Prosecution must begin within two years of the false certificate being recorded
There is no statute of limitations because notarial fraud affects real property
The standard one-year misdemeanor statute of limitations applies
Prosecution must begin within four years after discovery or four years after completion of the offense, whichever is later
Official source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (2026)
Reference: Government Code section 6203
Source checked September 7, 2026
Correct Answer
D. Prosecution must begin within four years after discovery or four years after completion of the offense, whichever is later
Detailed Explanation
Extended four-year statute of limitations under §6203. Section 6203(b) expressly overrides the general limitation period for misdemeanors ('Notwithstanding any other limitation of time described in Section 802 of the Penal Code, or any other provision of law') and establishes a four-year period running from discovery or completion of the offense, whichever is later. This prevents wrongdoers from escaping prosecution simply because the fraud was concealed.
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