If you are wondering how to become a notary in California, this post will walk you through the seven necessary steps.

How to Become a Notary in California

Complete Approved Education

All applicants must complete a six-hour course of study prescribed by the Secretary of State prior to appointment. Current notaries hoping to renew their commissions must complete a 3-hour refresher course prior to appointment. Notaries will need to complete the 3-hour refresher course prior to the expiration of the current notary commission.

According to the California Secretary of State, an approved course of study for notaries public will:

• Provide proper training for all notaries public;
• Provide a full understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a notary public;
• Standardize knowledge for all notaries public; and
• Reduce complaints and lawsuits due to negligence or misconduct by a notary public.

The California Secretary of State provides a full list of approved education vendors.

Register for the Exam

All notary public hopefuls must pass a state-approved written exam prior to appointment as a notary public. The exam covers topics outlined in the California State Notary Public Handbook.

For information about the test and to schedule an exam date, visit CPS HR Consulting, the state’s contracted provider.

Take (and Pass) the Exam

Familiarize yourself with your course materials and the Notary Public Handbook.

Allow plenty of time for travel in order to arrive early for your exam. Make sure to bring the following items to ensure you can take the test on your scheduled day:

• A current photo identification (e.g. California Driver’s License or Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles);
• A complete current Notary Public Application form;
• A 2″ x 2″ color passport photo of yourself;
• The Proof of Completion certificate of your six-hour or three-hour approved education course;
• The registration confirmation letter; and
• The $40.00 exam and application processing fee (or $20.00 exam fee for applicants who previously took the exam and failed). Payment must be by check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State (cash is not accepted at the exam site).

Submit Fingerprints via Live Scan

After passing your exam, you must pass a required background check by submitting your fingerprints through Live Scan. This must be completed within one year of passing the exam.

To complete the background check:

• Download the Request for Live Scan Service form found on the Secretary of State website
• Take the completed form to an authorized Live Scan provider

Await Commission Packet

The Secretary of State will mail this packet to your address of record once they approve your application and you clear the background check.

The packet includes:

• a cover letter with instructions;
• filing instructions;
• a notary public commission certificate;
• two Notary Public Oath and Certificate of Filing forms;
• a Certificate of Authorization to Manufacture Notary Public Seals; and
• a list of Authorized Manufacturers of Notary Public Seals.

Purchase Notary Public Materials

Once you receive your commission packet, you should purchase the necessary notary public supplies.

• Notary Public Bond: File an official bond with the county clerk within 30 calendar days of the commission date
• E&O Insurance: While not technically required, Errors and Omissions (or E&O) insurance protects you in the case of an error during signing, oversight, or negligence. Get a free E&O quote from Hiscox Business Insurance.
• Notary Public Journal: A notary public must keep and maintain one active sequential journal for all their notarial acts. Local stationary supply stores sell journals. Be sure that your journal has sufficient space for you to record the required entries.
• Notary Public Seal: A list of Secretary of State authorized seal manufacturers will be mailed with the notary public commission packet. These are the only manufacturers that are authorized to make notary public seals.
• Additional Notary Public supplies can be found here.

File Notary Public Oath & Bond

All newly-commissioned notaries public must file an oath of office and bond with the county clerk’s office in the county where their principal place of business is located. Notaries need to complete this step within 30 calendar days from the commencement date of their commission. There are no extensions on this 30 day period.

We recommend submitting the oath and bond in person to guarantee timely filing.

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