California Notary Public Exam · Administrative Procedures
California Notary Public Exam: Seal, Address Changes, and Commission Records Concepts
Importance ★★★☆☆ · 40% (estimate)
Written by AI. Only units that passed a separate AI check (re-reading facts and numbers) are published. Tell us if you find a mistake.
Overview
This chapter covers the notary's official seal and the reports a notary must send to the Secretary of State when personal details change. The seal identifies the notary on every certificate, so the law sets its size, its contents, and how it is kept.
A seal may be round, no more than 2 inches across, or rectangular, no more than 1 inch wide and 2.5 inches long, with a serrated or milled edge border. It must print or emboss an image that can be clearly copied by photographic methods. It shows the notary's name, the State Seal, the words "Notary Public," the county where the oath and bond are filed, the commission expiration date, and identifying numbers for the notary and the seal maker. A seal vendor needs a Certificate of Authorization from the Secretary of State before making a seal.
The seal is the notary's own property, even when an employer paid for it, and it must be kept in a locked and secured area under the notary's direct and exclusive control. If it is lost or stolen, the notary must notify the Secretary of State immediately. When the commission ends, the seal is destroyed or defaced.
A notary must notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of a change in business or residence address. Willfully failing to do so is an infraction with a fine of up to $500. A notary who changes names applies for an amended commission and files a new oath and bond amendment with the county clerk within 30 days.
Key concepts
Seal size and shape
A round seal may be no more than 2 inches in diameter. A rectangular seal may be no more than 1 inch wide and 2.5 inches long. Both need a serrated or milled edge border.
Memory tipRound 2 inches, rectangle 1 by 2.5 inches.
Source: California Government Code §8207 · as of 2026
What the seal shows
The notary's name, the State Seal, the words "Notary Public," the county where the oath and bond are filed, the commission expiration date, the notary's commission number, and the seal maker's identification number.
Memory tipWho, where filed, and when it expires.
Source: California Government Code §8207 · as of 2026
Keeping the seal
The seal belongs to the notary, even if an employer paid for it. It must be kept locked under the notary's exclusive control, reported to the Secretary of State at once if lost, and destroyed or defaced when the commission ends.
Memory tipMine, locked, destroyed at the end.
Address change
A notary must tell the Secretary of State about a change of business or residence address within 30 days. Willful failure is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Memory tipMoved? Tell the state within 30 days.
Source: California Government Code §8213.5 · as of 2026
Name change
A notary who changes names applies for an amended commission. Within 30 days, the notary files a new oath of office and a bond amendment with the county clerk.
Memory tipNew name = new oath + bond amendment in 30 days.
Source: California Government Code §8213 · as of 2026
Often tested
- Round seal up to 2 inches; rectangular seal up to 1 by 2.5 inches.
- The seal image must be clear when copied by photographic methods.
- The seal belongs to the notary, not the employer.
- Report an address change within 30 days; a lost seal immediately.
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. A notary moves to a new home. Within how many days must the notary notify the Secretary of State of the address change?
- ① 30 days
- ② 10 days
- ③ 90 days
- ④ At the next renewal
▼ Show answer and explanation▲ Hide answer and explanation
Answer: ① 30 days
Key point: Report address change within 30 days
A notary must notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of a change in business or residence address. Notice is sent by certified mail or another delivery method that gives a receipt.
Wrong choices
- 10 days: Ten days is not the deadline for an address change.
- 90 days: 90 days is too long. The deadline is 30 days.
- At the next renewal: The notary may not wait until renewal. Notice is due within 30 days.
Question 2. What is the largest diameter allowed for a round California notary seal?
- ① 2 inches
- ② 3 inches
- ③ 1 inch
- ④ 1.5 inches
▼ Show answer and explanation▲ Hide answer and explanation
Answer: ① 2 inches
Key point: Round seal: no more than 2 inches across
A round notary seal may be no more than 2 inches in diameter. A rectangular seal may be no more than 1 inch wide and 2.5 inches long. Both must have a serrated or milled edge border.
Wrong choices
- 3 inches: Three inches is larger than the law allows.
- 1 inch: One inch is the width limit for a rectangular seal, not the diameter of a round seal.
- 1.5 inches: 1.5 inches is allowed, but it is not the largest size. The limit is 2 inches.
Question 3. Which item must appear on a California notary seal?
- ① The notary's home address
- ② The date the notary's commission expires
- ③ The name of the notary's employer
- ④ The notary's date of birth
▼ Show answer and explanation▲ Hide answer and explanation
Answer: ② The date the notary's commission expires
Key point: The seal shows the commission expiration date
A California notary seal shows the notary's name, the State Seal, the words "Notary Public," the county where the oath and bond are filed, the commission expiration date, the commission number, and the seal manufacturer's identification number.
Wrong choices
- The notary's home address: The seal shows the county where the oath and bond are filed, not a home address.
- The name of the notary's employer: The employer's name is not part of the seal.
- The notary's date of birth: A date of birth is not part of the seal.