If you want to become a California notary public, this commission guide is for you. We'll describe every requirement set by the California Secretary of State (SOS) so you can easily complete your application.

Becoming a CA notary involves meeting eligibility requirements, completing CA-approved education, passing an exam, undergoing a background check and getting supplies.

It may sound like a lot of steps, but don't worry; we've reviewed the relevant laws and explained them in plain language.

Step One: Meet State Requirements

California notary applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal California resident
• Complete a Secretary of State-approved education course
• Pass a written examination
• Clear a background check

The SOS wants applicants and commissioned notaries to be honest, credible and truthful in fulfilling the position's responsibilities. That's why applicants must disclose all convictions, arrests and pending trials. Failure to do so will likely result in a rejected application. Learn more about the state's disciplinary guidelines here.

Step Two: Complete Approved Education

Before applying, you must complete a six-hour state-approved notary course. Find a list of approved vendors here.

According to the SOS, the point of the required education is to:

• Provide proper training for all notaries
• Make sure notaries fully understand their duties and responsibilities
• Standardize relevant knowledge across the state
• Reduce complaints and lawsuits related to negligence or misconduct

After finishing the course, you'll get a Proof of Completion certificate. You'll need this for your notary exam, so keep it handy. The completion certificate is valid for two years. If you don't pass the notary exam within that time, you'll need to retake the course.

Step Three: Take the Notary Public Exam

The SOS uses CPS HR Consulting to conduct regularly scheduled examinations at established test centers throughout the state.

To find an exam near you, view the schedule under the Registration title on this page. Once you find a time and location that's convenient for you, register for your test.

Before taking the exam, the SOS recommends reviewing the Notary Public Handbook.

Give yourself plenty of travel time and bring the following to the exam:

• A current photo identification (California Driver's License or Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles)
• A completed and printed application
• A 2x2 inch color passport photo of yourself
• Your education Proof of Completion certificate
• The exam registration confirmation letter
• The exam and application processing fee. Payment must be by check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State (cash is not accepted at the exam site).

Exam results are emailed to you using the address listed on your online account. Expect them within 15 to 20 business days. A score of 70 or more is required to pass. Once you pass, your application is sent to the SOS for processing.

If you don’t pass, you’ll get a re-take voucher. You can retake the examination no more than once per month.

Step Four: Complete a Background Check and Submit Fingerprints

The SOS will not grant your commission until you complete a background check and get fingerprinted. You must retest if fingerprints are not taken within one year of the exam date.

Submit one set of classifiable fingerprints using the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) online Live Scan Program. It transmits fingerprints to the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Find Live Scan locations and business hours on the DOJ's website.

Remember to bring the following to the Live Scan site:

• A completed Request For Live Scan Service (PDF) form
• Current photo identification
• A fingerprint processing fee and an additional rolling fee. Contact your Live Scan site to verify the rolling fee amount.

The SOS also recommends keeping a copy of your Request For Live Scan Service until you receive your notary public commission.

Step Five: Wait for the Notary Public Commission Packet

Once the SOS approves your application and you pass the background check, you will receive a commission packet in the mail.

The packet includes:

• A cover letter with instructions
• Filing instructions
• Your commission certificate
• Two Notary Public Oath and Certificate of Filing forms
• A Certificate of Authorization to Manufacture Notary Public Seals
• A list of Authorized Manufacturers of such seals

Step Six: Get Your Supplies

Once you receive your packet, we can help take care of the rest.

Our California notary package includes everything you need to get started for one low price, including:

• The state-required $15,000 notary bond
• A self-inking stamp
• A recordkeeping journal

After you purchase the notary package, you need to send us a copy of your commission certificate and original letter of authorization so we can create your bond and notary supplies.

Check out our supplies store if you need additional supplies, such as extra ink, an embosser, or gold foil labels.

Step Seven: File Your Oath and Bond

Lastly, you must file the required $15,000 notary bond and an oath of office with the county clerk where your principal place of business is. You must do this within 30 calendar days of receiving your commission.

The SOS recommends filing the oath and bond in person to guarantee timely filing.