FREE CA Notary Recording Documents Questions and Answers

Question 1

What information must a California notary public include in the notarial journal when recording the notarization of a document?

Accepted Answer

The type of notarization (acknowledgment or jurat), the date and time of the act, the type of document, the signer's identification information, and the notary's fee

Answer

The weather conditions on the day of notarization

Answer

The color of the signer's pen

Answer

The notary's personal opinions about the document

Question 2

When is it required for a California notary public to obtain a thumbprint from the signer in the notarial journal?

Accepted Answer

When notarizing documents related to real estate or powers of attorney

Answer

Only if the signer requests it

Answer

When notarizing any document

Answer

Only for documents signed with an ink pen

Question 3

What should a California notary do if a signer refuses to provide identification or a thumbprint when required?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize the document

Answer

Proceed with the notarization and note the refusal in the journal

Answer

Ask the signer to come back with an attorney

Answer

Call law enforcement

Question 4

How long must a California notary public retain their notarial journal after their commission has expired or they have resigned from office?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

The notary is not required to retain the journal

Answer

10 years

Question 5

What is the protocol for a California notary if their notarial journal is lost, stolen, or destroyed?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the Secretary of State by mail or email

Answer

Do nothing and continue without a journal

Answer

Start a new journal without reporting the loss

Answer

Purchase a new journal from a local office supply store