How to Become a California Notary

Learn how to become a notary public in California with this application guide. It describes the relevant laws and requirements to help ensure you submit an error-free application and get your notary commission.

Meet the State Requirements

Before starting your notary journey, make sure you meet the following requirements.

All notary applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a legal resident of the state
  • Complete an SOS-approved education course
  • Pass a written examination
  • Clear a background check

Criminal History Disclosure

State law requires that all applicants undergo fingerprinting as part of a background check before being appointed. The California Secretary of State (SOS) will mail additional information concerning the fingerprinting requirement to you after you pass the examination.

You are also required to disclose any arrests for which trial is pending and all convictions (including ones dismissed under Penal Code section 1203.4 or 1203.4a) on your application.

It's always best to be truthful. The SOS will likely deny your application for the following reasons:

  • You fail to disclose any arrest or conviction
  • Less than 10 years have passed since the completion of probation for your felony conviction
  • Less than five years have passed since completing probation for a disqualifying misdemeanor conviction
  • The facts of a particular case warrant denial, such as the nature and severity of the act or the presence of aggravating factors

For additional information, please review the Disciplinary Guidelines.

Notary Application Instructions

California's notary application process can be broken down into six steps. At Notaries.com, we offer a comprehensive package that will help you navigate the entire process from start to finish. It includes detailed application instructions, the state-required education course and surety bond, a custom stamp, and more to make becoming a notary simple and stress-free!

1) Take the Required Training

Before submitting your application, you must complete a six-hour state-approved notary training course. The SOS provides a list of approved vendors here.

Our complete notary package includes access to the approved education course. The point of this training, according to the state, 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 within that time, you'll need to retake the course.

2) Take the Notary 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 works best for you, register for your exam. Before taking the exam, the SOS recommends reviewing the latest edition of their official notary 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 course's 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 SOS (cash is not accepted at the exam site).

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

If you don't pass, you'll receive a retake voucher. You can repeat the examination no more than once per month.

3) Complete a Background Check and Submit Fingerprints

The next step is to complete a background check and get fingerprinted. This is not optional. The SOS will not grant your commission until you complete the process. 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 form until you receive your notary public commission.

Check the status of your background check on the DOJ's Applicant Background Check Status webpage. You need your ATI (Applicant Tracking Identifier) number from the Request for Live Scan Service Form and your date of birth to perform a search.

4) Receive Your Notary 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
  • 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

5) Get Your Supplies

After you get your commission packet, your journey toward becoming a notary is almost over. If you purchase our California notary package, it includes everything you need to get started for one low price.

In addition to the state-approved course and an inkless thumb printer, the package also includes:

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

Once you purchase the notary package, you need to send us a copy of your commission certificate and original letter of seal manufacture authorization so we can finalize your bond and create your notary stamp.

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

Additionally, we highly recommend that all notaries get an errors and omissions (E&O) policy. E&O insurance provides professional liability protection for a notary public. Unlike the state-required surety bond that protects the public, E&O insurance covers a notary’s expenses related to judgments, attorney fees, court costs and settlements (up to the policy's dollar limit).

If you ever make a notarization mistake that results in a client losing money, that can be grounds for a lawsuit.

Avoid paying out-of-pocket legal fees if a file is claimed against you — browse our multiple coverage options to meet your personal needs.

» Learn more about E&O insurance

6) File Your Oath and Bond

The last thing you must do before becoming commissioned is file the required $15,000 notary bond and take 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 30-day period cannot be changed or extended. The SOS recommends filing the oath and bond in person to guarantee timely filing.