California § 8231.7 - A notary public shall take reasonable steps to ensure that any registered device
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 8231.7 — A notary public shall take reasonable steps to ensure that any registered device, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8231.7. A notary public shall take reasonable steps to ensure that any registered device
(a) A notary public shall take reasonable steps to ensure that any registered device used to create an electronic signature or electronic seal is current and has not been revoked or terminated by the deviceâs issuing or registering authority. (b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 8207, when a notary publicâs electronic signature is required to be accompanied by a notary publicâs electronic seal, that requirement is satisfied if the electronic seal of the notary public contains all of the following: (A) The name of the notary public. (B) The Great Seal of the State of California. (C) The words âNotary Public.â (D) The name of the county where the bond and oath of office of the notary public are filed. (E) The date the notary publicâs commission expires. (F) The notary publicâs commission number. (G) The sequential identification number assigned to the manufacturer or vendor of the notary publicâs electronic seal. (2) The seal may be circular not over two inches in diameter or may be rectangular not more than one inch in width by two and one-half inches in length. (c) A manufacturer or vendor of the notary publicâs electronic seal shall apply to the Secretary of State to be assigned an identification number through an application process prescribed by the Secretary of State. The electronic seal shall meet the requirements of this article and any rules or regulations adopted by the Secretary of State pursuant to this article. (d) (1) Notwithstanding Section 8207, a notary public authorized to perform online notarizations shall keep the notary publicâs electronic signature and electronic seal in a secure encrypted manner under the direct and exclusive control of the notary public. For purposes of satisfying the requirements of this paragraph the notary publicâs electronic signature and electronic seal may be kept on a storage device or online media that is accessed by the notary public with a secure means of multifactor authentication and protected by, at minimum, security requirements as set forth by the Secretary of State. The notary public shall not allow another person to access or use the notary publicâs electronic signature or electronic seal. The notary public shall take all reasonable steps to protect the notary publicâs electronic signature and electronic seal from unauthorized disclosure, access, or use. (2) A notary public shall provide the Secretary of State with a copy of the notary publicâs electronic signature and electronic seal as prescribed by the Secretary of State. (e) A notary public shall attach or logically associate the notary publicâs electronic signature and electronic seal to an electronic online notarial certificate of an electronic record in a manner that is capable of independent verification and makes evident any tampering or subsequent change or modification to the electronic record that has occurred. (f) A notary public shall immediately notify the Secretary of State, using a notification process designated by the Secretary of State, and all appropriate law enforcement agencies of the unauthorized use or access by or disclosure to another person, loss, compromise, theft, vandalism, corruption, or breach of the notary publicâs electronic signature or electronic seal.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 8231.7
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 8231.7 cover?
Section 8231.7 ("A notary public shall take reasonable steps to ensure that any registered device") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 8231.7?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 8231.7" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 8231.7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.