California Notary Public ExamJournal RequirementsHard
A Notary Public's commission is expiring in 15 days. The Notary has completed all necessary renewal steps but has not yet received their new commission certificate. What is the Notary Public required to do with their current journal(s) and seal?
- ARetain the journal(s) and seal, as they will use them with the new commission.
- BBegin a new journal with the new commission number upon receipt, while retaining the old journal for records.
- CSurrender the journal(s) and seal to the county clerk within 30 days of the expiration date.
- DSurrender the journal(s) and seal to the Secretary of State immediately upon expiration.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Surrender the journal(s) and seal to the county clerk within 30 days of the expiration date.
California Government Code § 8209(a) states that a Notary Public whose commission has expired must transmit all notarial journals and papers to the office of the county clerk within 30 days after the expiration of the commission. Even if renewing, the old journal and seal must be surrendered, and a new journal and seal will be used for the new commission.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Journals and seals from an expired commission cannot be used and must be surrendered.
- B. While a new journal is started, the old journal and seal must still be properly surrendered to the county clerk.
- D. Surrender to the Secretary of State is for revocation, not expiration.
Journal Surrender (Expiration, with Renewal)
Even when renewing, an expired Notary commission requires the surrender of the old journal(s) and seal to the county clerk within 30 days of expiration.
- Applies regardless of renewal status.
- Journals and seal must be surrendered.
- Recipient is the county clerk.
- Deadline is 30 days post-expiration.
Memory trick: Expired? County Clerk gets the old books within 30 days.