Free practice + study guide

California Notary Public

  • 100 free practice questions, every one explained · no signup
  • Timed mock exam (100 questions, 60 minutes) — free
  • Study guide: free to read online
01

Test what you know · free, all of it

Four ways to practise.

The same 100 questions, dealt four ways. Pick the one that fits the time you have.

02

Learn what the questions test

Practice · free
100
questions, each explained — finds what you don't know yet
Learn · free
5
chapters, free to read online

The five chapters, free online

every chapter free online
  1. 1Notarial Acts: Acknowledgments, Jurats, and MoreNotarial Acts · 30% of the exam — the largest sectionRead free →
  2. 2Duties, Powers, and Qualifications of the OfficeDuties & Powers · 28%Read free →
  3. 3Identifying the Signer: Satisfactory EvidenceIdentification · 16%Read free →
  4. 4The Sequential Journal and Official SealJournal & Seal · 16%Read free →
  5. 5Fees, Liability, and Legal LimitsLiability & Law · 10%Read free →
03

Before you sit

Know the exam you're walking into.

04

See the questions first

Two from the bank, answered.

Real items, with the answer marked and the reason written out — the same format as all 100.

Notarial Acts

In an acknowledgment, what is the signer certifying to the notary?

  1. AThat the signer executed the document and is the person named in itCorrect
  2. BThat the contents of the document are true
  3. CThat the signer swears under oath
  4. DThat the notary drafted the document

Why: In an acknowledgment the signer personally appears, is identified, and acknowledges that he or she executed the document. The notary does not vouch for the truth of the contents—only that the identified person acknowledged signing.CA Civil Code §1189

Duties & Powers

What is the required amount of a California notary public's official bond?

  1. A$10,000
  2. B$100,000
  3. C$25,000
  4. D$15,000Correct

Why: California Government Code §8212 requires every notary to file a $15,000 bond. The bond protects members of the public who are harmed by the notary's misconduct, not the notary personally. A notary who is sued on the bond must reimburse the surety.CA Government Code §8212

Read all 100 questions with answers →

06

The exam itself

California Notary Public, by the numbers.

Questions100
SectionsNotarial Acts · Duties & Powers · Identification · Journal & Seal · Liability & Law
Passing score70%
Our bank100 questions · updated September 2026Written from California Secretary of State
LanguagesEnglish
SourceCalifornia Secretary of State
07

Helpful resources

The board's own page, and what else helps.

Apply — CA Secretary of State →

Recommended prep — books & tools

  • California Notary Public Exam Study Guide

    State-specific review of the CA notary law the exam tests.

    See it on Amazon →

This section contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PrepPass earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

09

Questions

Asked before starting.

Is the practice really free, or does it stop after a few questions?

All 100 questions, the timed mock and the report are free with no sign-up. A free account only adds saving your progress.

Is your mock the same as the real California Notary Public?

No. Ours is 100 questions in 60 minutes; the real exam is 100 questions. Use the mock for stamina and section timing, not as a score predictor.

What score do I need?

70% — as published by California Secretary of State. Confirm the current rule with them before your exam date.

Practice questions are AI-assisted study material written from California Secretary of State and reviewed by PrepPass — for practice only, not official exam questions. Bank updated September 2026. PrepPass is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by California Secretary of State. Always confirm current exam details with California Secretary of State.
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