As a new Notary, it can take some time to build up the confidence to take your first appointment. Here are some Do's & Dont's to help you on your way to a successful career as a notary!

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This site and related services are provided subject to your compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in the disclaimer. Please read the disclaimer carefully. Your continued use of this site will indicate you to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth in the disclaimer. If you do not agree to be bound by the terms and conditions, promptly exit this site. We are NOT a CA approved Notary Public Education vendor and do not provide any notary public education course or material.

Important Tips & guidelines – Before appointment as a Notary

    • 1. Please visit http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/ to know more about Secretary of State, who commissions Notary Public in California.
    • 2. Read about the Qualifications and criteria that must be met prior to being appointed as a Notary Public.
    • 3. Obtain the Notary Handbook by sending a prepaid envelop to Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, P.O. Box 942877, Sacramento, CA 94277–0001 or read online at http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/handbook.htm
    • 4. Read the manual to familiarize yourself with the content and buzz words used while acting as a Notary Public. Once you are confident to take the test, attend the mandatory training required by the state by vising http://notaryeducation.sos.ca.gov/ and decide the education vendor. Note : CA Notary Mentor strongly suggests you to research the vendor and then decide. If you need help, please email me and I would be happy to help you to narrow down the education vendor selection.
    • Note : CA Notary Mentor strongly suggests you to do proper research on the education vendor before making any decision in haste. This is an extremely important step and one that needs your thought and time. If you need help in this process, please email me and I would be happy to help you to narrow down the vendor choices.
    • 5. After the mandatory training and complete six-hour course of study prior to appointment. Please choose the CA state approved vendors from here : http://notaryeducation.sos.ca.gov/
    • 6. Remember to gegister for the exam: All applicants seeking appointment as a notary public, will be required to satisfactorily pass a written exam prior to appointment as a notary public.
    • 7. CPS administers the Notary Public written examination on behalf of Secretary of State.
    • 8. It is important to decide what name you would like to use on your notary commission and the confirm the signature. Once the choice is made you will be required to stick with it, hence please give careful consideration and thought to deciding both your name and signature. For example, your real name could “Joseph”, but you want to use “Joe”.
    • 9. Exam results are available approximately 15 days after the test date.
    • 10. After you pass the test - Pat your back !!! and celebrate your achievement. Now get ready for an exciting Notary public service.

Important steps and guidelines : I passed the Notary Public exam, What next??

    • After you pass the Notary exam - What’s next? Most of the Notaries really do not know where to go from here or how to start from here. This is where the CA Notary Mentor steps in to help you:
    • 1. Upon passing the examination, you would receive the pass letter from CPS administrators
    • 2. Secretary of State would send Notary Public Commission and two copies of authorization letter to obtain Notary seal from approved manufacturer ( list would be provided by SOS)
    • 4. Follow the instructions to purchase Bond and file an Oath with your County Clerk’s office
    • 5. Important: Please wait for your Notary Seal, Notary Journal and required Notary forms to come before you take your first appointment. DO NOT notarize before taking the Oath of Office and without your Journal.
    • 6. From here - follow the steps listed out “How to start your Notary Business” page.

Caution : Few things to avoid once you are appointed as a Notary

    • 1. Never notarize any signer’s signature when personal appearance condition is not met.
    • 2. Never give advice or suggestions to signers / borrowers
    • 3. Never place your Notary seal alone in any document. Notary seal must be accompanied by the Notarial wording and your signature
    • 4. Never notarize vital records
    • 5. Never certify any documents other than power of attorney
    • 6. Notary service is a public service, never discriminate
    • 7. Never use “Notario Publico” in your advertisement.
    • 8. Never advertise on immigration website
    • 9. Never leave the loose certificate after notarization. It must be stabled to the documents
    • 10. There are several others… list would continue

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Testimonials

  • When I have a question or concern about a notary questions I email California Notary Mentor. I have found this service to be very helpful and efficient. I would recommend California Notary Mentor to all notaries as a wonderful resource. Hope you try it – I’m sure you will be as pleased as I am with the service. It’s so handy to be able to send off an email rather than having to call.

    R.C Pasadena,CA

  • I have used CA Notary mentor's services for few times already. Its been a great resource when I have questions regarding specific notarization. On every occasion, they have responded quickly with accurate information allowing me to provide remarkable notary experience to my clients.

    Andre. N (Business owner)

  • I met Nathan at the 2012 NNA Conference. Very well presented! We traded contact information and kept in touch. I was in the process of completing my very first Signing on a Loan Modification. Nathan was more than willing to get into contact with me to go over the documents so I would be more comfortable performing my duties. He was very professional and did an over view of each document until I understood entirely. I would like to commend him for being so patient and willing to help a fellow NSA. I would have been a nervous wreck without him.

    Amber Hall

  • I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Nathan Notary today. I am an experienced Notary myself, but am starting a new business venture as a mobile notary. I called him randomly because I liked the looks of his website and his catchy name. I had a lot of questions in regards to his business, and what has made him successful. Nathan was so kind, professional and helpful. I recommend him for any sevices he offers, and if you are a fellow notary like myself and have questions, don't hesistate to contact him. I will be referring him business in his area when I can as well.

    Heather Fisher