California Notary Public ExamNotary Public Duties and AuthorityEasy
A Notary Public is at a social gathering. A friend, who is not physically present but is on a video call, asks the Notary to notarize a document for them that requires an acknowledgment. The friend holds up their driver's license to the camera. What is the Notary's duty?
- ARefuse to notarize the document due to the lack of physical presence.
- BProceed with the acknowledgment, as the friend's identity is verified visually.
- COffer to notarize the document remotely if the friend emails a clear copy of the ID.
- DAsk the friend to mail the document and ID to the Notary for notarization.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Refuse to notarize the document due to the lack of physical presence.
California law strictly requires the signer to be physically present before the Notary Public for all notarial acts. Remote online notarization (RON) is not permitted for California Notaries.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Visual verification via video call is not considered 'physical presence' under California law.
- C. California Notaries are not authorized to perform remote online notarization (RON).
- D. Notarizing a document received by mail is also a violation, as it bypasses the physical presence requirement.
Physical Presence Requirement (CA)
For all notarial acts performed by a California Notary Public, the signer must be physically present before the Notary. Remote online notarization (RON) is not permitted.
- Signer must be face-to-face with the Notary.
- Video calls or other remote methods are not acceptable.
- This is a fundamental requirement to verify identity and observe willingness.
- Violation can lead to severe penalties.
Memory trick: California Notaries: Always In-Person, Never Online.