Free California Notary Public Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the California Notary Public Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1What is the minimum age for appointment as a California notary public?

   1. A. 16 years
   2. B. 17 years
   3. C. 18 years
   4. D. 21 years

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The Handbook states applicants must “Be at least 18 years of age.”

   Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — p. 7, Government Code § 8201(a)(1)-(2)

2. 2What official device is each California notary required to have and use for notarial service?

   1. A. Official seal
   2. B. County recorder badge
   3. C. Embossed commission card
   4. D. State-issued signature plate

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The Handbook states, “Each notary public is required to have and to use a seal.”

   Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — pp. 8-9, Government Code § 8207

3. 3For which instrument is proof of execution by a subscribing witness prohibited?

   1. A. Power of attorney
   2. B. Affidavit
   3. C. Personal letter
   4. D. Business contract

   Answer: A

   Explanation: A subscribing-witness proof “cannot be used in conjunction with any power of attorney.”

   Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — pp. 14-15, Civil Code §§ 1195, 1197; Code of Civil Procedure § 1935

4. 4May a California notary notarize a signature on a document written in an unfamiliar foreign language?

   1. A. Yes, if the ordinary notarial requirements can be met
   2. B. No, every document must be in English
   3. C. Only after a certified translation is attached
   4. D. Only with county recorder approval

   Answer: A

   Explanation: “A notary public can notarize a signature on a document in a foreign language with which the notary public is not familiar.”

   Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — p. 23, Government Code §§ 8202, 8205(a)(2); Civil Code § 1189

5. 5What maximum civil penalty applies when a notary willfully states as true a material fact known to be false in an acknowledgment?

   1. A. $750
   2. B. $1,500
   3. C. $2,500
   4. D. $10,000

   Answer: D

   Explanation: The Handbook states such a notary “is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000.”

   Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — pp. 12-13, Civil Code § 1189

6. 6An adult applicant completed the approved course, passed the examination, and cleared the background check, but legally resides in Nevada. Which listed appointment qualification is missing?

   1. A. California legal residency
   2. B. Minimum age of 18
   3. C. Approved notary education
   4. D. A passing written examination

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The appointment list requires the applicant to “Be a legal resident of the State of California.” Employment alone is not that listed qualification.

   Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — p. 7, Government Code § 8201(a)(1)-(2)

7. 7How must the official seal be stored between notarial acts?

   1. A. In a locked, secured area under the notary's exclusive control
   2. B. At the employer's reception desk
   3. C. In any shared office drawer
   4. D. With the county clerk

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The seal “must be kept in a locked and secured area, under the direct and exclusive control of the notary public.”

   Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — pp. 8-9, Government Code § 8207

8. 8A principal cannot appear and asks to use a subscribing witness for a deed of trust. What should the notary conclude?

   1. A. The proof is allowed with two credible witnesses
   2. B. The proof is allowed if no fee is charged
   3. C. The proof is prohibited for a deed of trust
   4. D. The proof is allowed after county approval

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The prohibited instruments expressly include a “deed of trust.”

   Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — pp. 14-15, Civil Code §§ 1195, 1197; Code of Civil Procedure § 1935

9. 9What document information should a notary be able to identify for the journal when the text is foreign-language?

   1. A. The type of document
   2. B. The type of notarial act
   3. C. The basis for identifying the signer
   4. D. The fee charged

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The notary “should be able to identify the type of document being notarized for entry in the notary public’s journal.”

   Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — p. 23, Government Code §§ 8202, 8205(a)(2); Civil Code § 1189

10. 10What commission consequence may follow a first violation of the foreign-language advertising law?

    1. A. Suspension or revocation
    2. B. Automatic permanent revocation only
    3. C. A warning with no discipline
    4. D. Transfer to another county

    Answer: A

    Explanation: “A first offense for violation of this law is grounds for the suspension or revocation” of the commission.

    Reference: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook — p. 20, Government Code § 8219.5