How to Become a Notary Public in California

Becoming a California notary public requires completing several steps set by the California Secretary of State. This guide walks you through every requirement — from the mandatory notary education course to the state exam, background check, and commission oath. Notary Approved is a state-approved education vendor that can help you satisfy the required education component quickly and affordably online.

California has some of the most respected notary standards in the country, and with the right preparation, you can be commissioned in as little as 8 to 10 weeks. Here is exactly what you need to do.

Do You Qualify? California Notary Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you meet California's basic eligibility requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a legal resident of California (U.S. citizenship is not required)
  • Have no disqualifying felony convictions or crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude
  • Be willing to disclose all arrests and convictions on your application
1

Complete a State-Approved 6-Hour Education Course

All first-time applicants must complete a 6-hour notary public education course from a California Secretary of State-approved vendor. This course covers your duties and responsibilities as a notary, California notary laws, proper notarization procedures, and how to handle common notarial situations.

You can complete this course online at your own pace — no need to take a full day off work. Once you finish, you will receive a Proof of Completion certificate, which is valid for 24 months. You must pass the state exam within that window or you will need to retake the course.

2

Register and Pass the State Exam

After completing your education course, you must register for and pass the California Notary Public Examination, administered by CPS HR Consulting. The exam consists of 45 questions and requires a passing score of 70% or higher. The exam fee is $40, and results are typically available within 15 business days.

Exams are held weekly at various locations throughout California. Bring your Proof of Completion certificate, your completed notary application form, and a 2x2 passport photo to the exam.

Study Tip: The exam questions come directly from the California Notary Public Handbook. Focus on acknowledgment and jurat wording, acceptable forms of ID, and journal requirements to maximize your score.

3

Complete Your Live Scan Background Check

After passing the exam, the California Secretary of State will mail you fingerprinting instructions. You will need to complete a Live Scan background check through the California Department of Justice and the FBI. Bring a completed Request for Live Scan Service form to any DOJ-certified Live Scan location — many UPS Stores offer this service. The state processing fee is $35, plus a rolling fee of approximately $25 at the Live Scan location.

You are required to disclose all arrests and convictions on your application, including dismissed convictions. Honesty here is critical — failure to disclose is grounds for denial.

4

Receive Your Commission Packet

Once the Secretary of State approves your application and background check, you will receive your notary commission packet by mail. This typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after submission. The packet includes your commission certificate, oath of office forms, and your Certificate of Authorization to Manufacture a Notary Public Seal.

5

File Your Bond and Oath of Office

This is one of the most time-sensitive steps. Within 30 calendar days of your commission start date — no exceptions — you must file a $15,000 surety bond and take your oath of office at the county clerk's office in the county where your principal place of business is located. This 30-day deadline cannot be extended, so act quickly once your packet arrives.

6

Get Your Notary Seal and Journal

You are now almost ready to notarize. Purchase your official California notary seal from a Secretary of State-authorized manufacturer (the list comes in your commission packet). You will also need a notary journal — California law requires you to keep one active sequential journal of all your notarial acts. Optional but strongly recommended: errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects you personally if a notarization mistake results in a legal claim.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a California Notary?

Total costs typically range from $250 to $500 depending on your choices. Here is a general breakdown:

  • 6-hour education course: varies by provider
  • State exam fee: $40 (retakes $20)
  • Live Scan fingerprinting: approximately $60
  • Surety bond (4-year): approximately $30 to $50
  • Notary seal: approximately $20 to $40
  • Notary journal: approximately $15 to $30
  • Optional E&O insurance: varies

How Long Does the Process Take?

From starting your education course to receiving your commission, plan for approximately 8 to 10 weeks. The biggest variable is the background check and application processing time, which the Secretary of State estimates at 6 to 8 weeks after submission.

Renewing Your California Notary Commission

California notary commissions are valid for four years. If you renew before your current commission expires, you only need to complete the 3-hour refresher course instead of the full 6-hour course. If your commission expires, you must start the entire process over as a new applicant — so set a reminder well before your expiration date.

Ready to Get Started?

NotaryApproved.com is a California Secretary of State-approved notary education vendor. Our online courses are self-paced, affordable, and designed to help you pass the state exam with confidence. Thousands of California notaries have started their journey here.

This page is for informational purposes only. Always refer to the California Secretary of State website at sos.ca.gov/notary for the most current official requirements.