California Notary Public practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1A California notary public is appointed by which official?
✓ Correct answer: B. The California Secretary of State
The Secretary of State appoints and commissions notaries public in California under Government Code section 8200.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Q2A California notary public commission is valid for how many years?
✓ Correct answer: C. 4 years
A California notary public commission term is 4 years from the date of commission.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Q3In which county may a California notary public perform notarial acts?
✓ Correct answer: A. 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.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Q4Which of the following is NOT a duty of a California notary public?
✓ Correct answer: D. 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.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Q5A notary public who changes their county of residence must file a new oath and bond within how many days?
✓ Correct answer: B. 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.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Q6A notary public's official bond amount required in California is:
✓ Correct answer: C. $15,000
California requires notaries public to file a $15,000 surety bond before commencing to act as a notary.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Q7When a notary public's commission expires, what must happen to their notarial journal?
✓ Correct answer: A. 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.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Q8A notary public who willfully fails to provide a requested service for which the person is legally qualified is:
✓ Correct answer: D. 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.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Q9A notary public must notify the Secretary of State of a change of address within how many days?
✓ Correct answer: B. 30 days
California law requires notaries public to notify the Secretary of State of any change of address within 30 days of the change.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Q10Which statement best describes the role of a notary public in California?
✓ Correct answer: A. 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.
Topic: Duties & Authority
Use the free California Notary Test sample, download the PDF, then unlock web-based timed mock exams for a full exam rehearsal.
Theory