Key Takeaways A California notary can perform notarizations anywhere within the state, not just in the county where the oath and bond were filed (Government Code § 8200) The venue on the notarial certificate reflects where the signer appeared before you, not your home county You cannot perform notarizations outside California, even for California residents…
Key Takeaways No fee may be charged for notarizing vote-by-mail ballot materials (Government Code § 8211(d)) No fee may be charged for notarizing veteran benefit applications or claims (Government Code § 8211(f)) Government employees performing official duties typically do not charge fees (Government Code § 6106) You still record $0.00 in your journal for every…
Key Takeaways California notaries are not law enforcement, but they serve as a front-line fraud deterrent You must refuse to notarize if you suspect the signer is not who they claim to be, is acting under duress, or lacks capacity Government Code section 8202 requires satisfactory evidence of identity before notarizing There is no statutory…
California requires fingerprinting at two different points in a notary’s career: once to get your commission, and then repeatedly in your journal as you perform notarizations. The processes are completely different, and mixing them up is a common source of confusion among new notaries. Both processes are covered below. Live Scan fingerprinting for your notary…
Key Takeaways Depositions have their own fee structure under Government Code section 8211(c), separate from the standard $15 per signature The maximum fee is $30 plus $7 for administering the oath plus $7 for the certificate, totaling $44 per deposition This fee applies whether the deposition is taken in person or by written questions You…
Key Takeaways A California notary commission is valid for four years from the start date (Government Code § 8204) There is no grace period after expiration. You cannot notarize for even one day past your commission end date Renewal requires completing a three-hour refresher course (if commissioned before expiration) or a six-hour course (if expired)…
Key Takeaways The Secretary of State can deny your application for failing to disclose any conviction, including those dismissed under Penal Code § 1203.4 (Government Code § 8214.1) Felony convictions are disqualifying. Certain misdemeanors are also disqualifying, depending on the offense You have the right to appeal a denial through an administrative hearing process (Government…
Key Takeaways When a signer has no acceptable ID, a California notary can identify them using credible witnesses (Civil Code § 1185) One credible witness is allowed only when the witness is personally known to the notary Two credible witnesses are required when neither witness is personally known to the notary Both the witness and…
