California residents can become a Notary by completing the following steps:
- Meet the requirements.
- Take a six-hour training course.
- Complete the CA Notary Public application form.
- Pass the state-administered exam.
- Pass a background check.
- Receive your commission certificate.
- Get a $15,000 surety bond.
- File your bond and oath of office.
- Buy your Notary journal and Notary stamp.
About the California Notary Process
Notaries in California are commissioned for four years, after which they will need to renew to continue notarizing documents.
Cost to Become a CA Notary
The cost to become a Notary in California ranges between $313 to $595, depending on the company you choose for your Notary training and supplies and the county in which you file your bond and oath of office.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application and exam |
$40 |
| Training course |
$35 - $200 |
| Live scan fingerprinting and photo |
$125 |
| $15,000 surety bond |
$38 |
| County clerk bond and oath of office filing fees |
$15 - $107 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Notary stamp |
$30 |
| Total Cost |
$313 - $595 |
Commission Processing Time
After you take the exam, it can take up to 15 business days to receive your results. From there, your application will be sent to the Secretary of State for processing.
California Notary Public Requirements
Eligibility
To qualify for a California Notary Public commission, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of the state of California
- Not be convicted of a felony, a lesser crime involving moral turpitude or a lesser offense incompatible with the duties of a Notary
Examples of moral turpitude include (but aren't limited to) crimes such as burglary, embezzlement, fraud, statutory rape or tax evasion. A more detailed list is available on pages 11-12 of the Secretary of State's 2012 Notary Public Disciplinary Guidelines.
Notary Training Course
You must complete a six-hour training course from a state-approved education provider the first time you apply for a California Notary commission.
Application
Complete the California Notary Public Application form online. To avoid processing errors or delays, the Secretary of State recommends typing your information into their fillable PDF and using the drop-down choices where applicable.
Print the form single-sided and handwrite your signature with a pen.
Please note: You may not sign electronically.
Notary Exam
Applicants must pass a written, proctored exam administered by a private company called Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS). You must score 70 or higher to pass. Exam results will become available no earlier than 15 business days after the exam date.
Notary exam schedules, registration details and other testing information are available on the CPS website. You can also contact them at (916) 263-3520 to request information about exam locations and registration.
At the testing site, bring your photo ID, completed application, 2" x 2" color passport photo, Proof of Completion certificate for the course, registration confirmation letter and $40 fee.
If you fail the test the first time, you'll need to pay $20 to retake the exam. Applicants may only take the exam once per calendar month.
Background Check
Applicants are required to pass a background check to become California Notaries. Submit the Request for Live Scan Service form and have your fingerprints scanned electronically at an authorized Live Scan site.
Commission Certificate
You’ll receive your commission packet from the state in the mail. The California Secretary of State's office publishes updates on their commission processing schedule.
Surety Bond
California law requires you to get a $15,000 bond from a surety company authorized to do business in the state. After getting your surety bond, you have 30 days from your Notary Public commission commencement date to file your bond and oath of office with the county clerk.
Notary Supplies
Once commissioned, you will need to purchase a Notary stamp and journal.
The Secretary of State will issue a certificate authorizing you to buy your seal from a state-approved vendor. The seal shape must either be rectangular no larger than 1" x 2.5" or circular no larger than 2" in diameter. The following information must be displayed on the seal within a serrated or milled-edged border:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The California state seal
- The words "Notary Public"
- The county in which your oath and bond are filed
- Your commission expiration date
- Your Notary commission number
- The seal manufacturer's identification number
California Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Notary in California? We've got you covered.
How do I minimize my liability?
If you want to protect yourself against possible legal costs or damages, consider purchasing a separate errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy.
An E&O policy will cover you for legal fees and damages up to the amount of the policy. E&O policies generally also cover attorney costs in the event you are required to defend yourself in court against a lawsuit.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
California Notary Administration is handled by the Office of the Secretary of State, Business Programs Division, Notary Public Section, located in Sacramento, CA. The rules governing Notaries Public can be found in the state's Notary Handbook.
Secretary of State
1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
May I become a California Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a California Notary Public. You must, however, be a legal resident of the state and meet all other application requirements.
Where will I be able to notarize?
California Notaries are authorized to notarize documents anywhere within the borders of the state.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all requirements for notarization, such as personally appearing before you and providing satisfactory proof of identity.
You're prohibited from notarizing documents in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. The law allows you to notarize for relatives unless doing so would provide a direct financial or beneficial interest to you.
You may enter into an agreement with your employer to have your employer pay for your commission and supplies. In exchange, the employer may limit your notarizations during business hours to transactions directly related to your employer's business purposes.
What fees can California Notaries charge per notarial act?
California Notaries may charge up to $15 for most notarial acts. An additional fee for travel or other services may be charged given that the signer is made aware of the extra fees in advance.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Any address or name changes must be reported to the Secretary of State by completing the following forms:
If you move your business, residence or mailing address, you have 30 days to fill out the Notary Public Address Change form or write a letter and mail it to the SOS by certified mail or any other means of physical delivery that produces a receipt.
For name changes, the SOS will issue an amended commission at which point you'll need to file a new oath of office and bond amendment with the clerk of the county in which your principal place of business is located within 30 days. You'll also need to get a new seal with your new name.
What is the process for renewing my commission as a California Notary?
The process to renew your California commission is the same as becoming a Notary for the first time with the exception of the training course.
If you renew before your current commission expires, the training requirement drops from a six-hour to a three-hour course.
Notaries are generally encouraged to begin their renewal process six months before their commission expires to avoid any gaps in their ability to perform notarizations. If you renew early, you can receive your new commission no earlier than 30 days before your existing one expires.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in California?
California recently enacted remote notarization laws, however, the Secretary of State needs to adopt rules to implement the law. That means, California Notaries cannot perform RON at this time. It's likely that CA Notaries will need to wait until 2030 to register to become remote online Notaries.
We will update this page and create a step-by-step guide for California Notaries as we learn more.
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Last updated: Jun 10, 2024