Due to California state restrictions on large indoor gatherings due to COVID-19, many people — both new and renewing Notaries — have been unable to schedule mandatory state training and exams to renew their commissions. To address this urgent need, the NNA is converting our scheduled California live seminars into online training webinars that meet all state requirements so they can be attended remotely by Notaries safely without risk of contracting COVID-19.
We know California Notaries have many questions about this change. Here’s what you need to know:
How will these online California Notary training webinars be presented?
California has approved the NNA to offer mandatory 6-hour live Notary training online using Zoom. If you are registered for a training seminar, you will be e-mailed the link to access the Zoom webinar the day before your training is scheduled to take place. You will be able to listen to the instructor, ask questions and be answered live in real time through Zoom, the same way as at our traditional Notary seminars.
What about my LiveScan and Notary exam?
Notary exams and LiveScan fingerprinting will take place at a designated location a few days after you complete your online training webinar. After your training webinar is finished, you will need to complete an online submission form that will be sent to you immediately afterward. Within 48 hours of completing the form you will be emailed a Proof Of Completion (POC) that you will need to print and take with you to the exam location. Social distancing and health safety rules such as wearing masks will be required at exam sites.
New and renewing Notaries who wish to schedule their own LiveScan appointments separately should be aware that some LiveScan locations, such as police stations, are closed to the public due to COVID-19.
If I’ve already signed up for a NNA California live seminar, can I attend an online seminar instead?
Yes. If you’ve already purchased a live seminar, the NNA will email you to let you know when an online seminar is available instead. You will have the option of attending the date of the new online webinar or alternate days if you cannot attend the first one.
If I’m not already signed up, when should I schedule my online training, exam and LiveScan?
Because exam space is limited and scheduled locations and times are filling up quickly, the NNA recommends that you schedule your training and exams as soon as possible. For renewing Notaries, it’s a good idea to start the renewal process as soon as possible to avoid gaps in your commission because processing times at the Secretary of State’s office may be impacted by upcoming elections this fall.
I don’t want to take my training through Zoom. Do you have any other options?
At present, you can sign up for either our live Zoom webinars, which can be completed in one day, or our Online Training Course, which is not live but can be completed at a pace chosen by the Notary.
We will offer live training again when the state gives us permission to do so, but at this time we do not have a firm date when that will take place.
Where can I get more information about NNA online training webinars for California?
If you have questions that aren’t addressed above, please post them in the comments section below. Please be aware that some questions may take additional time for a response.