Becoming a California notary public is a sequence of state-mandated steps. This page sets out each one in order.
The steps are: confirm you meet the eligibility requirements; complete a six-hour education course from a Secretary of State-approved vendor; register for and pass the state examination; submit fingerprints via Live Scan; pass a background check; file a $15,000 surety bond and your oath of office with your county clerk within 30 days of your commission date; and obtain your notary seal and journal.
The education course is the first step, and it must come from an approved vendor.
Education required before first commission
Six hours, from a state-approved vendor
Education required to renew
Three hours, if your commission has not expired
Surety bond
$15,000, filed with your county clerk
Filing deadline
Within 30 days of the commission start date
Commission term
Four years
Finished the course? Your next steps, in detail
You finished the course. Here is what happens next. — You have your Proof of Completion. Here is exactly what to do next, in order: register for the state exam, what to bring, Live Scan, your commission packet, the bond and oath, and your seal and journal.
What to bring on California notary exam day — The six items you must bring to the California notary exam, the fee and how to pay it, the passing score, how long results take, and what happens if you fail. Verified against the Secretary of State's requirements.
How to schedule your California notary exam — Where and how to register for the California notary public exam with CPS HR Consulting: the website, the phone number, when to book, what the confirmation letter is for, and what to do if no seats are available near you.
After the exam: Live Scan, your commission packet, bond, oath, seal and journal — What happens after you pass the California notary exam: Live Scan fingerprinting within one year, the commission packet, filing your $15,000 bond and oath of office with the county clerk within 30 days, and ordering your seal and journal.
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.