Do California Notaries Use a Seal?
Yes, California notaries are required to use an official notary seal. The seal must include the notary’s name, the state seal, the words “Notary Public,” the county where the notary’s oath and bond are filed, the notary’s commission expiration date, and the notary’s commission number. The seal is used to authenticate the notary’s signature on official documents and to add legitimacy to the notarized documents.
What Supplies Does a California Notary Need?
A California notary needs several essential supplies to perform their duties effectively:
Notary Seal: An official notary stamp that meets the state’s requirements.
Notary Journal: A bound journal to record all notarial acts performed, including details such as the date, type of document, and signers’ information.
Surety Bond: A $15,000 surety bond that provides financial protection to the public against notarial misconduct.
Thumbprint Pad: For documents related to real estate transactions and certain other notarizations, a thumbprint of the signer is required in the notary journal.
Pens and Ink: Typically black or blue ink pens for signing and stamping documents.
Notary Certificates: Loose certificates for acknowledgments and jurats, which may be used when there is no room for the notary’s wording on the document.
How Long is a Notary Good for in California?
A notary commission in California is valid for four years from the date of issuance. After this period, notaries must renew their commission if they wish to continue performing notarial acts. The renewal process includes completing a refresher education course, passing the notary exam again, and submitting a new application along with the required fees and background check.
