California Notary Law

(a) A notary public who knowingly and willfully with intent to defraud performs any notarial act in relation to a deed of trust on real property consisting of a single-family residence containing not more than four dwelling units, with knowledge that the deed of trust contains any false statements or is forged, in whole or in part, is guilty of a felony.

(b) The penalty provided by this section is not an exclusive remedy and does not affect any other relief or remedy provided by law.

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 399, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 2008.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230

(a) In addition to any commissioning or disciplinary sanction, a violation of subdivision (f), (i), (l), (m), or (p) of Section 8214.1, or a willful violation of subdivision (d) of Section 8214.1, is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).

(b) In addition to any commissioning or disciplinary sanction, a violation of subdivision (h), (j), or (k) of Section 8214.1, or a negligent violation of subdivision (d) of Section 8214.1 is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).

(c) The civil penalty may be imposed by the Secretary of State if a hearing is not requested pursuant to Section 8214.3. If a hearing is requested, the hearing officer shall make the determination.

(d) Any civil penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be transferred to the General Fund. It is the intent of the Legislature that to the extent General Fund moneys are raised by penalties collected pursuant to this section, that money shall be made available to the Secretary of State’s office to defray its costs of investigating and pursuing commissioning and monetary remedies for violations of the notary public law.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 913, Sec. 20. (AB 2747) Effective January 1, 2015.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230

The Secretary of State may refuse to appoint any person as notary public or may revoke or suspend the commission of any notary public upon any of the following grounds:

(a) Substantial and material misstatement or omission in the application submitted to the Secretary of State to become a notary public.

(b) Conviction of a felony, a lesser offense involving moral turpitude, or a lesser offense of a nature incompatible with the duties of a notary public. A conviction after a plea of nolo contendere is deemed to be a conviction within the meaning of this subdivision.

(c) Revocation, suspension, restriction, or denial of a professional license, if the revocation, suspension, restriction, or denial was for misconduct based on dishonesty, or for any cause substantially relating to the duties or responsibilities of a notary public.

(d) Failure to discharge fully and faithfully any of the duties or responsibilities required of a notary public.

(e) When adjudicated liable for damages in any suit grounded in fraud, misrepresentation, or for a violation of the state regulatory laws, or in any suit based upon a failure to discharge fully and faithfully the duties as a notary public.

(f) The use of false or misleading advertising wherein the notary public has represented that the notary public has duties, rights, or privileges that he or she does not possess by law.

(g) The practice of law in violation of Section 6125 of the Business and Professions Code.

(h) Charging more than the fees prescribed by this chapter.

(i) Commission of any act involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit with the intent to substantially benefit the notary public or another, or substantially injure another.

(j) Failure to complete the acknowledgment at the time the notary’s signature and seal are affixed to the document.

(k) Failure to administer the oath or affirmation as required by paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 8205.

(l) Execution of any certificate as a notary public containing a statement known to the notary public to be false.

(m) Violation of Section 8223.

(n) Failure to submit any remittance payable upon demand by the Secretary of State under this chapter or failure to satisfy any court-ordered money judgment, including restitution.

(o) Failure to secure the sequential journal of official acts, pursuant to Section 8206, or the official seal, pursuant to Section 8207, or willful failure to report the theft or loss of the sequential journal, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8206.

(p) Violation of Section 8219.5.

(q) Commission of an act in violation of Section 6203, 8214.2, 8225, or 8227.3 of the Government Code or of Section 115, 470, 487, subdivision (a) of Section 487a, or Section 530.5 of the Penal Code.

(r) Willful failure to provide access to the sequential journal of official acts upon request by a peace officer.

(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 618, Sec. 1. (AB 924) Effective January 1, 2014.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230

For the official misconduct or neglect of a notary public, the notary public and the sureties on the notary public’s official bond are liable in a civil action to the persons injured thereby for all the damages sustained.

(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 517, Sec. 248.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230

If a notary public changes his or her name, the notary public shall complete an application for name change form and file that application with the Secretary of State. Information on this form shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions described in Section 8201.5. Upon approval of the name change form, the Secretary of State shall issue a commission that reflects the new name of the notary public. The term of the commission and commission number shall remain the same. Willful failure to notify the Secretary of State of a name change shall be punishable as an infraction by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 399, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 2008.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230

A notary public shall notify the Secretary of State by certified mail or any other means of physical delivery that provides a receipt within 30 days as to any change in the location or address of the principal place of business or residence. A notary public shall not use a commercial mail receiving agency or post office box as his or her principal place of business or residence, unless the notary public also provides the Secretary of State with a physical street address as the principal place of residence. Willful failure to notify the Secretary of State of a change of address shall be punishable as an infraction by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 366, Sec. 7. (SB 974) Effective January 1, 2017.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230

(a) No later than 30 days after the beginning of the term prescribed in the commission, every person appointed a notary public shall file an official bond and an oath of office in the office of the county clerk of the county within which the person maintains a principal place of business as shown in the application submitted to the Secretary of State, and the commission shall not take effect unless this is done within the 30-day period. A person appointed to be a notary public shall take and subscribe the oath of office either in the office of that county clerk or before another notary public in that county. If the oath of office is taken and subscribed before the county clerk, the person appointed to be a notary public shall present an identification document meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (3), or of subparagraph (A) or (E) or paragraph (4), of subdivision (b) of Section 1185 of the Civil Code to the county clerk as satisfactory evidence of identity. If the oath of office is taken and subscribed before a notary public, the oath and bond may be filed with the county clerk by certified mail or any other means of physical delivery that provides a receipt. Upon the filing of the oath and bond, the county clerk shall immediately transmit to the Secretary of State a certificate setting forth the fact of the filing and containing a copy of the official oath, personally signed by the notary public in the form set forth in the commission and shall immediately deliver the bond to the county recorder for recording. The county clerk shall retain the oath of office for one year following the expiration of the term of the commission for which the oath was taken, after which the oath may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. The copy of the oath, personally signed by the notary public, on file with the Secretary of State may at any time be read in evidence with like effect as the original oath, without further proof.

(b) If a notary public transfers the principal place of business from one county to another, the notary public may file a new oath of office and bond, or a duplicate of the original bond with the county clerk to which the principal place of business was transferred. If the notary public elects to make a new filing, the notary public shall, within 30 days of the filing, obtain an official seal which shall include the name of the county to which the notary public has transferred. In a case where the notary public elects to make a new filing, the same filing and recording fees are applicable as in the case of the original filing and recording of the bond.

(c) If a notary public submits an application for a name change to the Secretary of State, the notary public shall, within 30 days from the date an amended commission is issued, file a new oath of office and an amendment to the bond with the county clerk in which the principal place of business is located. The amended commission with the name change shall not take effect unless the filing is completed within the 30-day period. The amended commission with the name change takes effect the date the oath and amendment to the bond is filed with the county clerk. If the principal place of business address was changed in the application for name change, either a new or duplicate of the original bond shall be filed with the county clerk with the amendment to the bond. The notary public shall, within 30 days of the filing, obtain an official seal that includes the name of the notary public and the name of the county to which the notary public has transferred, if applicable.

(d) The recording fee specified in Section 27361 of the Government Code shall be paid by the person appointed a notary public. The fee may be paid to the county clerk who shall transmit it to the county recorder.

(e) The county recorder shall record the bond and shall thereafter mail, unless specified to the contrary, it to the person named in the instrument and, if no person is named, to the party leaving it for recording.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 366, Sec. 6. (SB 974) Effective January 1, 2017.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230

Every person appointed a notary public shall execute an official bond in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). The bond shall be in the form of a bond executed by an admitted surety insurer and not a deposit in lieu of bond.

(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 79, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230

Fees charged by a notary public for the following services shall not exceed the fees prescribed by this section.

(a) For taking an acknowledgment or proof of a deed, or other instrument, to include the seal and the writing of the certificate, the sum of fifteen dollars ($15) for each signature taken.

(b) For administering an oath or affirmation to one person and executing the jurat, including the seal, the sum of fifteen dollars ($15).

(c) For all services rendered in connection with the taking of any deposition, the sum of thirty dollars ($30), and in addition thereto, the sum of seven dollars ($7) for administering the oath to the witness and the sum of seven dollars ($7) for the certificate to the deposition.

(d) No fee may be charged to notarize signatures on vote by mail ballot identification envelopes or other voting materials.

(e) For certifying a copy of a power of attorney under Section 4307 of the Probate Code the sum of fifteen dollars ($15).

(f) In accordance with Section 6107, no fee may be charged to a United States military veteran for notarization of an application or a claim for a pension, allotment, allowance, compensation, insurance, or any other veteran’s benefit.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 133, Sec. 1. (AB 2217) Effective January 1, 2017.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230

(a) If any notary public resigns, is disqualified, removed from office, or allows his or her appointment to expire without obtaining reappointment within 30 days, all notarial records and papers shall be delivered within 30 days to the clerk of the county in which the notary public’s current official oath of office is on file. If the notary public willfully fails or refuses to deliver all notarial records and papers to the county clerk within 30 days, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be personally liable for damages to any person injured by that action or inaction.

(b) In the case of the death of a notary public, the personal representative of the deceased shall promptly notify the Secretary of State of the death of the notary public and shall deliver all notarial records and papers of the deceased to the clerk of the county in which the notary public’s official oath of office is on file.

(c) After 10 years from the date of deposit with the county clerk, if no request for, or reference to such records has been made, they may be destroyed upon order of court.

(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1543, Sec. 4.)

CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE – TITLE 2. GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DIVISION 1. GENERAL – CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public

California Notary Law

How to become a California Notary Public

Find a California Notary Public

• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8200
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8201.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.5.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.7.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8202.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.1.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8203.6.
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8204.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8205
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8206.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8207.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8209
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8211
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8212
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8213.6
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.15
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.2
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.21
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.23
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.4
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8214.8
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8216
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8219.5
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8220
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8221
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8222
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8223
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8224.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8225
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8227.3
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8228.1
• CHAPTER 3. Notaries Public – 8230