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The purpose of this section is to introduce the Notary Public to rules regarding advertising of notarial services.

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to describe:

(1)   Advertising in another language other than English
(2)   Listing of Fees
(3)   Translation of “notario publico”
(4)    Immigration forms
(5)    Penalties
(6)    Immigration specialists who are also notaries public
(7)    Notarization of immigration documents

Advertising in Language Other Than English

California law requires that if a notary public is not an attorney and advertises notarial services in a language other than English, the notary public must do the following:  (KS73-GC8219.5)

·                    Post a notice in English AND the other Language that the notary public is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice about immigration or any other matters.

·                    List the fees set by statute which a notary public may charge for notarial services

In any event, the term Notary Public cannot be translated from English into Spanish as “notario” or “notario publico” regardless to whether or not the prescribed notice is also posted.  (KS74-GC8219.5)  *Your commission will be suspended of not less than one year or revocation for the first offence and permanent revocation of the notary’s commission on the second offence  (KS89-GC8219.5)

Penalties

A first offence of this law is grounds for the suspension or revocation of a notary public’s commission.  A second offence is grounds for permanent revocation of the notary public’s commission. 

Immigration Forms

A notary cannot assist a client in completing immigration forms unless the notary is also a qualified and bonded immigration consultant.  (KS71-GC8223)

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