is the legal purpose of the mandatory $15,000 Notary Public Surety Bond required under
California Government Code Section 8212?
A. To insure the notary public against personal slip-and-fall injuries occurring in their private office
B. To provide a financial fund to protect the public against monetary damages caused by the notary's
official misconduct, negligence, or unlawful acts
C. To pay the notary's legal defense costs in the event of an administrative hearing by the Secretary of State
D. To pay the California Secretary of State's annual administrative operating expenses
Correct Answer: B. To provide a financial fund to protect the public against monetary damages
caused by the notary's official misconduct, negligence, or unlawful acts
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8212, the $15,000 surety bond is NOT personal liability
insurance for the notary; it is a statutory consumer protection bond. If a member of the public suffers
financial losses due to the notary's improper notarial acts, fraud, or negligence, the surety company pays
damages up to $15,000. However, the surety company will then legally seek full financial reimbursement
from the notary.
Question 5: Under California Government Code Section 8213.5, within what timeframe and by what method
must a California notary public notify the Secretary of State in writing of any change in their principal business
address or residential address?
A. Within ten (10) days by verbal telephone notification to the county clerk
B. Notification is only required when moving to a completely different state
C. Within sixty (60) days during the annual tax filing cycle
D. Within thirty (30) days by certified mail, registered mail, or other physical delivery providing a receipt
(or approved online notification system)
Correct Answer: D. Within thirty (30) days by certified mail, registered mail, or other physical
delivery providing a receipt (or approved online notification system)
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8213.5, if a notary public changes their principal place of
business address, residence address, or mailing address, the notary MUST notify the Secretary of State in
writing within THIRTY (30) DAYS. Notification must be sent by certified mail, registered mail, or any
, means of physical delivery that provides a receipt (or submitted via the Secretary of State's online portal).
Failure to notify within 30 days is an infraction punishable by a fine up to $500.
Question 6: Under California Government Code Section 8213.6, what is the mandatory procedure when a
commissioned California notary public changes their legal name?
A. Continue using the old name indefinitely until the 4-year commission expires without notifying any
state agency
B. File an official Name Change Application with the Secretary of State within thirty (30) days; upon receipt
of the amended commission, file a new oath of office and bond amendment with the county clerk within
thirty (30) days
C. Surrender the notary commission immediately and permanently retire from notarial duties
D. Simply cross out the old name on the rubber stamp seal with a permanent black marker
Correct Answer: B. File an official Name Change Application with the Secretary of State within thirty
(30) days; upon receipt of the amended commission, file a new oath of office and bond amendment
with the county clerk within thirty (30) days
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8213.6, when a notary changes their legal name (e.g., via
marriage, divorce, or court decree), they must submit a Name Change Application to the Secretary of State
within 30 days. The Secretary of State issues an amended commission certificate. The notary must then file
a new oath and an amended bond with the county clerk within 30 days, and obtain a new official seal
reflecting the exact new legal name.
Question 7: Under California Government Code Section 8209, what must a notary public do with their
sequential journal and official notarial papers upon resignation, disqualification, or termination of their
commission?
A. Deliver all notarial journals and papers to the county clerk of the county where the oath of office is on
file within thirty (30) calendar days
B. Hand over the journals to the notary's private corporate employer for commercial record retention
C. Shred and incinerate all journals immediately upon the date of resignation
D. Keep the journals in a private home attic indefinitely for personal historical reference
Correct Answer: A. Deliver all notarial journals and papers to the county clerk of the county where
the oath of office is on file within thirty (30) calendar days
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8209, if a notary resigns, is disqualified, removed from
office, or allows their commission to expire without renewal, they MUST deliver all official notarial
journals and records to the county clerk of the county in which the official oath is filed within THIRTY (30)
DAYS. Willful failure to deliver the journal within 30 days is a MISDEMEANOR (Gov Code § 8228.1), and
the notary remains personally liable for any damages resulting from subsequent record misuse.
Question 8: Upon the death of a California notary public, what are the statutory legal responsibilities of the
deceased notary's personal representative or executor under California Government Code Section 8209?
A. Keep the notary seal in a safety deposit box for the next generation of heirs
B. Promptly notify the Secretary of State in writing of the death and deliver all notarial journals and official
papers to the county clerk within thirty (30) days, and destroy or deface the official seal
C. Transfer the deceased notary's commission to a surviving spouse or family member
D. Sell the deceased notary's official seal and journal at a public estate auction
, Correct Answer: B. Promptly notify the Secretary of State in writing of the death and deliver all
notarial journals and official papers to the county clerk within thirty (30) days, and destroy or
deface the official seal
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8209, upon the death of a notary public, the personal
representative, executor, or administrator of the deceased notary's estate must: 1) Immediately notify the
Secretary of State in writing; 2) Deliver all notarial journals and official records to the county clerk within
30 days; and 3) Destroy or deface the deceased notary's official seal to prevent fraudulent unauthorized
use.
Question 9: Under California Government Code Section 8205(a)(4), what certified copies is a California Notary
Public legally authorized to issue?
A. Certified copies of University Academic Diplomas and State Bar Law Licenses
B. Certified copies of a Power of Attorney (under Probate Code Section 4307) and certified copies of the
notary's own official journal entries upon lawful request
C. Certified copies of California Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, and Marriage Licenses
D. Certified copies of Real Estate Grant Deeds and Recorded Quitclaim Deeds
Correct Answer: B. Certified copies of a Power of Attorney (under Probate Code Section 4307) and
certified copies of the notary's own official journal entries upon lawful request
Rationale: In California, a notary public has extremely narrow authority regarding certifying copies. A
California notary can ONLY certify copies of: 1) Powers of Attorney (pursuant to Probate Code § 4307);
and 2) Extracts or copies of the notary's own sequential journal entries pursuant to a subpoena or written
public request. A California notary CANNOT certify copies of vital records (birth/death/marriage), court
decrees, deeds, school diplomas, or foreign passports.
Question 10: Under California Government Code Section 8224, when is a notary public legally DISQUALIFIED
from performing a notarial act due to a direct financial or beneficial conflict of interest?
A. Whenever the document is signed by an employee of the same corporate company
B. Whenever the notary public is an active member of a political party
C. When the notary is named individually as a principal party to the document, or is a direct grantor,
grantee, mortgagor, mortgagee, trustor, trustee, or beneficiary receiving a direct financial benefit beyond
the statutory notarial fee
D. Whenever the document is executed in a county other than the county of residence
Correct Answer: C. When the notary is named individually as a principal party to the document, or
is a direct grantor, grantee, mortgagor, mortgagee, trustor, trustee, or beneficiary receiving a direct
financial benefit beyond the statutory notarial fee
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8224, a notary public is strictly disqualified from
performing a notarial act if the notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction.
Specifically, a notary cannot notarize a document if the notary is: 1) Named as a party to the underlying
transaction; 2) A direct financial beneficiary beyond the statutory notary fee; or 3) A grantor, grantee,
trustor, trustee, mortgagor, mortgagee, or beneficiary under a real estate instrument.
Question 11: Under California Government Code Section 8207, what mandatory information must be crisply
and legibly engraved or reproduced on every official California Notary Public Rubber Stamp Seal?
A. A color photograph of the notary public and their personal thumbprint
B. The name and logo of the notary's commercial employer and hourly wage rate
State, Exams of Law Comprehensive Assessment
Year: 2026-2027 | Verified Question Count: 100 Questions | 100% VERIFIED
Introduction
This comprehensive examination question bank is designed to assess statutory knowledge, legal duties,
procedural execution, and ethical responsibilities required for commissioning as a California Notary Public,
mapped directly to the official California Secretary of State Notary Public curriculum and relevant California
codes. The assessment systematically evaluates essential legal mastery across ten specialized domains:
California Notary Public Law, Secretary of State Commissioning Requirements, Notarial Acts and Certificates,
Identification and Credible Witness Standards, Journal Entries and Recordkeeping, Oaths, Affirmations,
Acknowledgments, and Jurats, Fees, Advertising, and Immigration Consultant Restrictions, Misconduct,
Penalties, and Disciplinary Actions, Special Document Handling, and Ethical and Legal Responsibilities.
Rigorous understanding of these statutory mandates and recordkeeping protocols is vital for state
commissioning, consumer fraud deterrence, public record integrity, and lawful notarial operations.
Question 1: Under California Government Code Section 8201, what are the primary statutory qualifications
required for an individual to be eligible for appointment and commission as a California Notary Public?
A. Be a registered commercial insurance broker who has posted a $100,000 corporate bond
B. Be a legal resident of California, at least 18 years of age, satisfactorily complete an approved 6-hour
education course (or 3-hour refresher course for renewing notaries), pass a written proctored state
examination with a score of at least 70%, and clear a background check via fingerprinting (Live Scan)
C. Be an elected municipal official residing in California for at least 10 consecutive years
D. Be a United States citizen residing in any state, at least 21 years of age, and hold a law degree
Correct Answer: B. Be a legal resident of California, at least 18 years of age, satisfactorily complete
an approved 6-hour education course (or 3-hour refresher course for renewing notaries), pass a
written proctored state examination with a score of at least 70%, and clear a background check via
fingerprinting (Live Scan)
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8201, applicants must: 1) Be a legal resident of California;
2) Be at least 18 years of age; 3) Complete a 6-hour approved course of study (or 3-hour course for
renewing notaries who apply prior to expiration); 4) Pass the official written proctored examination
(minimum 70%); 5) Submit fingerprints for DOJ/FBI background check; and 6) Disclose all arrests and
convictions to establish moral character.
Question 2: Under California Government Code Section 8204, what is the statutory duration of a California
Notary Public commission term?
A. Four (4) years from the commencement date stated on the official commission certificate
B. Ten (10) years, subject to annual commercial business licensing renewals
C. Five (5) years from the date of filing the surety bond
D. Two (2) years from the date of passing the state examination
Correct Answer: A. Four (4) years from the commencement date stated on the official commission
certificate
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8204, the term of office of a Notary Public is exactly four
(4) years, commencing on the date specified in the commission issued by the California Secretary of State.
, A notary cannot perform any notarial acts prior to filing their oath and bond, nor after midnight on the
expiration date unless a renewed commission has been formally filed.
Question 3: Under California Government Code Section 8213, within how many calendar days following the
commission commencement date must a newly appointed notary public take, subscribe, and file their official
oath of office and $15,000 surety bond with the county clerk?
A. Within ninety (90) calendar days
B. Within fifteen (15) calendar days
C. Within thirty (30) calendar days
D. Within sixty (60) calendar days
Correct Answer: C. Within thirty (30) calendar days
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8213, a notary public must file their official oath of office
and $15,000 surety bond with the county clerk of the county specified in the commission within THIRTY
(30) CALENDAR DAYS from the commencement date stated on the commission. If the oath and bond are
not filed within 30 days, the commission is rendered completely VOID, requiring the applicant to re-apply
and pay new fees.
Question 4: What is the legal purpose of the mandatory $15,000 Notary Public Surety Bond required under
California Government Code Section 8212?
A. To insure the notary public against personal slip-and-fall injuries occurring in their private office
B. To provide a financial fund to protect the public against monetary damages caused by the notary's
official misconduct, negligence, or unlawful acts
C. To pay the notary's legal defense costs in the event of an administrative hearing by the Secretary of State
D. To pay the California Secretary of State's annual administrative operating expenses
Correct Answer: B. To provide a financial fund to protect the public against monetary damages
caused by the notary's official misconduct, negligence, or unlawful acts
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8212, the $15,000 surety bond is NOT personal liability
insurance for the notary; it is a statutory consumer protection bond. If a member of the public suffers
financial losses due to the notary's improper notarial acts, fraud, or negligence, the surety company pays
damages up to $15,000. However, the surety company will then legally seek full financial reimbursement
from the notary.
Question 5: Under California Government Code Section 8213.5, within what timeframe and by what method
must a California notary public notify the Secretary of State in writing of any change in their principal business
address or residential address?
A. Within ten (10) days by verbal telephone notification to the county clerk
B. Notification is only required when moving to a completely different state
C. Within sixty (60) days during the annual tax filing cycle
D. Within thirty (30) days by certified mail, registered mail, or other physical delivery providing a receipt
(or approved online notification system)
Correct Answer: D. Within thirty (30) days by certified mail, registered mail, or other physical
delivery providing a receipt (or approved online notification system)
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8213.5, if a notary public changes their principal place of
business address, residence address, or mailing address, the notary MUST notify the Secretary of State in
writing within THIRTY (30) DAYS. Notification must be sent by certified mail, registered mail, or any
, means of physical delivery that provides a receipt (or submitted via the Secretary of State's online portal).
Failure to notify within 30 days is an infraction punishable by a fine up to $500.
Question 6: Under California Government Code Section 8213.6, what is the mandatory procedure when a
commissioned California notary public changes their legal name?
A. Continue using the old name indefinitely until the 4-year commission expires without notifying any
state agency
B. File an official Name Change Application with the Secretary of State within thirty (30) days; upon receipt
of the amended commission, file a new oath of office and bond amendment with the county clerk within
thirty (30) days
C. Surrender the notary commission immediately and permanently retire from notarial duties
D. Simply cross out the old name on the rubber stamp seal with a permanent black marker
Correct Answer: B. File an official Name Change Application with the Secretary of State within thirty
(30) days; upon receipt of the amended commission, file a new oath of office and bond amendment
with the county clerk within thirty (30) days
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8213.6, when a notary changes their legal name (e.g., via
marriage, divorce, or court decree), they must submit a Name Change Application to the Secretary of State
within 30 days. The Secretary of State issues an amended commission certificate. The notary must then file
a new oath and an amended bond with the county clerk within 30 days, and obtain a new official seal
reflecting the exact new legal name.
Question 7: Under California Government Code Section 8209, what must a notary public do with their
sequential journal and official notarial papers upon resignation, disqualification, or termination of their
commission?
A. Deliver all notarial journals and papers to the county clerk of the county where the oath of office is on
file within thirty (30) calendar days
B. Hand over the journals to the notary's private corporate employer for commercial record retention
C. Shred and incinerate all journals immediately upon the date of resignation
D. Keep the journals in a private home attic indefinitely for personal historical reference
Correct Answer: A. Deliver all notarial journals and papers to the county clerk of the county where
the oath of office is on file within thirty (30) calendar days
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8209, if a notary resigns, is disqualified, removed from
office, or allows their commission to expire without renewal, they MUST deliver all official notarial
journals and records to the county clerk of the county in which the official oath is filed within THIRTY (30)
DAYS. Willful failure to deliver the journal within 30 days is a MISDEMEANOR (Gov Code § 8228.1), and
the notary remains personally liable for any damages resulting from subsequent record misuse.
Question 8: Upon the death of a California notary public, what are the statutory legal responsibilities of the
deceased notary's personal representative or executor under California Government Code Section 8209?
A. Keep the notary seal in a safety deposit box for the next generation of heirs
B. Promptly notify the Secretary of State in writing of the death and deliver all notarial journals and official
papers to the county clerk within thirty (30) days, and destroy or deface the official seal
C. Transfer the deceased notary's commission to a surviving spouse or family member
D. Sell the deceased notary's official seal and journal at a public estate auction
, Correct Answer: B. Promptly notify the Secretary of State in writing of the death and deliver all
notarial journals and official papers to the county clerk within thirty (30) days, and destroy or
deface the official seal
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8209, upon the death of a notary public, the personal
representative, executor, or administrator of the deceased notary's estate must: 1) Immediately notify the
Secretary of State in writing; 2) Deliver all notarial journals and official records to the county clerk within
30 days; and 3) Destroy or deface the deceased notary's official seal to prevent fraudulent unauthorized
use.
Question 9: Under California Government Code Section 8205(a)(4), what certified copies is a California Notary
Public legally authorized to issue?
A. Certified copies of University Academic Diplomas and State Bar Law Licenses
B. Certified copies of a Power of Attorney (under Probate Code Section 4307) and certified copies of the
notary's own official journal entries upon lawful request
C. Certified copies of California Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, and Marriage Licenses
D. Certified copies of Real Estate Grant Deeds and Recorded Quitclaim Deeds
Correct Answer: B. Certified copies of a Power of Attorney (under Probate Code Section 4307) and
certified copies of the notary's own official journal entries upon lawful request
Rationale: In California, a notary public has extremely narrow authority regarding certifying copies. A
California notary can ONLY certify copies of: 1) Powers of Attorney (pursuant to Probate Code § 4307);
and 2) Extracts or copies of the notary's own sequential journal entries pursuant to a subpoena or written
public request. A California notary CANNOT certify copies of vital records (birth/death/marriage), court
decrees, deeds, school diplomas, or foreign passports.
Question 10: Under California Government Code Section 8224, when is a notary public legally DISQUALIFIED
from performing a notarial act due to a direct financial or beneficial conflict of interest?
A. Whenever the document is signed by an employee of the same corporate company
B. Whenever the notary public is an active member of a political party
C. When the notary is named individually as a principal party to the document, or is a direct grantor,
grantee, mortgagor, mortgagee, trustor, trustee, or beneficiary receiving a direct financial benefit beyond
the statutory notarial fee
D. Whenever the document is executed in a county other than the county of residence
Correct Answer: C. When the notary is named individually as a principal party to the document, or
is a direct grantor, grantee, mortgagor, mortgagee, trustor, trustee, or beneficiary receiving a direct
financial benefit beyond the statutory notarial fee
Rationale: Under California Government Code § 8224, a notary public is strictly disqualified from
performing a notarial act if the notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction.
Specifically, a notary cannot notarize a document if the notary is: 1) Named as a party to the underlying
transaction; 2) A direct financial beneficiary beyond the statutory notary fee; or 3) A grantor, grantee,
trustor, trustee, mortgagor, mortgagee, or beneficiary under a real estate instrument.
Question 11: Under California Government Code Section 8207, what mandatory information must be crisply
and legibly engraved or reproduced on every official California Notary Public Rubber Stamp Seal?
A. A color photograph of the notary public and their personal thumbprint
B. The name and logo of the notary's commercial employer and hourly wage rate
