Posted by Joan Bergstrom on 3/25/10 1:08am
Msg #328864

California notaries only

I talked to the Calif. CPS yesterday (they administer the test for CA Notaries) and I was told that "renewing notaries" would probably not receive their commissions until 4 months after he/she take the test and pass.

I really recommend renewing notaries take the test 6 months before their commission expires.

At least half of the renewing notaries in my notary classes will have a 2-3 month period where their commission will be void.

This time frame (4 months) might get worse (this is my opinion only).

Reply by Yoli/CA on 3/25/10 10:38am
Msg #328915

Thanks for the advice, Joan.

That's exactly what I did last year. My commission expired January 2010. I took class, test, etc in June and everything was in place prior to expiration. As has been previously stated, even if the State is a little ahead of schedule, new commission will not be issued until shortly prior to expiration.

So, why go through the stress and headache of wondering if there will be a lapse between new issuance and expiration? Get it done with plenty of time.

Reply by Notarysigner on 3/25/10 12:52pm
Msg #328940

Thanks for the info...I got a little over a year to go.

Reply by Alz on 3/25/10 4:25pm
Msg #328997

I know that it is a lengthy process, but

do you know if it is:

a. CPS takes awhile to score the test
b. Reporting the scores to SOS
c. SOS processing the results
d. None of the above

I went to the SOS's office a few weeks ago and was told that the exams are being process by the date taken (FIFO). Additionally, many of the problems they encounter are with the Live Scans and possible discrepancies reported to the DOJ. They also recommend getting an early start and contacting their office a couple of weeks for a status update.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 3/25/10 10:20pm
Msg #329045

I think it is several factors

It is 15 working days to receive your test score compared to 10-14 days and this caused at least 1 week before our prints are submitted.

Sending our prints to the FBI (beginning 2008) in addition to the usual DOJ caused a delay.

Also less staff at the Sec of State to process our commissions.

Just my opinion but I think I am pretty much correct.