Posted by Susan/CA on 8/29/10 11:37am
Msg #350839

CA Notary Commission renewal question.

I took the class, test, did my fingerprinting, paid my fees, etc. back in May and the only thing I have gotten imn the mail is proof that I passed my test. I did call and my background check went through in June, however, I am very concerned as my commission will expire in a little over one month. I don't remember anymore, will I get my commission paperwork (to renew and get bonded) a month before my commission expiration or sooner than a month before. I am getting really nervous now. Any insight anyone can provide will be "greatly" appreciated!

Thank you!!!

Reply by Bernice/CA on 8/29/10 11:53am
Msg #350840


I know that uneasy waiting felling but don't worry, SOS will send out renewal commissions no earlier than 30 days before expiration of your commission.

Reply by 101livescan on 8/29/10 5:12pm
Msg #350855

A lady in my building for whom I did her live scan fingerprinting told me that she received a letter from the SOS, explaining that her commission had been delayed due to budget cuts and backlog due to personnel shortage. She's into her fourth month since passing the test. She did ever step of the process by the book and is still waiting.

Reply by Bernice/CA on 8/29/10 9:08pm
Msg #350879

My commission renewed in May, took test in January, received letter from CPS in February passing test, didn't receive confirmation renewal until April, though renewal gave me to May to submit bond and take the oath.

Reply by Julie/MI on 8/30/10 7:47am
Msg #350895

The only time I'm happy about my state's legislature is when I read CA notary renewal and hand book stuff.

I renew in Feb. and I should be done in 10 days.

I really feel sorry for CA notaries with their classes, fees, test, "approved" stamp company provider crap, the "destroying of the seal" drama and the endless regulation that does not make CA any better than MI.

Reply by 101livescan on 8/30/10 9:17am
Msg #350902

EXCEPT, my friend, in the Golden State of California, we have way more fraud than you all do in Michigan, has something to do with those solid mid western values and morals.

Reply by kathy/ca on 8/30/10 9:51am
Msg #350907

Thats right Cheryl, thus the concern for so much insurance

coverage as a Notary Public in this state. One poster actually said maybe I am in the wrong business because I am so concerned about the risk. I believe that poster was from Texas.

Reply by DRamey/SoCal on 8/30/10 1:08pm
Msg #350924

I took my test on May 5th and didnt get anything until August 5th.....Thanks Uncle Arnie!!!!!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/30/10 6:50pm
Msg #350987

When is your commission due to expire?

Even before the staff shortage, the SOS has never sent out any info earlier than 30 days prior to expiration of a commission, so that might have been your issue. That is stated in the beginning of the handbook, where it talks about how to renew/get a commission.

With the staffing shortage and new requirements for background checks, maybe they need to rethink that policy...

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/30/10 6:54pm
Msg #350990

I think it also has to do with the fact that one out of eight Americans happens to live in CA... Just because of sheer numbers, we are likely to have more of EVERYTHING occur in California than anywhere else - fraud included! It might be interesting to see how those numbers look on a per capita basis.

Julie, FWIW - and I admit it's a matter of perspective - I think all our requirements and regulations are a good thing. I hate to think how much fraud there would be without them!!