California Notary Public ExamJournal RequirementsHard

A Notary Public's journal is stolen. What is the maximum civil penalty for failing to notify the Secretary of State by certified or registered mail immediately upon discovering the theft?

  1. A$500
  2. B$750
  3. C$1,000
  4. D$1,500
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. $1,500

California Government Code Section 8206(d)(2) specifies that a Notary Public's failure to notify the Secretary of State by certified or registered mail within a reasonable period of time after the discovery of the theft or loss of a notarial journal is punishable by a civil penalty not exceeding one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. $500 is incorrect; this applies to certain other violations.
  • B. $750 is incorrect.
  • C. $1,000 is incorrect; the penalty is higher.

Journal Theft/Loss Reporting Penalty

Failure to immediately notify the California Secretary of State by certified or registered mail after discovering the theft or loss of a notarial journal can result in a significant civil penalty.

  • Notification must be by certified or registered mail.
  • Must be done 'immediately' (interpreted as within a reasonable period).
  • Failure to report carries a maximum civil penalty of $1,500.

Memory trick: Lost your journal? Report it '1500 Fast' or pay the price.

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