Let us be the connection between you, the notary, and the California Secretary of State.

Our Blog offers frequently asked questions, answers, and updates from the California Secretary of State.

In addition, we give Best Practices Tips to help the notary.

Topics include steps to becoming a California notary, filing information, notary tools, and other requirements.

You are currently browsing the category: Frequently Asked Questions (Show all)

Frequently we are asked about the process to resign a notary commission or to not seek reappointment.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

To Not Seek Reappointment or to Resign Early

Read more

When can I expect my new commission?

Friday, September 6, 2019

I completed all the requirements to be recommissioned six months ago. My current commission…

Read more

Friday, October 13, 2017

What is the County of Filing and Time Limit for a Notary?

County of Filing The filing must take place in the county where the notary public…

Read more

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Which Identification Documents Are Used to Identify a Signer?

Identification Documents

Read more

Thursday, April 26, 2018

How are the State Notary Exams scored?

Notary Exams are a scaled score, NOT a percent score.

Read more

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Responding to Secretary of State

Communications between the Secretary of State and notaries public are to be made by…

Read more

Thursday, April 26, 2018

What are the Maximum Notarial Fees?

California law makes it clear that a notary may charge any fee as long as the fee is not…

Read more

Thursday, April 26, 2018

What are the Requirements when my Seal/Stamp is Lost or Stolen?

If the seal is lost, misplaced, destroyed, broken, damaged, or is rendered otherwise…

Read more

Thursday, April 26, 2018

What are Requirements when my Journal is Lost or Stolen?

If the sequential journal is stolen, lost, misplaced, destroyed, damaged, or otherwise…

Read more

Thursday, April 26, 2018

What do I do with my notary public journal and stamp once my commission is no longer valid?

This is a common question the Secretary of State's website answers well: If any notary…

Read more

Thursday, April 26, 2018

I did not file my oath and bond on time, what do I do?

This is why we stress you make a concerted effort to go to the county clerk early in the…

Read more

Thursday, April 26, 2018

What is the status of my notary public application?

Recently the notary application process is between 4-6 weeks from the day the State Exam is…

Read more

Previous page Next page Viewing page 1 of 2

#1 in Customer Service Since 2005!

"Hi, I got my test results this weekend. I got a 93. I was pleased. I sure feel better about what I do. Thanks again for your help. Good teacher--good grade! Take care." - C D