TheoryCalifornia Notary Public Practice Questions
Free California Notary Public practice questions with answers and plain-English explanations. Browse the PDF, video and online mock test.
California Notary Public Questions
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Q1A California notary public is appointed by which official?
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✓ Correct answer: The California Secretary of State
The Secretary of State appoints and commissions notaries public in California under Government Code section 8200.
Q2A California notary public commission is valid for how many years?
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✓ Correct answer: 4 years
A California notary public commission term is 4 years from the date of commission.
Q3In which county may a California notary public perform notarial acts?
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✓ Correct answer: Anywhere in California, regardless of which county the commission is filed in
A California notary public has statewide authority and may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state of California.
Q4Which of the following is NOT a duty of a California notary public?
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✓ Correct answer: Providing legal advice to document signers
Notaries may not provide legal advice; doing so constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. Their duties are limited to notarial acts defined by statute.
Q5A notary public who changes their county of residence must file a new oath and bond within how many days?
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✓ Correct answer: 30 days
Under California Government Code section 8213, a notary who changes their county of principal place of business must file a new oath and bond within 30 days.
Q6A notary public's official bond amount required in California is:
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✓ Correct answer: $15,000
California requires notaries public to file a $15,000 surety bond before commencing to act as a notary.
Q7When a notary public's commission expires, what must happen to their notarial journal?
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✓ Correct answer: It must be delivered to the county clerk of the county where the notary's principal place of business is located
Upon expiration or resignation of a commission, the notary must deliver their journal(s) to the county clerk of the county where the notary's principal place of business is located.
Q8A notary public who willfully fails to provide a requested service for which the person is legally qualified is:
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✓ Correct answer: Guilty of a misdemeanor
Government Code section 8224 states that a notary who willfully fails to perform any notarial duty is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Q9A notary public must notify the Secretary of State of a change of address within how many days?
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✓ Correct answer: 30 days
California law requires notaries public to notify the Secretary of State of any change of address within 30 days of the change.
Q10Which statement best describes the role of a notary public in California?
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✓ Correct answer: A notary is an impartial witness who verifies the identity of signers and administers oaths
A notary's core function is to act as an impartial witness—verifying identities, witnessing signatures, and administering oaths. The notary does not vouch for document content or legality.
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