Licensing · Notary
California Notary Public Exam
California's written notary exam: identifying signers, the journal and thumbprints, certificates, seals, fees and what a California notary must refuse.
Questions last checked against the official sources on October 6, 2026.
The real exam at a glance
- Set by
- California Secretary of State
- Exam
- Written, closed-book; 70 or more to pass
- Term
- 4 years, $15,000 bond
- Tip
- Know the handbook: personal knowledge is not ID in California
What you'll practise
Try a question
When a notary moves their business to a new county, what may they choose to do?
- Get a second commission
- File a new oath and bond in the new county
- Nothing; the old county keeps all the filings
- Resign and reapply
Show the answer
B. File a new oath and bond in the new county — They then need a seal showing the new county.
Sample questions by topic (in English)
- Qualifications and commission
- Identifying signers
- Journal and thumbprints
- Certificates and notarial acts
- Fees
- Prohibited acts and misconduct
- Scenarios
Ask the examiner
Ask about this exam: why an answer is wrong, a grammar point, or “quiz me on …”.
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Questions about the California Notary
Is this the official California Notary?
No. Semplr is independent and not affiliated with the exam body. We write every question ourselves, in the official format and at the official level.
What is the real California Notary like?
Set by: California Secretary of State. Exam: Written, closed-book; 70 or more to pass. Term: 4 years, $15,000 bond. Tip: Know the handbook: personal knowledge is not ID in California.
How is my practice marked?
Instantly. You see your score against the pass mark, and an explanation for every question — including the ones you got right.
Can I take it on my phone?
Yes. The whole mock exam works on a phone, and your progress is saved in your browser.
Ready for a full run?
One sitting, real timing, then your score against the pass mark.
Start the free mock exam