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This guide covers all the requirements, costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria you need to get started.
In California, a Notary Public commission is valid for four years from the date of issuance.
During this time, notaries are authorized to perform a wide range of official duties, including administering oaths, acknowledging signatures, and certifying copies of documents.
To maintain an active commission, notaries must complete the renewal process before their current commission expires.
This involves completing a 3-hour refresher course, passing the notary exam again, and meeting all state requirements.
The total cost to becoming a notary in California can vary depending on the type of insurance & materials you get but the total cost generally comes out to be between $250 – $500. You can see the breakdown below:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| NPA Notary Education Course | $45 |
| State Application Fee | $40 |
| Notary Public Exam | $20 |
| Live Scan Fingerprinting | $60 - $80 |
| Notary Bond | $40 - $100 |
| Notary Supplies | $50 - $100 |
| Optional E&O Insurance | $50 - $300 |
| Professional Membership | $20 - $100 |
| Total Estimated Costs | $250 - $500 |
Once you take the state administered exam it generally takes 15 – 30 days to receive your results.
Once you receive your results the processing time for a California Notary Public commission typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks after the application is submitted.
This timeframe includes the time needed to complete the required background check, verify your application details, and issue your commission.
To qualify as a Notary Public in California, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
You are required to complete a six-hour training course from a state-approved education provider when applying for your California Notary commission for the first time.
Fill out the California Notary Public Application form online. To prevent processing errors or delays, the Secretary of State advises typing your information directly into their fillable PDF and utilizing the provided drop-down options when available.
IMPORTANT: You must provide a WET SIGNATURE. Electronic signatures will not be accepted
Applicants are required to pass a written, proctored exam conducted by Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS). A minimum score of 70 is needed to pass. Exam results are typically available within 15 business days after the test date.
For exam schedules, registration details, and additional information, visit the CPS website. You can also reach out to CPS at (916) 263-3520 for assistance with exam locations and registration.
At the testing site you will be required to provide the following:
If you do not pass the test on your first attempt, you will need to pay a $20 fee to retake it.
Please note that applicants are allowed to take the exam only once per calendar month.
Applicants must pass a background check. This involves completing the Request for Live Scan Service form and having your fingerprints electronically scanned at an authorized Live Scan location.
Your commission packet will be mailed to you by the California Secretary of State. Updates on the commission processing schedule are regularly published by the Secretary of State’s office. You can see that here.
Under California law, you must obtain a $15,000 surety bond. Once you receive your bond, you have 30 days from the start date of your Notary Public commission to file your bond and oath of office with the county clerk.
After receiving your commission, you must purchase a Notary stamp and journal.
The Secretary of State will provide a certificate authorizing you to obtain your seal from a state-approved vendor. The seal must be either rectangular (no larger than 1″ x 2.5″) or circular (no larger than 2″ in diameter) and include the following information within a serrated or milled-edged border:
Becoming a Notary Public in California is a valuable opportunity to serve your community, enhance your professional skills, and earn additional income.
By following the required steps—completing the training, passing the exam, and obtaining the necessary supplies—you’ll be ready to take on the responsibilities of a Notary with confidence.
With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can start your notarial journey and build a rewarding career in this trusted role.
To become a notary public in California, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of California, and possess a clean criminal record. Additionally, you must complete a state-approved notary education course and pass the California Notary Public Examination.
To learn more, check out our article covering all the necessary requirements to become a notary in California.
A California Notary Commission is valid for a term of four years from the date of issuance. Notaries must renew their commission prior to its expiration to continue practicing.
No, a California Notary Commission grants authority to perform notarial acts only within the state’s borders. Notaries may not perform notarial acts outside of California.
Yes, California Notaries are required to obtain a $15,000 surety bond as part of the application process. This bond serves as financial protection for the public against errors or misconduct by the notary.
To learn more, check out our article on understanding Notary Bonds in California.
No, as a California Notary, you cannot perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON). California law does not currently authorize notaries to conduct notarizations using online audiovisual technology. However, California does accept out-of-state RON notarizations if they comply with the laws of the state where they were performed.
Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance provides financial protection to notaries in the event of lawsuits or claims arising from mistakes, omissions, or negligence in their notarial acts. While not required by law in California, obtaining E&O insurance is highly recommended for added protection.
To learn more, check out our article to understand Errors and Omissions Insurance.
Yes, California Notaries have the right to refuse to notarize a document if they have a reasonable belief that the document is fraudulent, incomplete, or unlawful. Notaries must always act in accordance with the law and ethical standards.
You can verify the authenticity of a notarized document in California by checking the notary’s signature, seal, and commission expiration date. Additionally, you can verify the notary’s commission status online through the California Secretary of State’s website.
No, California Notaries are not authorized to perform wedding ceremonies or officiate marriages. Officiating weddings requires a separate license or authorization from the county where the marriage will take place.
California Notaries are permitted to charge a maximum fee of $15 per notarial act, as mandated by state law. Additionally, a fee of up to $30 may be charged for providing a certificate of acknowledgment or jurat.
Performing notarial acts without a valid commission in California is considered a misdemeanor offense. Violators may face fines of up to $1,500 per violation and possible imprisonment.
Yes, California Notaries are required to use an ink stamp or embosser containing their name, the words “Notary Public,” the county of commission, and the commission expiration date. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines and penalties.
Yes, California Notaries are authorized to certify copies of documents as long as the document being copied is an original document that the notary has personally examined and determined to be complete and accurate.
California Notaries are required to maintain a journal of notarial acts, and failure to do so may result in fines of up to $2,500 per violation. Additionally, notaries may face disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of their commission.
California Notaries are prohibited from performing notarial acts for family members, including spouses, parents, children, siblings, and in-laws. Doing so may result in fines and disciplinary action.
Yes, California Notaries must undergo a background check conducted by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of the application process. Notaries with criminal convictions may be denied a commission or face disciplinary action.
California Notaries are authorized to notarize documents written in a foreign language as long as they can communicate with the signer and ascertain the signer’s understanding of the document’s contents. Refusing to notarize a foreign-language document without valid reason may result in fines and disciplinary action.
California Notaries must complete additional training and meet specific requirements outlined by the California Secretary of State to notarize electronic signatures. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines and penalties.
Yes, California Notaries are required to verify the identity of the signer through acceptable forms of identification. If the signer cannot provide proper identification, the notary must refuse to notarize the document. Failure to do so may result in fines and disciplinary action.
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