How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary in California?
If you are thinking about becoming a California notary public, one of the first questions you probably have is: how much is this going to cost me? The good news is that becoming a notary is one of the most affordable professional credentials you can earn. Here is every cost broken down so there are no surprises.
6-Hour Education Course
The state requires all first-time applicants to complete an approved 6-hour education course. Prices vary by provider and range from $49 to $150 depending on whether the course is self-paced online or live in-person. Online courses tend to be the most affordable option and let you study on your own schedule.
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State Exam Fee: $40
All applicants must pass a state-administered written exam through CPS HR Consulting. The fee is $40 for the first attempt and $20 for any retakes. The exam has 45 questions and requires a 70% passing score.
Live Scan Fingerprinting: approximately $60
After passing the exam, you will need to complete a Live Scan background check. The state processing fee is $35, plus a rolling fee of approximately $25 charged by the Live Scan location. Many UPS Stores offer this service.
Surety Bond: $30 to $50
California requires all notaries to file a $15,000 surety bond with their county clerk within 30 days of receiving their commission. Despite the large dollar amount, the actual cost of the bond is typically only $30 to $50 for the full four-year commission term.
Notary Seal: $20 to $40
Your official notary seal must be purchased from a Secretary of State-authorized manufacturer, whose list comes in your commission packet.
Notary Journal: $15 to $30
California law requires you to maintain one active sequential journal of all notarial acts. These are available at office supply stores and online.
Optional — Errors and Omissions Insurance: $40 to $100 per year
E&O insurance is not required by the state but is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to work as a loan signing agent. It protects you personally if a notarization error results in a legal claim.
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $250 to $500
The most common way to keep costs at the lower end is to choose an affordable online education course and handle each step individually rather than purchasing a bundled package.