FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
Of all the jobs I've had, the one I loved the most was my position as a legal secretary/legal assistant in New Jersey. My field of expertise was real estate law/loan signings. When I moved to California in 1990 I interviewed with several lawfirms but was not hired because my field of experience was not the same type of the firms were looking for. Shortly after I moved here I learned that real estate loan signings are performed by notary publics in California in a borrower's home, place of business or other mutually agreed upon location. I took the state exam, passed and then did nothing with my Commission. In fact, I never even filed a bond with the County Clerk's office. I decided with 2 toddlers and a husband in retail, my being a mobile notary would not be the best choice for my family. Several years later I still found myself missing what I loved doing in New Jersey for the lawfirms I worked for and decided to once again obtain my Commission. This time a 6 hour class was required in addition to passing the State exam. Here I am today doing what I love and loving what I do!
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
In order to become a Notary Public an individual must attend a 6 hour class by an approved vendor, pass a State administered test, undergo an extensive background check and once approved file a $10,000 bond with the County Clerk's Office. Every 4 years a Notary must renew his/her commission and go through the same process once again. The only difference being the class time is reduced from 6 hours to 3 hours. When looking for a Notary, ask about his or her experience. Some notaries specialize in certain areas such as loan signing, adoption, mechanic liens. While other notaries may just notarize documents for their employer only and are unfamiliar with more complex documents. A Notary Public in the State of California is a commissioned official of the State and is not licensed by the State of California.