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California Notary Public Exam

Prohibited acts and misconduct: practice questions

Our California Notary bank has 16 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

What is the civil penalty for a California notary who willfully states as true a material fact they know is false?

  1. Up to $500
  2. Up to $10,000
  3. There is no penalty
  4. Up to $100
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B. Up to $10,000 — The same maximum applies to failing to obtain satisfactory evidence of identity.

Question 2

May a notary who is not an attorney advise a customer on which document to sign?

  1. Yes, for simple documents only
  2. Yes, if they are bilingual
  3. Yes, if the customer asks politely and the notary has experience
  4. No, that would be the unauthorized practice of law
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D. No, that would be the unauthorized practice of law — Notaries may not give legal advice or prepare legal documents for others.

Question 3

What can happen to a notary who is convicted of a felony?

  1. The commission can be revoked or suspended
  2. Nothing, as long as the bond is paid
  3. The notary receives a reduced term
  4. The notary only needs to retake the exam to keep it
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A. The commission can be revoked or suspended — Applicants with certain convictions may also be denied a commission.

Question 4

When must a California notary refuse to notarize?

  1. When the document is longer than ten pages
  2. When the signer can't be properly identified or the notary has a financial or beneficial interest
  3. When the signer has not read the whole document
  4. When the signer pays with a credit card
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B. When the signer can't be properly identified or the notary has a financial or beneficial interest — Notaries must also refuse when they believe the signer doesn't understand or isn't acting willingly.

Question 5

May a notary refuse service to someone because of their race, religion or national origin?

  1. Yes, if the notary feels uncomfortable
  2. Yes, if the employer agrees
  3. Yes, if the notary works for a private business
  4. No, that would be unlawful discrimination
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D. No, that would be unlawful discrimination — Notaries serve the public and may not discriminate.

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