Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

 

AVERAGE PRICES

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

State Exam/Application

$40

________________

Fingerprints

$50-$75

__________________

Notary Journal

$10-$15

__________________

Notary Seal

$8-$30

__________________

Fingerprint Pad

$5-$10

__________________ 

Notary Bond

$36-$60

__________________

Certificates

Free, if you print your own or

$6-$8 for 100

 

 

CONTACT

INFORMATION 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

TEST

Test Administrator

(CPS)

click here>>

 

Open Test Locations

Call 916-263-3520

or

click here>>

 

Test Results (after waiting 15 business days)

Call 916-263-3520

_____________________

SECRETARY OF STATE

Notary Home

click here>>

 

Notary Qualifications

click here>>

 

Application (download)

click here>>

 

Frequently Asked Questions

click here>>

 

Handbook(download)

click here>>

 

State Forms and Fees

click here>>

 

Mandatory Education Information

click here>>

_____________________

 

 

 

TOPICS

 

QUALIFICATIONS

CLASSROOM

PROOF OF COMPLETION

NAME/ADDRESS CHANGES

NOTARY EXAM

SUPPLIES/PROCESS/LAW

SIGNING AGENT CLASS

PAYING WITH PAYPAL

CONTACT US/ASK A QUESTION

OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION

 

                    Scroll down to see the topic of your choice

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If you can't find the topic you need, please feel free to fill out our contact form>>, email us at instructor@notaryclasses.net or 800-750-0519 with your question.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

What are the qualifications to become a notary? 

>>Legal California Resident

>>18 years of age or older  Proven Moral Integrity: 

>>Absence of a conviction of a crime involving dishonesty...no prior professional license denied, revoked or suspended

>>Submission of fingerprints for personal background check (after taking exam) 

>>Ability to read, write and understand the English language

>>Pass the written examination

>>Take a six (6) hour approved notary education class 

 

If I have been convicted of a crime that is not a felony (e.g., DUI), can I still become a Notary Public?

You should look at the Secretary of State's website for a list of all of the most common disqualifying convictions.  To view their list click here>>

 

 

CLASSROOM

 

Is this the class I need to fulfill the Education requirement for renewing notaries? 

Yes, this class has been approved by the CA Secretary of State.

 

I have been a notary for 20 years.  Do I still need this class? 

Yes.  The new law states that all commissions (new and renewing) issued after July 1, 2005 must complete six hours of notary instruction at least once. The class must be approved by the state.

 

I have already taken the State Exam.  I received a letter from the Secretary of State's Office and they told me to take a class.  Is this the class I need? Yes.

 

What about the three hour refresher class that I have heard about?

The three hour refresher class will be available in four years, when you renew again.  First, everyone must take the six hour class at least once and then when renewing may take the three hour refresher class.

 

Is this class for new notaries too? Yes.

 

How long is this live class? 

The class is designed to take six hours to complete.

 

Will I have access to the workbook, for reference, after I have completed the class? Yes. 

 

What do I need to bring to class?

You should bring a:

>>Current DMV issued driver's license/ID or passport

>>Snack/lunch and a highlighter

>>$35 dollar cash or check payable to CA Notary Test Preparation (some schools collect this fee before class or as part of their registration fee)

To take the exam, you should bring:

>>Check or money order for $40 payable to the CA Secretary of State

>>State Issued ID or Passport

>>Two #2 Pencils

 

Can I take this class online? 

Yes. Please click here to be taken to the online website.

 

 

PROOF OF COMPLETION

 

How long before I receive my Proof of Completion?

You will receive your Proof of Completion immediately after class. If the state exam is offered after class you will give the Proof of Completion to the state proctors along with your notary application.

 

What do I do with the Proof of Completion?

This is the document that the Secretary of State needs to prove that you have completed the education requirement. Bring the Proof of Completion to the testing site or mail it to the Secretary of State when they request it. 

 

Do I need my Proof of Completion in order to take the Exam?

No.  If you take your test before completing the education requirement the Secretary of State will return your notary application within a few weeks and ask for the Proof of Completion. However, it is recommended that you have the Proof of Completion when you take the State Exam.

 

Do I need to turn in the Proof of Completion immediately? 

No.  The Proof of Completion is good for two years.

 

I lost my Proof of Completion, what do I do?

If you have lost or misplaced your Proof of Completion or if the Secretary of State has misplaced your POC Certificate we will send you another Proof of Completion.  Because of the high number of requests for duplicate POC we must now charge for this service. Duplicate Proof of Completion $10.00.  Please follow the instructions on the home page.  Duplicate Proof of Completion for classes attended prior to April 2006, click here>> to send an email to that instructor.

 

 

 

NAME/ADDRESS CHANGE ISSUES

 

My driver's license is in a different name than I now use.  What name do you need?

We will need your name as it appears on your identification.  Your legal name as it appears on your driver's license is the name the State will require when you take your State Exam.  It is best to be consistent.

 

The address on my driver's license is different from my current address. 

That's okay.  When you complete the notary application you will enter your present address.

 

 

STATE EXAM

 

I haven't received the results of my state exam.  What do I do? 

First, you should wait at least 15 business days to receive your results.  You will receive a letter in the mail from them even if you signed up to receive the email too.  If 15 business days have passed, then you should contact the test administrators (CPS) at 916-263-3520 and let them know you have not received your results.

 

Can I take the State Exam on-line?  No.

 

Is the State Exam given after class?  

We schedule the state exam after most live classes. You will complete the required education program and the exam in one day.  If you do not stay for the exam or if it is not offered after the live class you are taking please see the next question. 

 

Where can I go to take the State Exam? 

The State Exam is offered in every county throughout California on a regular basis.  CPS is contracted by the state to provide notary testing.  You must contact CPS for the State Exam.  

>>The Schedule and location can be found at: http://www.cps.ca.gov/TakeATest/Notary/schedule.asp  

>>To reserve a spot for the exam only:  https://notary.cps.ca.gov/ or call 916-263-3520.  It is best to make an appointment ASAP!  The State is currently taking six to 9 weeks to process new and renewing notary applications.

 

I am renewing my commission.  When can I take the State Exam? 

You may take the exam to renew your commission within six (6) months of your expiration date.  Fingerprints are NOT required if renewing within six (6) months of your expiration date.  However, you will not receive your commission until 30 days prior to your expiration date. Your Proof of Completion is good for two years.

 

Do I have to complete the class before I schedule a time to take the State Exam? 

No.  You may register for the exam at any time.   Taking the education class prior to taking exam is recommended.

 

How much does it cost to take the State Exam? 

$40.00 check (no cash) payable to the Secretary of State. 

 

How much does it cost to re-take the State Exam? 

$20.00 check (no cash) payable to the Secretary of State. 

 

 

SUPPLIES/PROCESS/LAW

 

I have questions about notary law. Who do I ask?

Contact the Instructor, instructor@notaryclasses.net.  You will receive a faster response if you email rather than leaving a phone message.

 

I am not sure of the commissioning process.  How will I know what to do next? 

We will explain the entire process, step by step!  Also, when you receive your State Exam results you will receive directions on the next step (fingerprinting).  When your commission is processed by the SOS Office you will again receive instructions on how to finish the process.

 

You don't sell notary supplies!  Isn't it best to take the class from a company that sells supplies and notary packages?

After you receive your commission, you will receive marketing materials from many companies that sell notary supplies.  We always suggest to our students that they shop price!  And only purchase what you need...unless you have extra $$$$ to spend!  Please note that you may not want all of items that are included in many of the packages offered by notary vendors. 

 

Can you recommend a vendor? 

No.  However, please be aware that prices vary from one vendor to the next.

 

What notary stuff do I really need and how much will it cost me for notary supplies?

You will need a Notary Journal ($10-$15.)  Notary Seal ($8-$27) Fingerprint pad ($5-$10) Notary Bond ($36-$60.)  Blank Notary Certificates; free, if you print them yourself or $6-$8 for a pad of 100.  You will need several types of Certificates.  Errors and Omissions Insurance is recommended but not required.  Everything else is optional stuff!

 

I have a felony on my record. It happened many years ago. How do I know if I will be granted a commission?

You will not know until you contact the Secretary of State's Office. (916-653-3595)   Your Instructor cannot answer that question for you!

 

How can I get the Notary Handbook that has all of the Notary Laws?

You can download the Secretary of State's Handbook that lists all 90 of the Notary Laws by clicking here: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/notary/notary_2005hdbk_1stpg.htm

 

 

SIGNING AGENT CLASS

 

Is a Certification required in California?  No. The Certification is a marketing tool for you.

 

Do my future clients require a Certification?  Sometimes.  Your Certification will show your future clients that you are a Notary who is serious about your career and that you have taken the time to educate yourself in the proper execution of mortgage loan documents.  By obtaining a Certification, you will be informing your clients that you are trained in overseeing the signing process and bring the signing to a successful closure.    

 

What are the technical requirements to download the online Singing Agent Class?

The technical requirements are as follows:

>>MS Internet Explorer

>>Adobe Acrobat 7 or Newer (Available Free)

>>We STRONGLY recomend a high speed internet conncetion

 

What is your refund policy for the onling signing agent class?

>>Due to the nature and design of this class we do not as a rule issue refunds.

>>Should you run in to technical difficulties we will thoughoughly work through them with you.

 

PAYING WITH PAYPAL (for the Signing Agent Classes only)

 

What happens after I click the PayPal button?  

You will be taken to the PayPal secured site...follow the directions on each page to pay.

 

Can I pay with my husbands credit card account and still receive the class credit in my name?  Yes. 

 

Can I pay with a credit card? Yes. 

 

Can I use my company credit card?  Yes.

 

 

CONTACT US

 

I still have questions.  How do I contact you? 

Feel free to email us at instructor@notaryclasses.net or fill out our contact form>>Emails are checked several times during the day and evening.  Please indicate if your question requires a phone reply from the instructor.