How to get your California notary application photo
Quick answer: Bring a recent, recognizable 2 x 2 inch color passport-style photo to the California notary exam. You may take and print one yourself or use a local passport-photo service. Attach it to the Notary Public Application with clear tape on all four edges; do not staple it.
What California requires
The Notary Public Application requires a recent 2 x 2 inch color passport-style photograph. You must be recognizable in the photo. Take the completed application, your Proof of Completion and the photo to the exam site.
The Secretary of State says to secure an attached photo with clear tape on all four edges. Do not staple the photo, and do not print the application double-sided.
- Size
- 2 x 2 inches
- Color
- Color passport-style photo
- When
- Taken recently before your application
- Attach it
- Clear tape on all four edges; never staples
DIY: take the photo yourself
- Stand several feet in front of a plain white or off-white wall with even light and no shadows.
- Ask someone to take a clear color photo straight on. Keep your face centered, look at the camera, keep both eyes open, and use a neutral expression.
- Remove glasses, hats and anything covering your face unless a documented religious or medical exception applies.
- Do not use filters, AI editing, retouching or a digitally altered background.
- Print the original photo at exactly 2 x 2 inches on photo-quality paper, then check that it is sharp and recognizable before attaching it.
Full-service: have a photo taken and printed
A local pharmacy, shipping store, photo studio or big-box photo counter may offer passport photos. Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens and similar stores vary by location, so call first and ask for a printed 2 x 2 inch passport-style photo.
Bring the printed photo home, place it in the application box, and tape all four edges with clear tape. A store photo service is convenient, but it is not required.
Before you leave for the exam
- Your photo is printed, recent, color and 2 x 2 inches
- Your face is clear, centered and recognizable
- The photo is attached with clear tape on all four edges
- Your application is printed single-sided and completed
- You have your Proof of Completion, photo ID, CPS HR confirmation letter and exam payment
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my own California notary application photo?
Yes. The application requires a recent 2 x 2 inch color passport-style photograph; a store service is optional. Follow the Secretary of State and passport-photo instructions, then print it on photo-quality paper.
Can I staple my photo to the notary application?
No. The Secretary of State instructs applicants to use clear tape on all four edges of an attached photo.
Can I use a filtered or AI-edited photo?
No. Use an original, unedited photo. Filters, retouching and altered backgrounds can make a passport-style photo unacceptable.
Continue
- You finished the course. Here is what happens next.
- What to bring on California notary exam day
- How to schedule your California notary exam
- After the exam: Live Scan, your commission packet, bond, oath, seal and journal
- How much can a California notary earn?
- How to become a notary public in California
Sources
- California Secretary of State - Notary Public Application
- U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
Requirements are set by the California Secretary of State and can change. Checked against the Secretary of State's published requirements on 2026-09-14.
Notary Approved is a notary public education vendor approved by the California Secretary of State (New Notary 6-Hour Education: Approval ID 608495; Renewing Notaries 3-Hour Education: Approval ID 308494). Approval means the courses are authorized for the applicable education requirement. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of NotaryApproved by the California Secretary of State.