r/Notary

If you're taking the California notary exam soon, here's the short version of what matters.

Format: 45 multiple-choice questions (40 count, 5 are unscored test questions), 1 hour, and you need 70%. You have to take the 6-hour approved course first.

The topics that come up over and over:

- Identification.Know which ID documents are acceptable and the rules for credible witnesses. This comes up a lot.

- Journal thumbprints. A thumbprint is required in the journal for deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, other documents affecting real property, and powers of attorney.

- Acknowledgment vs. jurat. Acknowledgment: the signer says they signed it, no oath. Jurat: they sign in front of you and you put them under oath.

- Fees. Max $15 per signature for an acknowledgment, $15 per person for a jurat. No fee for vote-by-mail ballot envelopes or veterans' benefits paperwork.

- The 30-day deadline. You have 30 calendar days from the start of your commission to file your oath and bond with the county clerk, and the commission doesn't take effect until you do.

- "Notario publico." Can't use it in advertising or translate "notary public" into Spanish in ads.

The questions are tricky on wording more than content, so doing timed practice tests matters more than re-reading the handbook.

I made a free full-length California practice exam (no sign-up) if it helps: https://notaryexampro.com/california-notary-practice-exam-free. Good luck to anyone testing this month.

Hi there! I just signed on to be a mobile notary with Bancserv. I’ve started the process of getting all my documents to Bancserv, but there’s a fee chart they’d like me to complete and I’m a little confused.

Basically, it lists Bancserv’s standard fee for a specific document package, and then there’s a section where I can put in my own fee.

My question is, if I put in an additional fee, will it add it onto what Bancserv already charges, or will it override Bancserv’s fee?

Thank you all!

So I did my first remote online notorization. As a witness.

I also witnessed my first improper notorization.

The notary allowed one of the signers to be off camera.

I immediately reported the session to blue notary and probably won't be paid for it.

[ I do advise not paying for a year of blue notary pro unless you have a client base the witness program is few and far between]

I am curious, I have been a notary for 20 years and I am think oh of switching to a remote. Can someone assist me with a few questions and concerns I have.

1. if you are a remote and people know are you mandated to notarize for them?
   -In NY if you are a notary you must not refuse to notarize for someone. How would this work if you know the person and they want you to visually ( FaceTime, zoom etc.)watch them sign and forward the doc for you to notarize by mail or third party?

2. If you witch to a RON are you only able to notarize remotely?, can you still keep your a self inking stamper and notarize the old fashioned way?
   -Would you keep the same registration number or need a new stamper?

3. How can you make money at home notarizing documents. Do you need to lay out money to get business? I would love to hear stories…

4. What about insurance? Error and omission? How much would a RON policy be and who would be a carrier for this type of policy?

I have been a notary for over 20 years, my old employer (paperwork needed his signature notarized, so he insisted I become one) I am employed by civil service now and I only notarize for friends or family if they ask. I have never been paid once I do this voluntarily as service to others.

Thank you

Hi, I am doing a lot of Helocs and I occasionally miss a signature or initial. Does everyone prep the package with stickes?