California

Notarial Journal Management


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Notary Exam

How to Prepare for Your Notary Exam: Tips and Resources

Becoming a commissioned notary public is an important step toward providing trusted, official witnessing of signatures and other vital legal acts. But before you can start your notary career, you must pass the notary exam. Preparing for this exam can feel daunting, especially if you’re new to the rules and responsibilities of a notary.  This […]

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July 31, 2025

Notary training courses for new notaries

Choose this course if you are new or if your commission has expired.

  • CA State Approved
  • 6-Hour Training
  • Self Paced Course
  • Instant proof of completion
  • 24 Months Course Access
California Notarial Journal Management

Notarial Journal Management

Your journal needs to be as detailed as required. The California Secretary of State’s all-important Notary Public Handbook spells out all the information that is required for each and every journal entry. The six required items don’t seem like much, but they can become quite lengthy when you consider the “character of every instrument” (or […]

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March 31, 2026
Dog getting sick at a Notary Signing

Unexpected Signing Appointment Challenges Every Mobile Notary Should Be Ready For

When the Unexpected Happens at a Signing Appointment Mobile notary work rarely goes exactly as planned. Over the years, I have encountered difficult pets, health emergencies, technical failures, and tight deadlines. Recently, I experienced two appointments that perfectly illustrate why flexibility, calm decision-making, and schedule padding are essential for every mobile notary. Emergency Pauses an […]

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February 17, 2026
Notarization Trends to Watch For in 2026

Notarization Trends to Watch For in 2026

Potential increase in loan signing volume. With interest rates on loans declining, many borrowers, both corporate and individual, will begin comparing rates with lenders to secure new lines of financing. This could mean a significant uptick in loan signings in the next few months of the new year. Why is this sudden shift such a […]

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January 17, 2026
California Notary Laws

Understanding California Specific Notary Laws

California is one of the strictest when it comes to notary procedures. I have completed a thorough review of notary public requirements by each state, and let me tell you that here in California, the notary public bar is set the highest. Let’s start with what it takes to become a notary public in California. […]

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January 7, 2026
Man working at his laptop and reading through documents

Types of Documents that are “typically” notarized in California

Corporate Offices Businesses of all levels and sizes need the services of notaries public for a wide variety of documents. Here’s some examples of documents a notary public could be asked to notarize for a corporation and some tips for handling the appointments.  – Articles of Incorporation: When a business is just starting, notaries can […]

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October 20, 2025
Notarial Certificate Differences

Notarial Certificate Differences

California notaries perform different types of notarial acts, each with specific rules. Learn the key differences between Acknowledgments, Jurats, and Copy Certifications, when to use each form, and how to stay compliant with California notary laws. A must-read guide for new and experienced notaries alike.

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September 7, 2025
How To Avoid Notary Fraud And Scammers

How To Avoid Notary Fraud And Scammers

Acting like a “pro” in your job every time.   California notaries public are tasked, first and foremost, with preventing fraud on important signed documents. And of course, this means going through that all-important checklist when you meet with your signer – no matter if it’s the first meeting of the fiftieth. Whether it’s an Acknowledgment […]

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August 29, 2025
Filing your notary oath and Bond

Tips For Filing Your Oath & Bond

Got your commission package in the mail? Now you need to act pretty fast.   In order to officially start working as a California Notary Public, it’s required to file your oath and bond with the County Clerk in the county where you maintain a principal place of business, as shown in the application you filed […]

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August 29, 2025

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