CA Notary Cheat Sheet.
The night-before summary, built like the exam.

California Notary Public Exam — Cheat Sheet

Scannable, high-yield facts and rules for exam day. Numbers you must memorize are in bold.

Exam Fast Facts

• Passing score: 70% — a score of 70 or more is required to pass.
• Fee: $40 exam and application processing fee.
• Provider: CPS HR Consulting (administers and mails results).
• A written exam prescribed by the Secretary of State is required.
• Commission term: 4 years.

The Notary Role (1 line)

A notary public is a state-commissioned public officer who acts as an impartial witness to signings and deters fraud.

Acknowledgment vs. Jurat (know cold)

• Acknowledgment: signer declares the signature is genuine and made willingly. Signer need NOT sign in the notary’s presence. No oath.
• Jurat: signer MUST sign in the notary’s presence AND take an oath/affirmation that the statements are true. Used for affidavits and sworn statements.
• Memory hook: Jurat = swear + sign in front of you; Acknowledgment = just admit it’s your signature.

Identifying the Signer

Positively identify the signer by (1) personal knowledge OR (2) satisfactory evidence — e.g., a current government-issued ID.

Prohibited Acts (auto-fail scenarios)

• No self-interest: never notarize a document you are a party to or have a direct financial/beneficial interest in.
• Signer must be present: never notarize unless the signer is physically present at the time of notarization.
• No legal advice (non-attorneys): a non-attorney notary may not give legal advice, charge for it, or prepare legal documents for others.

Duty to Refuse

You MUST refuse if the signer is coerced, does not understand the transaction, or cannot be properly identified.

Journal — Record Every Time (5 items)

• Date & time of the act
• Type of act
• Type of document
• Name & address of each signer
• Identification method used

Seal — 4 Required Elements

• Notary’s name
• The words “Notary Public”
• Commissioning state
• Commission expiration date

Seal & Journal Security

Keep the seal and journal under your exclusive control; never let another person use them.