How to become a notary in California

Get everything you need with a full California Notary Package.

Notaries in California are commissioned for four years, after which they will need to renew to continue notarizing documents.

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.

Get your state-required training and supplies for a California Notary commission with the NNA. Start your Notary journey by choosing in-person or online training.

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.

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.

You must complete a six-hour training course from a state-approved education provider the first time you apply for a California Notary commission.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Have more questions about being a Notary in California? We've got you covered.

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Last updated: Jun 10, 2024

Get everything you need with a full California Notary Package.