CALIFORNIA NOTARY PUBLIC EXAM STUDY
SHEET 2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ALREADY PASSED
● Issuer of Commission Answer: Secretary of State
● Validity of Commission Answer: Begins after taking oath of office
and filing bond on time
● Filing of Oath and Bond Answer: With the county clerk
● Scope of Notary's Commission Answer: State of California, not
limited to a specific county
● Bond Requirement Answer: Surety bond for $15,000
● Purpose of Surety Bond Answer: To reimburse public for damages
due to notarial misconduct; may still be liable for damages exceeding
policy limits
,● Restrictions on Notarial Acts Answer: Notaries appointed by
Secretary of State who serve on behalf of state, city, or county public
agency
● Requirements for Notary on Military Reservation Answer: - Not
required to be CA resident
- Cannot collect fees, except on naval reservation
● Filing Location for Oath and Bond Answer: County clerk in the
county of notary's principal place of business
● How much time and who must a notary notify of an address change?
Answer: Notify Secretary of State within 30 days by certified mail
● Fine for failing to notify of address change: Answer: $500 penalty
● What are the two duties to respond to written requests? Answer: 1.
Respond in 30 days for information
2. Respond within specified time for certified copies
● Can an employer request that fees be turned over? Answer: Yes,
employer can request
● How many journals can a notary keep? Answer: One journal allowed
, ● Who can request photostatic copies of a notary's journal? Answer:
Any member of the public can request
● What must the request include for copies of a notorial journal?
Answer: -Name of properties
-Type of document
-Month and year of the act
● Maximum fee per page of copy requests Answer: $0.30 per page
● How long does the notary have to respond to copy requests? Answer:
15 calendar days to respond
● Does an employee have to permit inspection of journal? Answer: Yes,
employee must permit inspection
● Who must be present when presenting employer journal? Answer:
The notary public
● How soon must a notary notify the Secretary of State if their journal is
taken by a peace officer? Answer: 10 days
SHEET 2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ALREADY PASSED
● Issuer of Commission Answer: Secretary of State
● Validity of Commission Answer: Begins after taking oath of office
and filing bond on time
● Filing of Oath and Bond Answer: With the county clerk
● Scope of Notary's Commission Answer: State of California, not
limited to a specific county
● Bond Requirement Answer: Surety bond for $15,000
● Purpose of Surety Bond Answer: To reimburse public for damages
due to notarial misconduct; may still be liable for damages exceeding
policy limits
,● Restrictions on Notarial Acts Answer: Notaries appointed by
Secretary of State who serve on behalf of state, city, or county public
agency
● Requirements for Notary on Military Reservation Answer: - Not
required to be CA resident
- Cannot collect fees, except on naval reservation
● Filing Location for Oath and Bond Answer: County clerk in the
county of notary's principal place of business
● How much time and who must a notary notify of an address change?
Answer: Notify Secretary of State within 30 days by certified mail
● Fine for failing to notify of address change: Answer: $500 penalty
● What are the two duties to respond to written requests? Answer: 1.
Respond in 30 days for information
2. Respond within specified time for certified copies
● Can an employer request that fees be turned over? Answer: Yes,
employer can request
● How many journals can a notary keep? Answer: One journal allowed
, ● Who can request photostatic copies of a notary's journal? Answer:
Any member of the public can request
● What must the request include for copies of a notorial journal?
Answer: -Name of properties
-Type of document
-Month and year of the act
● Maximum fee per page of copy requests Answer: $0.30 per page
● How long does the notary have to respond to copy requests? Answer:
15 calendar days to respond
● Does an employee have to permit inspection of journal? Answer: Yes,
employee must permit inspection
● Who must be present when presenting employer journal? Answer:
The notary public
● How soon must a notary notify the Secretary of State if their journal is
taken by a peace officer? Answer: 10 days
