What Is A Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a public officer who under civil and commercial law, authorizes and administers oaths, attests to and certifies certain types of documents, notarizes depositions, and performs certain acts in commercial matters, such as real estate loan documents and immigration documents.

In order to determine if a person meets the requirements to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, a notary public is required to pass a stringent application process inclusive of a written examination.

The application and examination are submitted to the office of the Secretary of State and reviewed by the Secretary of State Staff for qualifying information.

Once the applicant has passed the examination, he/she is required to have his/her fingerprints submitted via live scan as paprt of a thorough background check.

Once the commission has been issued, the Notary takes an oath of office and files a surety bond with the county clerk's office. The filing takes place in the county where the notary maintains his/her principal place of business as shown in the application on file with the Secretary of State.

Notary Public Bonds

In order to provide some protection to the public, California law requiers that notaries public be bonded. It is important to note that the notary bond is not an insurance policy for the notary. It is designed only to provide a limited fund for paying claims agains the notary. The notary remains personally liable to the full extent of the damage sustained.

Notary Seal

A notary public seal authenticates a document. For example documents so certified are valid in other jurisdictions.

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