Serving As A Notary In Rancho Cucamonga

By Megan Landry


It is quite often necessary for groups, companies or individuals to have various documents attested as a matter of legal procedure. This could get a bit costly if they were required to involve lawyers each time. It is for these circumstances that one may wish to become a notary in Rancho Cucamonga and practice in the state of California.

Notaries are appointed, or commissioned by the authority of a top level official in the government of the state. This is usually the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Treasurer or, as in California, by the Secretary of State. This is a voluntary, yet very important position carrying big responsibilities and having guidelines, rules and legalities that must be followed in order to avoid repercussions.

There are no federal laws in regard to what the duties and responsibilities of notaries are to be. Each state sets forth their own rules, guidelines and expectations for those appointed to this position. Some governments may choose to extend authorities and responsibilities to these individuals that others might choose be withhold and retain only for those within the court system.

When one has been commissioned, they are not confined to the county in which they were appointed and are able to travel throughout the state and perform the duties of this position, but not beyond its borders. This appointment is a granted privilege, not a right, and strict disciplinary action may be enacted upon those who are found abusing their authority. Such punishments may be presented as monetary fines, suspension or even revocation of commission.

To gain a commission within the state of California, one must be able to meet some very specific criteria. There is no maximum age but applicants have to be at least eighteen years old and have proof of legal citizenship and residency within this jurisdiction and have no felony record. It is also mandatory that one possess competent literacy skills and have a firm command of the English language since it is important they understand what they are attesting.

A six hour training class which has been approved by the Secretary of State must be completed via live seminar, online course or DVD and is mandatory. After this, one must score at least 70% on a state-administered written test which consists of thirty multiple choice questions and a fifty minute time limit. Once those two steps are done, the final step before receiving commission is to pass a very thorough background check.

California does not permit notaries to perform wedding ceremonies but they do extend the position two important duties. Holders of this commission are able to do acknowledgements, following guidelines to verify the validity of signatures and copies. Their second job is to certify jurats, or oaths, very similar to the ones taken in a court of law and just as serious.

Becoming a notary in Rancho Cucamonga is a privilege granted to those who are capable of passing all of the requirements of the position. The position only provides one the ability to certify acknowledgment of signatures and to execute jurats. These services are only legal when performed within California borders and while one's commission is still valid.




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