To comply with federal Patriot Act requirements for financial document signatories
To assist the Secretary of State in determining the applicant's identity and whether the applicant has been convicted of a disqualifying crime
To create a federal registry of notaries public accessible by all states
To verify their California residency and principal place of business
Official source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (2026)
Reference: Government Code section 8201.1
Source checked September 7, 2026
Correct Answer
B. To assist the Secretary of State in determining the applicant's identity and whether the applicant has been convicted of a disqualifying crime
Detailed Explanation
Purpose of the fingerprinting/background check requirement. Government Code section 8201.1 states that all notary applicants must be fingerprinted to assist the Secretary of State in determining the identity of the applicant and whether the applicant has been convicted of a disqualifying crime, prior to being granted a commission. Information about fingerprinting requirements is mailed to applicants who pass the examination.
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