California Notary Public ExamFees and Miscellaneous ProvisionsHard
A Notary Public knowingly notarizes a document for a person who is not present before the Notary. This action is considered a serious violation. What is the maximum civil penalty for this specific act of misconduct?
- A$10,000
- B$750
- C$1,500
- D$2,500
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. $10,000
Notarizing a document for someone who is not in the Notary's physical presence is a direct violation of the personal appearance requirement. California Government Code Section 8214.1 specifies a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for this offense.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is incorrect; $750 is a penalty for lesser violations like overcharging or failing to administer an oath.
- C. This is incorrect; $1,500 is not the specific penalty for this violation.
- D. This is incorrect; $2,500 is a penalty for violations like failing to keep a journal or report a lost journal/seal.
No Personal Appearance Penalty
The severe civil penalty for a California Notary Public who notarizes a document when the signer is not physically present before them.
- Violation of fundamental Notary principle.
- Aims to prevent fraud.
- One of the highest civil penalties.
Memory trick: No presence means a huge ten-grand fine.