CSLB General Building (B) — All Questions

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

• a.$10,000
• b.$15,000✓
• c.$25,000
• d.$100,000

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

How long is a California notary public commission valid before it must be renewed?

• a.1 year
• b.2 years
• c.4 years✓
• d.6 years

Under Government Code §8204 a commission runs for four years from its effective date. The commission is not automatically renewed; the notary must reapply, retake the exam, and pass a background check before the term expires.CA Government Code §8204

Which of the following is a basic qualification to become a California notary public?

• a.Be at least 18 years old and a legal California resident✓
• b.Hold a college degree in law
• c.Be a U.S. citizen
• d.Own real property in California

Government Code §8201 requires an applicant to be at least 18 and a legal resident of California. Citizenship and property ownership are not required, but the applicant must complete an approved course and pass the state exam.CA Government Code §8201

Within how many days of the commission's start date must a new notary file the oath of office and bond with the county clerk?

• a.15 days
• b.30 days✓
• c.45 days
• d.60 days

Government Code §8213 requires the oath and bond to be filed with the county clerk within 30 calendar days of the beginning of the commission term. Missing this deadline voids the commission, and the person cannot act as a notary until properly commissioned.CA Government Code §8213

Where must a California notary file the required oath of office and bond?

• a.With the Secretary of State
• b.With the local police department
• c.With the county clerk of the county where the notary maintains a principal place of business✓
• d.With the county recorder only

Government Code §8213 directs the notary to file the oath and bond with the county clerk in the county of the notary's principal place of business. The clerk keeps the oath and forwards the bond to the county recorder for recording.CA Government Code §8213

Before taking the state exam, a first-time California notary applicant must complete an approved education course of at least how many hours?

• a.1 hour
• b.2 hours
• c.3 hours
• d.6 hours✓

First-time applicants must complete a six-hour approved course; those renewing a commission may take a three-hour refresher course. The course covers the laws, duties, and responsibilities of the office before the applicant sits for the Secretary of State exam.CA Government Code §8201

Over what geographic area may a commissioned California notary perform notarial acts?

• a.Only the county where the notary lives
• b.Anywhere within the State of California✓
• c.Anywhere in the United States
• d.Only the county where the bond was filed

A California notary is a statewide officer and may perform acts anywhere within California, regardless of where the signer or property is located. However, the notary may not act outside the state's borders.CA Government Code §8200

May a California notary notarize a document while physically located in another state?

• a.No, a California notary's authority ends at the state line✓
• b.Yes, in any of the 50 states
• c.Yes, but only in a neighboring state
• d.Yes, if the document will be used in California

A California commission grants authority only within California's borders. Performing a notarial act while physically outside the state is beyond the notary's jurisdiction, even if the document is bound for California.CA Government Code §8200

How must a California notary report a change of business or residence address to the Secretary of State?

• a.By phone within 90 days
• b.By email at any time
• c.By certified mail or another method authorized by the Secretary of State within 30 days✓
• d.No notice is required

Government Code §8213.5 requires written notice of an address change by certified mail (or another authorized method) within 30 days. Failure to notify the Secretary of State may result in a civil penalty of up to $500.CA Government Code §8213.5

When a notary legally changes his or her name, what must the notary do to continue notarizing under the new name?

• a.Nothing, the old name may still be used
• b.Simply cross out the old name on the seal
• c.Wait until the commission expires
• d.Apply to the Secretary of State for an amended commission and file a new oath and bond amendment✓

A name change requires the notary to apply for an amended commission bearing the new name and to file the appropriate oath/bond amendment before using the new name. Until the amended commission issues, the notary must continue signing with the name shown on the current commission.CA Government Code §8213.6

May a California notary notarize his or her own signature?

• a.No, a notary can never notarize his or her own signature✓
• b.Yes, if the notary is a party to the document
• c.Yes, if a witness is present
• d.Yes, for real property documents only

A notary may never notarize their own signature because the notary cannot impartially verify their own identity and act. Doing so is a prohibited act that can lead to discipline and revocation of the commission.CA Government Code §8214.1

When is a California notary prohibited from performing a notarial act because of a beneficial interest?

• a.Whenever the signer is a stranger
• b.When the notary is named in the document or will gain financially from the transaction beyond the notary fee✓
• c.Only when the document is a will
• d.There is no such restriction

Government Code §8224 bars a notary from acting when the notary is a party to the transaction or has a direct financial or beneficial interest, beyond the ordinary notary fee. The ordinary fee itself is not a disqualifying interest.CA Government Code §8224

Which of the following can be grounds for the Secretary of State to deny or revoke a notary commission?

• a.Speaking a second language
• b.Charging the maximum lawful fee
• c.Conviction of a felony or of a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude✓
• d.Living in a rural county

A felony conviction, or a conviction involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, is a statutory ground for denial or revocation under Government Code §8214.1. The Secretary of State also considers failure to disclose such convictions on the application.CA Government Code §8214.1

As part of the application process, what background step must a California notary applicant complete?

• a.A credit check
• b.A polygraph test
• c.A property title search
• d.Submission of fingerprints (Live Scan) for a background check✓

Applicants must submit fingerprints through Live Scan so the Department of Justice and FBI can perform a background check. The results help the Secretary of State determine whether the applicant is fit to hold a commission.CA Government Code §8201.1

The California notary examination is administered under the authority of which official?

• a.The Secretary of State✓
• b.The Attorney General
• c.The county sheriff
• d.The State Bar of California

The Secretary of State commissions notaries and is responsible for the proctored written examination. Passing this exam is a prerequisite to appointment.CA Government Code §8201

Whom does a California notary's bond protect?

• a.The notary personally against lawsuits
• b.Members of the public who suffer damage from the notary's improper acts✓
• c.The notary's employer
• d.The Secretary of State

The bond exists to compensate members of the public harmed by a notary's errors or misconduct, not to protect the notary. If the surety pays a claim, the notary must repay the surety in full.CA Government Code §8212

How many hours of approved education must a notary complete when renewing an existing commission?

• a.1 hour
• b.2 hours
• c.3 hours✓
• d.6 hours

A person renewing a commission may take a three-hour approved refresher course, while first-time applicants must take six hours. Renewal applicants must still pass the state examination.CA Government Code §8201

Who appoints and commissions notaries public in California?

• a.The Governor
• b.The county board of supervisors
• c.The State Bar
• d.The Secretary of State✓

Government Code §8200 vests the power to appoint and commission notaries in the Secretary of State. The office also handles discipline, records, and oversight of California notaries.CA Government Code §8200

What civil penalty may apply to a notary who fails to notify the Secretary of State of an address change within 30 days?

• a.Up to $500✓
• b.Up to $50
• c.Up to $2,500
• d.No penalty applies

Government Code §8213.5 authorizes a civil penalty of up to $500 for failing to report an address change within 30 days by certified mail or another approved method. Keeping current contact information is a continuing duty of the commission.CA Government Code §8213.5

Which residency status is required for a California notary applicant?

• a.U.S. citizenship
• b.Legal residency in the State of California✓
• c.Residency in the applicant's county for 10 years
• d.Ownership of a California business

The applicant must be a legal California resident; U.S. citizenship is not required. The residency requirement ties the notary to California's jurisdiction, where the commission is valid.CA Government Code §8201

If an employer pays for a notary's commission, seal, and journal, who owns the journal?

• a.The employer
• b.The county clerk
• c.The notary, who must keep and control the journal personally✓
• d.The Secretary of State

Regardless of who pays the costs, the notary personally owns and controls the sequential journal and seal. The employer may not keep the journal, and the notary must take the journal upon leaving the job.CA Government Code §8206

When a notary resigns, is disqualified, or the commission ends, what must be done with the notary journal?

• a.Give it to the employer
• b.Destroy it immediately
• c.Mail it to the FBI
• d.Deliver all journals to the county clerk within 30 days✓

Government Code §8209 requires the notary (or the personal representative if the notary dies) to deliver all journals to the county clerk within 30 days of resignation, revocation, or expiration. The seal must be destroyed so it cannot be misused.CA Government Code §8209

May a California notary lawfully refuse to perform a requested notarization?

• a.Yes, when there is a lawful reason such as improper identification or suspected fraud✓
• b.No, a notary must always notarize on request
• c.Only if the signer is a minor
• d.Only with the employer's permission

A notary may—and sometimes must—refuse when a lawful ground exists, such as lack of satisfactory identification, an incomplete document, an absent signer, or reasonable suspicion of fraud or incompetence. A notary may not, however, refuse service on unlawful discriminatory grounds.CA Government Code §8214.1

A non-attorney notary who advertises notarial services in a language other than English must do what?

• a.Nothing special
• b.Post a notice of fees and a statement that the notary is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice✓
• c.Advertise as a 'notario publico'
• d.Translate the ad into English only

Government Code §8219.5 requires a non-attorney notary who advertises in another language to post a schedule of fees and a conspicuous notice that the notary is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice about immigration or other matters. The notary is also barred from literally translating 'notary public' into 'notario publico.'CA Government Code §8219.5

May a California notary advise a signer on which type of notarial certificate to attach or on the legal effect of a document?

• a.Yes, that is part of the job
• b.Yes, if the notary is careful
• c.No—unless the notary is a licensed attorney, doing so is unauthorized practice of law✓
• d.Only for real property documents

A non-attorney notary who selects the certificate or explains the legal effect of a document engages in the unauthorized practice of law. The notary must ask the signer what type of act is needed and may not counsel the signer on legal matters.CA Government Code §8214.1

When does a California notary's commission become effective?

• a.On the date fingerprints are submitted
• b.On the date the exam is passed
• c.On the date the application is mailed
• d.On the commencement date printed on the commission, provided the oath and bond are timely filed✓

The commission is effective on the commencement date printed on it, but only if the notary files the oath and bond with the county clerk within 30 days. A notary may not perform any act before that date or before filing.CA Government Code §8204

Which of the following may cause the Secretary of State to refuse to appoint or to revoke a notary commission?

• a.Failure to fully disclose material facts on the application✓
• b.Charging a lawful fee
• c.Notarizing in a distant county
• d.Owning a personal journal

Providing false information or failing to disclose material facts, such as prior convictions, on the application is a ground for denial or revocation under Government Code §8214.1. Honesty on the application is a continuing condition of the commission.CA Government Code §8214.1

How many active sequential journals may a California notary keep at one time?

• a.As many as desired
• b.Only one active journal at a time✓
• c.Two, one for each type of act
• d.One per employer

A notary may keep only one active sequential journal at a time (a notary may retain a separate active journal solely for confidential transactions in limited circumstances, but generally just one). This ensures a single, continuous chronological record of all official acts.CA Government Code §8206

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

• a.That the contents of the document are true
• b.That the signer swears under oath
• c.That the signer executed the document and is the person named in it✓
• d.That the notary drafted the document

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

What is a jurat?

• a.A copy certification
• b.A record of a real estate closing
• c.A power of attorney
• d.A certificate that the signer appeared, was identified, signed in the notary's presence, and swore or affirmed the truth of the document✓

A jurat—'subscribed and sworn to'—requires the signer to appear, be identified, sign in front of the notary, and take an oath or affirmation that the contents are true. It is used for affidavits and other sworn statements.CA Government Code §8202

What is a key difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment?

• a.A jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence and take an oath; an acknowledgment does not require an oath✓
• b.There is no difference
• c.An acknowledgment requires an oath but a jurat does not
• d.A jurat can be done by mail

For a jurat, the signer must sign in front of the notary and swear or affirm to the truth of the document. For an acknowledgment, the signer need only acknowledge a prior signature and takes no oath.CA Government Code §8202

Which notarial act always requires the notary to administer an oath or affirmation?

• a.Acknowledgment
• b.Jurat✓
• c.Certified copy of a power of attorney
• d.Proof of execution

A jurat requires the notary to administer an oath or affirmation, with the signer swearing to the truth of the contents. An acknowledgment involves no oath.CA Government Code §8202

For an acknowledgment, must the signer sign the document in the notary's presence?

• a.Yes, always
• b.Yes, unless the document is a deed
• c.No; the signer may have signed earlier and simply acknowledges the signature before the notary✓
• d.No; the signer need not appear at all

In an acknowledgment the signer must personally appear and acknowledge signing, but the actual signature may have been made earlier. The signer must still be identified and personally present when acknowledging.CA Civil Code §1189

The phrase 'Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me' on a certificate indicates which act?

• a.An acknowledgment
• b.A copy certification
• c.A proof of execution
• d.A jurat✓

'Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me' is the statutory jurat wording under Government Code §8202. It signals that the signer signed in the notary's presence and took an oath or affirmation.CA Government Code §8202

What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation?

• a.An oath appeals to a Supreme Being while an affirmation is a secular pledge, but both carry the same legal weight and penalty of perjury✓
• b.An affirmation is not legally binding
• c.An oath is only for court
• d.There is no legal difference in wording or effect—they are identical statements

An oath typically invokes a Supreme Being ('so help you God'), while an affirmation is a non-religious pledge for those who prefer it. Both are legally equivalent and subject the declarant to the penalties of perjury.CA Code of Civil Procedure §2093

What is a proof of execution by a subscribing witness used for?

• a.Certifying a copy of a passport
• b.Allowing a document to be notarized when the principal signer cannot personally appear, using a witness who saw the principal sign✓
• c.Administering an oath to a deposition witness
• d.Recording a name change

A proof of execution lets a document be notarized when the principal cannot appear, based on the sworn testimony of a subscribing witness who saw the principal sign. It is a limited substitute for the principal's personal appearance.CA Civil Code §1195

In a proof of execution by a subscribing witness, how is the subscribing witness identified to the notary?

• a.By the notary's personal knowledge
• b.By a government-issued photo ID
• c.By the oath of a credible witness who personally knows the subscribing witness✓
• d.The witness does not need to be identified

The subscribing witness is identified solely by the oath of a credible witness who personally knows the subscribing witness and is known to the notary. The subscribing witness cannot be identified by an ID card in this act.CA Civil Code §1197

For which type of document may a proof of execution by a subscribing witness NOT be used in California?

• a.A grant deed, quitclaim deed, deed of trust, or other document affecting real property (and powers of attorney)✓
• b.A simple letter
• c.A school permission slip
• d.A general business memo

California prohibits proof of execution for documents that create, transfer, or encumber real property—such as grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, and deeds of trust—and for powers of attorney. These sensitive documents require the principal's personal appearance.CA Civil Code §1195

Which document may a California notary lawfully certify a copy of?

• a.A birth certificate
• b.A marriage license
• c.A high school diploma
• d.A power of attorney✓

A California notary may certify a copy of a power of attorney under Probate Code §4307, and may certify a copy of the notary's own journal entries when ordered. Notaries may not certify copies of vital or public records.CA Probate Code §4307

May a California notary certify a copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate?

• a.Yes, for a fee
• b.No; those are public vital records that only the issuing agency can certify✓
• c.Yes, with two witnesses
• d.Yes, if the original is present

Notaries may not certify copies of vital records—only the official custodian (such as the county recorder or vital records office) may do so. A notary's copy-certification power is limited to a power of attorney and the notary's own journal.CA Government Code §8205

When a signer executes a document with a mark (such as an X) instead of a signature, what does California require?

• a.Nothing extra
• b.The notary signs for the person
• c.Two witnesses: the signer makes the mark, one witness writes the signer's name near the mark, and both witnesses sign the notary journal✓
• d.The document must be rejected

For a signature by mark, the signer makes the mark, one witness writes the signer's name beside it, and a second witness observes. Both witnesses also sign the notary's journal, allowing a person who cannot write to execute a document.CA Civil Code §14

How may a credible witness be used in an acknowledgment?

• a.To sign the document for the principal
• b.To notarize the document
• c.To pay the notary fee
• d.To identify a signer who lacks ID, by swearing under oath that they personally know the signer✓

A credible witness who personally knows the signer can, under oath, establish the signer's identity when the signer lacks acceptable ID. The credible witness must themselves be identified and must have no financial interest in the document.CA Civil Code §1185

What should a notary do when presented with a document that has blank spaces to be filled in later?

• a.Refuse to notarize until the blanks are completed or the signer strikes them out✓
• b.Notarize it and fill in the blanks later
• c.Sign as a witness instead
• d.Ignore the blanks

A notary should decline to notarize a document that is obviously incomplete, because open blanks invite later fraud. The signer must complete or line through the blanks before the notarization proceeds.CA Government Code §8214.1

May a notary notarize a signature if the signer is not physically present at the time of the notarization?

• a.Yes, if the notary knows the signer
• b.No; the signer must personally appear before the notary✓
• c.Yes, by phone
• d.Yes, if a family member brings the document

Personal appearance of the signer is mandatory for every California notarial act. The notary cannot notarize a signature based on a phone call, video (except under specific online-notarization law), or a document dropped off by someone else.CA Civil Code §1185

What should a notary do if the signer appears confused, heavily medicated, or unable to understand the transaction?

• a.Notarize quickly
• b.Have a family member sign instead
• c.Decline to notarize because the signer may lack the capacity or willingness to sign✓
• d.Call the police

If the signer does not appear to understand the act or seems to be signing unwillingly, the notary should refuse. The notary must be satisfied the signer is aware and acting of their own free will.CA Government Code §8214.1

When administering an oath, what is a common and proper practice?

• a.Having the person sign twice
• b.Reading the whole document aloud
• c.Requiring a second notary
• d.Asking the person to raise their right hand and affirmatively respond to the oath✓

The notary typically asks the person to raise their right hand and to respond affirmatively (e.g., 'I do') to a spoken oath or affirmation. There must be an unequivocal act by which the person consciously takes the oath.CA Code of Civil Procedure §2093

An acknowledgment certificate must include a venue showing what?

• a.The state and county where the acknowledgment took place✓
• b.The signer's home address
• c.The notary's Social Security number
• d.The date the document was drafted

The acknowledgment certificate's venue states the state and county where the notary performed the act. This shows where the notarization occurred, which must be within California.CA Civil Code §1189

Who is responsible for telling the notary which type of notarial act is needed on a document?

• a.The notary decides
• b.The signer (or the document itself), because the notary cannot choose the certificate for the signer✓
• c.The county clerk
• d.The Secretary of State

The signer must tell the notary what act is required, because selecting the certificate could constitute the unauthorized practice of law. If the document has no certificate, the notary asks the signer which act they need.CA Government Code §8202

May a California notary certify a copy of the notary's own journal entries?

• a.Never
• b.Only for the signer
• c.Yes, when requested by the Secretary of State or in response to a subpoena or court order✓
• d.Yes, for anyone who pays

A notary may provide a certified copy of a line item from the journal upon receiving a subpoena, court order, or a request from the Secretary of State or a peace officer. This preserves the journal's integrity as a public-interest record.CA Government Code §8205

May a notary notarize a document written in a language the notary cannot read?

• a.No, never
• b.Only if translated first
• c.Only for acknowledgments
• d.Yes, provided the notary can directly communicate with the signer and complete an English-language certificate✓

A notary may notarize a foreign-language document because the notary certifies the signature and identity, not the contents. However, the notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer and should attach a notarial certificate in a language the notary understands.CA Civil Code §1185

Why is direct communication between the notary and the signer important?

• a.The notary must be able to identify the signer and confirm willingness without a translator acting as intermediary✓
• b.So the notary can translate the document
• c.To set the fee
• d.It is not important

The notary must communicate directly with the signer to verify identity, awareness, and willingness. Relying on a third-party translator introduces risk of miscommunication or coercion, so the notary should decline if direct communication is impossible.CA Civil Code §1185

A notary is asked to swear in a witness for a deposition. What act is the notary performing?

• a.An acknowledgment
• b.Administering an oath (or affirmation) to the deponent✓
• c.A copy certification
• d.A proof of execution

Administering an oath to a deposition witness is a proper notarial function under the notary's power to administer oaths. The notary places the witness under oath so that testimony is given under penalty of perjury.CA Code of Civil Procedure §2093

If a signer objects to swearing an oath for religious reasons, what may the notary offer instead?

• a.Refuse service
• b.A copy certification
• c.An affirmation, which is legally equivalent to an oath✓
• d.A jurat without any pledge

A signer who objects to an oath may instead make an affirmation, a secular pledge that carries the same legal effect and perjury penalty. The notary must still obtain an affirmative, conscious pledge from the signer.CA Code of Civil Procedure §2093

May a California notary use an out-of-state acknowledgment certificate wording?

• a.Never
• b.Only for real property
• c.Only if the signer requests it
• d.Yes, a California notary may complete a certificate for use in another state if it does not require the notary to determine or certify the capacity of the signer beyond what California allows✓

A California notary may complete an acknowledgment for use in another jurisdiction, but the certificate must not require the notary to certify facts California does not permit (such as representative capacity). California acknowledgment certificates must contain the statutory disclaimer about verifying only identity.CA Civil Code §1189

A notary reasonably suspects the document is part of a fraud. What is the proper response?

• a.Refuse to perform the notarization✓
• b.Notarize it and warn the signer
• c.Complete it but omit the seal
• d.Charge a higher fee

When a notary has a reasonable suspicion that the transaction is fraudulent or unlawful, the notary should decline to proceed. Notarizing under such circumstances can expose the notary to civil and criminal liability.CA Government Code §8214.1

The all-purpose California acknowledgment certificate contains a required disclaimer stating what?

• a.That the notary drafted the document
• b.That the fee has been paid
• c.That the certificate verifies only the identity of the signer, not the truthfulness or validity of the document✓
• d.That the signer is a U.S. citizen

California acknowledgment certificates must include a boxed disclaimer stating the notary verified only the identity of the individual who signed, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of the document. This protects against misuse of the certificate as an endorsement.CA Civil Code §1189

For a proof of execution, may the credible witness who identifies the subscribing witness be identified by an ID card?

• a.Yes, always
• b.Yes, but only by passport✓
• c.No—the credible witness must be personally known to the notary
• d.The credible witness is not required

In a proof of execution, the credible witness who vouches for the subscribing witness must be personally known to the notary, not identified by an ID document. This chain of personal knowledge is what allows the principal to be absent.CA Government Code §8205

A signer brings an affidavit that must be sworn to. If the certificate is missing, what should the notary do?

• a.Choose an acknowledgment because it is simpler
• b.Refuse all sworn documents
• c.Fill in whatever certificate is handy
• d.Ask the signer what act is required and, if it is a sworn statement, attach a jurat and administer the oath✓

For a sworn affidavit the correct act is a jurat, requiring the signer to sign in the notary's presence and swear to the truth of the contents. The notary must ask the signer which act is needed rather than choosing, then administer the oath before completing the jurat certificate.CA Government Code §8202

What does 'satisfactory evidence' of a signer's identity mean in California?

• a.The notary's own belief
• b.A signed statement from the signer
• c.Identification by acceptable ID documents or by credible witness(es), as defined by statute✓
• d.Any photo the signer provides

Civil Code §1185 defines satisfactory evidence as either specified identification documents or the oath of a credible witness (or two). It is the only lawful basis for verifying identity in California.CA Civil Code §1185

May a California notary rely on personal knowledge of the signer to establish identity?

• a.No; California eliminated personal knowledge—identity must be by acceptable ID or credible witness✓
• b.Yes, if the notary has known the signer for years
• c.Yes, for family members
• d.Yes, for acknowledgments only

Unlike many states, California does not allow personal knowledge as a method of identifying a signer. Even a well-known signer must be identified through acceptable identification documents or the oath of credible witnesses.CA Civil Code §1185

Which of the following is an acceptable identification document in California?

• a.A Social Security card
• b.A birth certificate
• c.A credit card
• d.A current California driver's license or DMV-issued ID card✓

A current California driver's license or state ID card issued by the DMV is a primary acceptable ID. Social Security cards, birth certificates, and credit cards are not acceptable because they lack the required photo, signature, and description.CA Civil Code §1185

Is a valid U.S. passport acceptable identification for a California notarization?

• a.No
• b.Yes, a valid U.S. passport is acceptable✓
• c.Only if under 5 years old
• d.Only for jurats

A valid, current U.S. passport is one of the acceptable forms of satisfactory evidence. It contains a photograph and signature, satisfying the statutory requirements.CA Civil Code §1185

For most acceptable ID documents, what is the currency requirement?

• a.Must be issued this year
• b.Must be at least 10 years old
• c.Must be current or issued within the past 5 years✓
• d.There is no time limit

An acceptable ID must be current or, if expired, have been issued within the previous five years. A card older than five years past its issuance does not qualify even if it appears valid.CA Civil Code §1185

When a single credible witness is used to identify a signer, that witness must be:

• a.A relative of the signer
• b.At least 21 years old
• c.A licensed attorney
• d.Personally known to the notary and must personally know the signer✓

A single credible witness must both personally know the signer and be personally known to the notary. The witness swears under oath to the signer's identity and must have no financial interest in the transaction.CA Civil Code §1185

Before accepting a credible witness's identification of a signer, the notary must:

• a.Administer an oath or affirmation to the credible witness✓
• b.Take the witness's fingerprint
• c.Charge a separate fee
• d.Get written permission from the signer

The notary must place the credible witness under oath or affirmation before relying on the witness's statement of the signer's identity. The witness swears that the signer is the person named in the document.CA Civil Code §1185

How may two credible witnesses be used when neither the notary nor the signer can otherwise establish identity?

• a.They sign the document for the signer
• b.Each is identified by acceptable ID and each swears to personally knowing the signer✓
• c.They pay the notary fee
• d.They act as the signer's attorneys

Two credible witnesses who personally know the signer, but who are unknown to the notary, may be used if each witness is identified by the notary through acceptable ID. Each witness then swears under oath to the signer's identity.CA Civil Code §1185

Which foreign document may qualify as acceptable identification in California?

• a.Any foreign national ID card
• b.A foreign birth certificate
• c.A valid passport issued by a foreign government (or an inland/consular ID meeting statutory criteria)✓
• d.A foreign utility bill

A foreign passport is acceptable if it has been stamped by U.S. immigration authorities, and driver's licenses issued by Canada or Mexico also qualify. General foreign national ID cards, birth certificates, and utility bills do not meet the statutory list.CA Civil Code §1185

An inmate in a California correctional facility who lacks other ID may be identified using:

• a.An inmate identification card issued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, together with a credible witness who is a facility employee✓
• b.A cellmate's word
• c.No identification is possible
• d.A tattoo

A CDCR-issued inmate ID card is listed as an acceptable identification document, and a facility official may serve as a credible witness. This allows incarcerated persons to have documents notarized within the statutory framework.CA Civil Code §1185

An ID card expired three years ago is presented. Is it acceptable?

• a.No, any expired ID is unacceptable
• b.Only for acknowledgments
• c.Only with a second ID
• d.Yes, if it was issued within the past five years and otherwise meets the requirements✓

An expired card remains acceptable if it was issued within the previous five years. Thus an ID that expired three years ago but was issued four years ago may still qualify, provided it contains the required features.CA Civil Code §1185

Acceptable identification documents generally must contain all of the following EXCEPT:

• a.A photograph of the bearer
• b.A physical description and signature
• c.The bearer's fingerprint✓
• d.A serial or identifying number

Acceptable ID must include a photograph, description, signature, and an identifying/serial number and be issued by an authorized agency. A fingerprint is not among the required features of an ID document.CA Civil Code §1185

May a person with a direct financial interest in the transaction serve as a credible witness?

• a.Yes, always
• b.No; a credible witness must have no financial interest and not be named in the document✓
• c.Yes, for jurats
• d.Only if related to the signer

A credible witness must be disinterested—having no financial interest in the transaction and not being named in the document. This impartiality protects the integrity of the identification.CA Civil Code §1185

Which of the following is NOT acceptable identification on its own in California?

• a.A valid U.S. passport
• b.A current California driver's license
• c.A U.S. military identification card meeting the requirements
• d.A Social Security card✓

A Social Security card lacks a photograph, physical description, and serial identifying features, so it is not acceptable identification. Passports, DMV licenses, and qualifying U.S. military IDs are acceptable.CA Civil Code §1185

A U.S. military identification card may be used as satisfactory evidence if it:

• a.Contains the bearer's photograph, description, signature, and a serial or identifying number✓
• b.Is laminated
• c.Is issued in California only
• d.Is under one year old

A U.S. military ID qualifies when it contains a photograph, physical description, signature, and identifying number. Like other acceptable IDs, it must be issued by an authorized governmental agency.CA Civil Code §1185

An identification card issued by a state, county, city, or federal agency may be acceptable if it:

• a.Is a library card
• b.Is any employee badge
• c.Contains a photograph, description, signature, and identifying number and was issued by an authorized government office✓
• d.Is signed by a supervisor

An employee ID card issued by a government agency qualifies only when it includes the required photograph, description, signature, and serial number. A private employer badge or library card does not meet the statutory standard.CA Civil Code §1185

How must entries be recorded in a California notary journal?

• a.In any order
• b.Sequentially, in chronological order at the time of each act✓
• c.Only at the end of the day
• d.Only for real property documents

Government Code §8206 requires each act to be recorded sequentially in a bound journal at the time of the notarization. This chronological record creates a reliable audit trail of the notary's official acts.CA Government Code §8206

For which documents does California require the signer's thumbprint in the notary journal?

• a.All documents
• b.Only wills
• c.Only jurats
• d.Deeds, quitclaim deeds, and deeds of trust affecting real property, and powers of attorney✓

A right-thumbprint is required in the journal when notarizing documents affecting real property—such as deeds, quitclaim deeds, and deeds of trust—and for powers of attorney. This requirement is a key California anti-fraud measure.CA Government Code §8206

Which of the following is a required journal entry for each notarial act?

• a.The date, time, and type of act; the signer's name; the type of ID used; and the fee charged✓
• b.The signer's bank account number
• c.The notary's home phone number
• d.A photocopy of the document

Each entry must record the date and time of the act, the type of act, the character of the document, the signer's name and signature, the method of identification, and the fee charged. Sensitive data like bank numbers are never recorded.CA Government Code §8206

Who owns and controls a California notary's sequential journal?

• a.The employer who paid for it
• b.The county clerk
• c.The notary personally, as the sole custodian✓
• d.The Secretary of State

The journal is the exclusive property of the notary, even if an employer paid for it. The notary must keep it under direct and exclusive control and may not surrender it to an employer.CA Government Code §8206

When a notary's commission ends, what must happen to the journal?

• a.It is destroyed
• b.It is given to the employer
• c.It is mailed to the FBI
• d.All journals must be delivered to the county clerk within 30 days✓

Upon resignation, revocation, or expiration, the notary must deliver all journals to the county clerk within 30 days. If the notary dies, the personal representative has the same duty.CA Government Code §8209

If a notary's journal is lost, misplaced, or stolen, what must the notary do?

• a.Nothing
• b.Immediately notify the Secretary of State in writing✓
• c.Buy a new one and continue
• d.Notify only the employer

The notary must promptly send a written report to the Secretary of State upon discovering the journal is lost or stolen, describing the circumstances. Prompt reporting helps limit fraud from the missing record.CA Government Code §8206

Which of the following must appear on a California notary seal?

• a.The State Seal, the words 'Notary Public,' the notary's name, the county, the commission number, and the commission expiration date✓
• b.The notary's home address
• c.The notary's photo
• d.The employer's logo

The seal must show the California State Seal, the words 'Notary Public,' the notary's name, the county where the bond is filed, the commission number, and the commission expiration date. It must be a fixed, legible stamp.CA Government Code §8207

A California notary seal must be:

• a.Round only
• b.Embossed only
• c.Photographically reproducible when affixed to a document✓
• d.Applied in red ink only

The seal must be photographically reproducible so that it copies clearly for recording and archiving. It is typically an inked rubber stamp; an embosser alone is not sufficient because it may not photocopy.CA Government Code §8207

If a notary's official seal is lost or stolen, what should the notary do?

• a.Ignore it
• b.Continue using a replacement immediately with no notice
• c.Report only to the police
• d.Notify the Secretary of State✓

A lost or stolen seal should be reported to the Secretary of State, and steps taken to prevent its misuse. Prompt notice helps protect the public from fraudulent notarizations using the missing seal.CA Government Code §8207

If a peace officer investigating a crime asks to inspect a notary's journal, the notary must:

• a.Refuse
• b.Permit inspection and provide requested information as authorized by law✓
• c.Charge a fee to allow it
• d.Destroy the journal first

The journal must be shown to a peace officer or the Secretary of State on request in the course of an official investigation. Although the notary owns the journal, it serves a public-interest recordkeeping function.CA Government Code §8206

The fee charged for each notarial act must be:

• a.Recorded in the journal for that act✓
• b.Kept secret
• c.Rounded to the nearest dollar
• d.Reported to the IRS separately

Each journal entry must include the fee charged for that act, or note that no fee was charged. This documents compliance with the statutory fee limits.CA Government Code §8206

When a thumbprint is required, which thumbprint does California specify?

• a.Left thumb
• b.Either thumb, notary's choice
• c.The signer's right thumbprint (or, if none, another available fingerprint noted in the journal)✓
• d.Both thumbs

The journal must contain the signer's right thumbprint for the specified real-property and power-of-attorney documents. If the right thumb is unavailable, the notary takes another fingerprint and notes which one in the journal.CA Government Code §8206

California law regarding notary journals allows which of the following about electronic records?

• a.Journals must always be electronic
• b.Paper journals are prohibited
• c.No records may be kept at all
• d.The journal must be a bound, tangible book kept in chronological order; certain electronic recordkeeping is limited by statute✓

California requires a physical, bound sequential journal for traditional notarizations. Electronic recording is tightly regulated, and the tangible journal remains the primary required record.CA Government Code §8206

When a notary's commission expires or is revoked, what must be done with the seal?

• a.Keep it as a souvenir
• b.Give it to a friend
• c.Destroy the seal so it cannot be misused✓
• d.Mail it to the Secretary of State for reuse

Upon expiration, resignation, or revocation, the seal must be destroyed or defaced so it cannot be used to create fraudulent notarizations. This is done in addition to delivering the journals to the county clerk.CA Government Code §8207

How should a notary handle recording multiple signers on the same document in the journal?

• a.One combined entry for everyone
• b.A separate journal entry (line item) for each signer's act✓
• c.No entry needed if it is one document
• d.Only record the first signer

Each signer's notarial act requires its own line item in the journal, even if they sign the same document. This ensures every act is separately documented with the signer's identification and, where required, thumbprint.CA Government Code §8206

Why does California require a sequential journal rather than loose notes?

• a.To create a continuous, tamper-resistant chronological record for each act✓
• b.To save the notary money
• c.Because the employer requires it
• d.To replace the seal

A bound, sequential journal creates a continuous record that is difficult to alter or backdate, deterring fraud. It provides evidence of what the notary did and protects both the public and the notary.CA Government Code §8206

What is the maximum fee a California notary may charge for taking an acknowledgment, per signature?

• a.$10
• b.$15✓
• c.$25
• d.$50

Government Code §8211 sets the maximum fee for an acknowledgment at $15 per signature. Charging more than the statutory maximum is unlawful and can subject the notary to discipline.CA Government Code §8211

What is the maximum fee a California notary may charge for administering an oath and completing a jurat, per signature?

• a.$10
• b.$15✓
• c.$20
• d.$40

The maximum fee for a jurat is $15 per signature under Government Code §8211. As with acknowledgments, the notary may charge less but never more than the statutory cap.CA Government Code §8211

A notary whose negligence or misconduct causes damage to a member of the public may face:

• a.No consequences
• b.Only a warning
• c.Civil liability for the damages caused, and the surety may pursue the notary✓
• d.Criminal charges only

Government Code §8214 makes the notary and the surety liable to a person injured by the notary's misconduct or neglect. If the surety pays, it can seek reimbursement from the notary, whose personal liability is not capped by the bond amount.CA Government Code §8214

Knowingly executing a false acknowledgment or certificate can expose a California notary to:

• a.A small fine only
• b.A verbal warning
• c.Nothing if the signer approved
• d.Criminal prosecution, which may include felony charges, plus civil liability and loss of commission✓

Willfully making a false certificate or acknowledgment is a crime that can carry felony or misdemeanor penalties, in addition to civil damages and revocation. The severity reflects the trust placed in the notarial certificate.CA Penal Code §115.5

Which agency oversees, disciplines, and may revoke California notary commissions?

• a.The Secretary of State✓
• b.The county sheriff
• c.The IRS
• d.The State Bar

The Secretary of State has continuing authority to investigate complaints, discipline notaries, and suspend or revoke commissions. The office may also impose civil penalties for specified violations.CA Government Code §8214.1

A non-attorney notary who literally advertises as a 'notario publico' to imply immigration expertise may face:

• a.Nothing
• b.A commendation
• c.Penalties, suspension, or revocation, because such advertising is prohibited✓
• d.A higher fee schedule

California prohibits non-attorney notaries from translating 'notary public' into 'notario publico,' which falsely implies legal or immigration authority in many Latin American countries. Violations can lead to fines, suspension, or permanent revocation of the commission.CA Government Code §8219.5

May a notary freely disclose the contents of journal entries to any curious third party?

• a.Yes, to anyone
• b.No; disclosure is limited to lawful requests such as the signer, the Secretary of State, a peace officer, or a subpoena/court order✓
• c.Yes, if paid a fee
• d.Only to the employer

The journal is a controlled record; the notary may provide line-item information only in response to a lawful request, such as from the signer, the Secretary of State, a peace officer, or under subpoena. Indiscriminate disclosure would breach the notary's duty of care.CA Government Code §8206

The Secretary of State may impose a civil penalty for certain violations, such as performing an unauthorized act, of up to:

• a.$50
• b.$250
• c.$1,500 per violation (and up to $10,000 for specified serious violations)✓
• d.$100

Government Code §8214.15 authorizes civil penalties up to $1,500 per violation for many infractions, and up to $10,000 for specified serious violations such as aiding illegal immigration fraud. These penalties are in addition to any criminal or civil liability.CA Government Code §8214.15

A non-attorney notary who assists with immigration forms is limited in that the notary:

• a.May not give legal advice, may only transcribe information provided by the client, and must observe advertising and fee rules✓
• b.May represent clients before immigration authorities
• c.May select which immigration relief to pursue
• d.Has no restrictions

A non-attorney notary may only enter information as provided by the client and may not give legal advice or choose immigration remedies, which is unauthorized practice of law. The notary must also post required notices and observe the statutory fee limits.CA Government Code §8223

For completing an immigration form, what fee limit applies to a notary in California?

• a.$50 per form
• b.$15 per set of forms (per person)✓
• c.No limit
• d.$100 per form

California caps the fee a notary may charge for completing an immigration form at $15 per individual for each set of forms. This limit, along with mandatory disclosures, protects immigrants from overcharging and misleading services.CA Government Code §8223