California Secretary of State-approved notary education, online

Notary Approved is an education vendor approved by the California Secretary of State to provide the notary public education California law requires. The six-hour course is approved under Approval ID 608495 and the three-hour refresher under Approval ID 308494.

California requires a six-hour approved course before your first commission, and a three-hour refresher course to renew an unexpired commission. Both are offered here, entirely online and self-paced.

On finishing a course you receive a Proof of Completion, which the Secretary of State requires you to present when you sit the state examination.

Frequently asked questions

Which California notary course do I need?

The six-hour course is the full education course for first-time applicants and others who are not eligible for the refresher. The three-hour refresher is only for eligible renewing California notaries who meet the state's renewal conditions. Your eligibility depends on your commission status, previous education and renewal timing.

Can a first-time applicant take the three-hour course?

No. First-time applicants should take the six-hour California notary education course.

What if my current notary commission has expired?

An expired commission generally requires the full six-hour education course rather than the three-hour refresher.

Is NotaryApproved approved by the California Secretary of State?

Yes. Both courses are approved: the six-hour course under Approval ID 608495 and the three-hour refresher under Approval ID 308494. Approval means the courses are authorized for the applicable education requirement. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of NotaryApproved by the California Secretary of State.

What do I receive after completing the course?

After you complete all course requirements, you receive a Proof of Completion, which is accessed through your NotaryApproved account.

Does the course include the state examination?

No. The state examination, application, fingerprinting, background check, surety bond, notary seal and issuance of your commission are all separate from the education course.

Can I complete the course on a mobile device?

Yes. The course content and instructional-time requirements work on mobile devices as well as desktop.

Can I stop and continue later?

Yes. Your course progress is saved to your account, so you can stop and resume where you left off.

How do I get help?

Written support is provided by email at info@notaryapproved.com.

Notary Approved is a notary public education vendor approved by the California Secretary of State. Approval means the courses are authorized for the applicable education requirement. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of NotaryApproved by the California Secretary of State.