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NOTARY PUBLIC FAQ

Q: What will I learn in this class?
A: This one day course will teach you everything you need to know to become a successful Notary Public. The instructor
will explain the steps to become a notary public and the associated costs, including insurance, supplies, and a required
background check.
This is a live online course with plenty of interaction with the instructor and lots of opportunity to ask questions. Students
will separately register for the state notary exam using a link from the instructor to reserve a space in one of the exams
from the schedule provided. Currently, the closest exams to Napa are Sacramento and So. San Francisco.

Q: What does this class prepare me to do?
A: This course prepares you to become a Notary Public, so you can start your own business or add to your current business
working as a Notary Public.

Q: What are the prerequisites?
A: All Adult Education students must be 18 years or older or have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Notaries Public Must:
● Bring a valid ID (current driver’s license, state ID card or passport)
● Must be 18 years old
● Be a California resident
● Read, write, and understand English
Bring to class:
● Valid ID
● 2x2 color passport photo
● Two (2) sharpened #2 pencils
● $40 check or money order payable to the “Secretary of State” for the exam
● $40 materials fee to be paid in class, payable to “CA Notary Training Center”

Q: When are classes offered?
A: Classes are offered in the fall and spring semesters on Saturdays from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Late arrivals are not permitted
per State law and there will be no refund. There is a 30 minute lunch break at 12 pm.

Q: Where is the class?
A: Napa Valley Adult Education

Q: How do I register?
A: You can register in person at 1600 Lincoln Avenue, Napa, online at: adulted.nvusd.org or by calling (707) 253-3594.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: $129 full class. You will be contacted for payment of $40 materials fee in advance of the course and materials needed for
the class will be mailed to you. Once the coursebook is mailed to you, no refunds will be given due to the cost incurred for
the course book/materials and shipping. Costs for added insurance, Notary supplies, and background check (Live Scan
Fingerprinting) will be explained in class. No financial assistance or payment plan is available for the Notary class. No
shows or late arrivals are not grounds for a refund. If the class is canceled, a full refund will be granted.
 

Prior to the Course, the instructor will ask for the following requirements:

1. Email us a copy of the Candidate Information Form and a copy of the front side of your UNEXPIRED Drivers
License, state ID card, or passport no later than the morning of the course. (Temporary paper ID extension
documents are not permitted.) The Candidate Information Form can be easily filled out on the computer
and emailed back – no need to print and scan.
2. Please call us at 855-291-9516 to pay your $40 course materials fee and mailing address to send your course
materials. We would like to send your materials in the next day or two to make sure it gets to you in time.
We have noticed that sometimes it may take as long as a week for the materials to arrive.
Pre-read Materials
It is a full-day class with lots of information to learn, including a lot of legalese. The state notary exam can be
challenging and can include anything covered in the class. We are also including a document (pre-read material)
that gives a preview of some of the core materials you will learn in the class. Reviewing and learning this material in
advance of the class can help make it easier to learn the remaining materials that will be taught, will make the day
a lot easier, and will better prepare you for the state notary exam. Please review and ask questions when you need
to. Note that fines and notary crimes are on the exam!
For the State Exam:
You will receive the state notary exam schedule via email. You have two years from the date of the course to take the
exam. You should take it as soon as possible so that the materials are fresh on your mind. Go to this website
https://exam-registration.cpshr.us/notary/notary for more information on the exam and to register
for the exam. You are advised to register for the exam as soon as possible so that you can get a confirmed seat. If the
exam date you want is already filled, the state exam proctors advise that you should still go to the
exam on the date you prefer because there is a high no-show rate (~45%) and walk-ins are usually able to get a
seat.
Q: Are other classes available if I cannot make it to the dates offered at NVAE?
A: For additional in-person classes, you can register here- Notary and Loan Signing Registration OR by calling at
855-291-9516. Another option is a self-study course where we send you the course materials to study on your own. It
is a fairly easy course and many students have been successful with the self-study course. Regardless of which
method you use, after the course, there is an online open-book certification exam that can be taken at your leisure.
Q: What are the completion requirements for this course?
A: Successfully complete this course and pass a State notary exam (30 multiple choice questions) and pass a
background check.
If you do not pass the exam the first time, you can retake the exam without having to retake the class again. You will
have to register with the state and pay a $20 fee and will have to submit a new application, retake your passport
pictures and you will also need to provide a copy of your failed letter. If you need a review of the class, you can call
Malou at 855-291-9516 to register for the review course.