What is a California Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a civil servant commissioned by the California Secretary of State who is authorized to authenticate signatures and administer oaths. Accordingly, honesty, credibility, truthfulness and integrity are essential and required of all Notaries Public. The Secretary of State maintains and enforces minimum qualification standards to protect the public and ensure that Notaries thoroughly understand and abide by the applicable laws in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. Persons with felony convictions are disqualified from notary public commissioning.
What are the benefits of becoming a Notary Public?
As a Notary Public, you become more attractive to your current and prospective employers. Notaries are always needed in Real Estate, Banking, Law and other professions.
How Do I qualify to become a Notary Public?
To qualify to become a California Notary Public, you must:
- Be a resident of the State of California and at least 18 years old
- Pass a written examination
- Read, write, and understand English
- Pass a background check (be fingerprinted - no felony convictions)
What is required to take the California Notary Exam?
- Complete a Notary Public Application (Abacus will provide)
- Show a current government-issued photo I.D (driver's license, passport)
- Pay $40 by check or money order, made out to the Secretary of State - No Cash!
- Take two #2 pencils
What is required to pass the California Notary Exam?
The Notary Exam is administered by Proctors from the State of California. It is comprised of 30 multiple choice questions which you have 50 minutes to complete. You must answer 21 questions correctly to pass (70%). About 2 weeks after taking the exam, you will be notified of the results. Once you pass the exam, you must be fingerprinted. It takes 3-5 weeks for your fingerprints to clear. Once cleared, you will receive your Commission from the Secretary of State. You then have 30 days to file an oath of office with the County Clerk where you reside and file a bond in the amount of $15,000 with the same County Clerk. It generally takes 2-3 months after taking the exam to become a fully commissioned and working Notary Public.
How much does the Abacus Notary Seminar cost?
$125 in advance guarantees
you a seat.
The cost includes the Seminar and all printed materials. There are absolutely no hidden expenses associated with Abacus’ Notary Seminars.
Does Abacus accept walk-ins on the day of the Seminar?
Yes. However, the cost
at the door is higher and there is no guarantee that space
will be available on the day of the exam.
What do I need to bring on the day of the Abacus Seminar?
Abacus will provide everything you need to take both the Notary Public Seminar and the California Notary Exam. However, to take the California Notary Exam, you must bring a check or money order (no cash or credit cards) made payable to the Secretary of State in the amount of $40, a government issued ID card with your picture (e.g., driver’s license from any state, state identification card, passport, military ID)
What should I study before taking the Abacus Seminar?
You should review the Secretary of State’s Notary Handbook prior to the Seminar. It is not necessary that you understand all the material in the Handbook, but it will give you a good idea as to what the seminar will cover and what you can expect on the California Notary Exam. The Handbook may be found at http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/notary/notary_hdbk.htm
Will notary supplies be sold at the Abacus Seminar?
Yes. At the Abacus Seminar, you will have the opportunity to purchase a complete Notary Kit which includes a Notary Journal, Jurat Stamp, 100 Acknowledgment Certificates and a 1,500 print Finger Print Pad. The cost for the Notary Kit is $60.00.
What are the additional costs of becoming a fully commissioned and working Notary Public?
- At the Abacus Seminar, you will have the opportunity to purchase a complete Notary Kit which includes a Notary Journal, Jurat Stamp,100 Acknowledgment Certificates and a 1,500 print Finger Print Pad.
Cost: $60.00:
- Immediately following the Abacus Seminar, you will take the California State Notary Exam.
Cost: $40.00: Check or money order only, made payable to the Secretary of State; you must also bring a valid government issued, picture ID.
- After passing the Notary Exam, you must be fingerprinted for a background check.
Cost: $60.00 (approx): The State will provide you with information on how and where this may be done.
- After passing the background check (no felonies), you will receive your Commission from the Secretary of State and will need a customized Notary Stamp.
Cost: $18.00 (approx)
- After passing the background check (no felonies), you will receive your Commission from the Secretary of State and will also need to post a $15,000 bond with the County where you reside or intend to do business.
Cost: $30.00 (approx)
Another advantage of Abacus is that with the purchase of an Abacus Notary Kit, you receive a discount on the future purchase of your Notary Stamp and Bond.
What is the required $15,000 bond all about?
As you will learn at the Seminar, every California Notary Public is required by state law to post a $15,000 bond with the County Clerk of either his/her residence or place of business. The bond is not to protect the Notary Public, but is to protect the public against notarial mistakes. The premium (cost) for such a bond is about $30 and available through www.notaryrotary.com.
How long before I am a fully commissioned, working Notary Public?
From Abacus Seminar to fully commissioned and working Notary Public will take 2-4 months, depending on your schedule. You will be notified within two weeks of the Abacus Seminar date whether you passed the California State Notary Exam. You must then make arrangements for “live scan” fingerprinting. The State will provide you with information on how and where this may be done. Usually, a live scan appointment may be made and the live scan performed within a couple of days. Once fingerprinted, it takes 4-6 weeks to complete the background check. Once the background check is completed (no felonies), you will receive your Commission and a letter authorizing the manufacture of a customized Notary Stamp. The stamp only takes a couple of days to make and deliver. You must also secure a $15,000 bond which also only takes a couple of days. The Notary Stamp and Bond may be purchased through www.notaryrotary.com.
Do I have to get Errors and Omissions insurance?
No. While it is not required by the State it is advisable to protect yourself from potentially costly notarial mistakes. The premium for a 4-year, $15,000 E & O policy is approximately $50.00 and available from www.notaryrotary.com.
What do I do if I do not pass the Exam?
Tell us! We will make arrangements for you to attend the next seminar in your area at no cost. We are here to help you pass the test and our job is not done until you pass the test! See the Abacus Guarantee below. If you prefer to study on your own, you can go to this website for a test schedule: https://notary.cps.ca.gov/sessions.asp. You will have to wait a month before you may re-take the exam.
What is the “Abacus Guarantee” that I will pass?
If you do not pass the California Notary Exam after taking the Abacus Notary Seminar and Notary Exam 3 times within six months, you will receive a COMPLETE Refund!
Do notary classes include preparation to become a Loan Signing Agent?
No. The first step to becoming a Loan Signing Agent is to become a Notary Public. There is no state examination required to become a Loan Signing Agent. Once you pass the Notary Exam, it is advisable to take a Loan Signing class. Loan Signing Seminars immediately follow most Abacus Notary Classes - click here for Loan Signing Seminar Schedule.
CLICK HERE FOR NOTARY SEMINAR SCHEDULE
