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CA Notary

California Notary Public

Intro.1 Overview of the Notary Public Role Intro.2 California Notary Exam Format

1.1 Basic Qualifications 1.2 Application Process 1.3 Oath and Bond Requirements 1.4 Commission Maintenance

2.1 Required Seal Elements 2.2 Seal Specifications 2.3 Seal Security & Replacement

3.1 Satisfactory Evidence of Identity 3.2 Acceptable Identification Documents 3.3 Credible Witness Identification 3.4 Special Identification Situations

4.1 Journal Fundamentals 4.2 Required Journal Entries 4.3 Thumbprint Requirements 4.4 Journal Retention & Access

5.1 Purpose of Acknowledgments 5.2 Acknowledgment Certificate Requirements 5.3 Acknowledgment for Representatives 5.4 All-Purpose Acknowledgment Certificate

6.1 Jurat Requirements 6.2 Administering Oaths and Affirmations 6.3 Certifications and Copy Certification

7.1 Deposition Procedures 7.2 Protests of Negotiable Instruments

8.1 Power of Attorney Documents 8.2 Immigration Documents 8.3 Elder Abuse Prevention

9.1 Conflicts of Interest 9.2 Unauthorized Practice of Law 9.3 Advertising Restrictions 9.4 Other Prohibited Acts

10.1 Authorized Fee Schedule 10.2 Name and Address Changes 10.3 Resignation and Term Expiration

11.1 Grounds for Suspension or Revocation 11.2 Civil Liability 11.3 Criminal Penalties

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Free CA Notary Exam Prep

California Notary Public

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Chapters

Sections

Our Cost

Last updated: January 2026

CA Notary Exam Details

California Notary Public

Administered by California Secretary of State

Official Source

70%

Passing Score

Questions

Hours

Varies by vendor

Exam Fee

Study time: 20-40 hours

Prerequisites: 6-hour education course, 18+ years, CA resident

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official California Secretary of State content outline

Qualifications & Appointment15%

Requirements, bond, oath, commission

Notary Seal & Journal20%

Seal requirements, journal entries, retention

Identification of Signers20%

Acceptable IDs, credible witnesses

Acknowledgments & Jurats20%

Certificate requirements, oaths

Prohibited Acts & Fees15%

Conflicts, UPL, fee schedule

Discipline & Penalties10%

Revocation, liability, criminal penalties

What's Included

12 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

CFP®

Why It's Free

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

I'm Ran Chen, an engineer with 20+ years of coding experience. I passed my Life Insurance license, EA exam, SIE, Series 6, 63, 65, and finally the CFP® exam.

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What's Next After the CA Notary?

After passing the CA Notary, you can pursue these career paths

Notary Signing Agent

Specialize in loan document signings ($75-200/signing)

Coming Soon

Mobile Notary

Provide on-location notary services

Coming Soon

NNA Certified

National Notary Association certification

Coming Soon

CA Notary Exam FAQ

Course Content

Introduction to the California Notary Public Exam

2 sections

Chapter 1: Qualifications & Appointment

4 sections

Chapter 2: Notary Seal Requirements

3 sections

Chapter 3: Identification of Signers

4 sections

Chapter 4: Notary Journal Requirements

4 sections

Chapter 5: Acknowledgments

4 sections

Chapter 6: Jurats & Oaths

3 sections

Chapter 7: Depositions & Protests

2 sections

Chapter 8: Powers of Attorney & Immigration

3 sections

Chapter 9: Prohibited Acts & Conflicts of Interest

4 sections

Chapter 10: Fees & Administrative Duties

3 sections

Chapter 11: Discipline & Penalties

3 sections

Official California Secretary of State Resources

Verify information with these official sources

CA Secretary of State Notary Page Notary Public Handbook (PDF)Notary Exam Information

More Free Resources

Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Blog & Newsletter

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CA Notary

1Introduction to the California Notary Public Exam

2Chapter 1: Qualifications & Appointment

3Chapter 2: Notary Seal Requirements

4Chapter 3: Identification of Signers

5Chapter 4: Notary Journal Requirements

6Chapter 5: Acknowledgments

7Chapter 6: Jurats & Oaths

8Chapter 7: Depositions & Protests

9Chapter 8: Powers of Attorney & Immigration

10Chapter 9: Prohibited Acts & Conflicts of Interest

11Chapter 10: Fees & Administrative Duties

12Chapter 11: Discipline & Penalties

Free CA Notary Exam Prep

CA Notary Exam Details

California Notary Public

Exam Content Breakdown

What's Included

12 Chapters

Practice Quizzes

Free to Start

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

What's Next After the CA Notary?

Notary Signing Agent

Mobile Notary

NNA Certified

CA Notary Exam FAQ

What's included for free?

Why is the content free?

Is the content up to date?

Course Content

Introduction to the California Notary Public Exam

Chapter 1: Qualifications & Appointment

Chapter 2: Notary Seal Requirements

Chapter 3: Identification of Signers

Chapter 4: Notary Journal Requirements

Chapter 5: Acknowledgments

Chapter 6: Jurats & Oaths

Chapter 7: Depositions & Protests

Chapter 8: Powers of Attorney & Immigration

Chapter 9: Prohibited Acts & Conflicts of Interest

Chapter 10: Fees & Administrative Duties

Chapter 11: Discipline & Penalties

Official California Secretary of State Resources

More Free Resources

Ready to Start Your Free CA Notary Prep?