How to become a notary in California
Notaries in California are commissioned by the California Secretary of State, Notary Public Section. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in California?
- At least 18 years old
- Legal California resident
- Complete a state-approved course of study
- Pass the state written exam
- Clear a fingerprint background check and disclose all convictions
What are the California notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | California Secretary of State, Notary Public Section |
|---|---|
| Training required | Yes. New applicants must complete an approved six-hour course; reappointing notaries who already took the six-hour course may take a three-hour refresher if reapplying before their commission expires. |
| Exam required | Yes. Written exam administered by CPS HR Consulting for the Secretary of State; $20 retake fee. |
| Surety bond | $15,000 |
| Application fee | $40.00 (paid at the exam site by check or money order) |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Not yet: SB 696 (Online Notarization Act) becomes operative when the Secretary of State certifies its technology project or by January 1, 2030, whichever is earlier; until then signers must appear in person. |
Steps to become a notary in California
- Complete an approved six-hour notary education course
- Register for and take the state exam, submitting the application and $40 fee at the exam site
- After passing, submit fingerprints through Live Scan
- Wait for your commission packet from the Secretary of State
- Buy a $15,000 surety bond and order your seal with the authorization sent to you
- File your oath of office and bond with your county clerk within 30 calendar days of the commission start date
How do you find a notary in California?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official California notary lookup.