How to Become a Notary in California

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

18 Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

Yes

Exam Required

Yes

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

Yes

Commission Term

4 Years

Journal Required

Yes

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in California

Education:

Education is required from an approved provider. Approved providers are noted by county on https://notaryeducation.sos.ca.gov/

Education Final:

Yes, must complete an approved training course.

Exam:

All applicants seeking appointment as a notary public, will be required to satisfactorily pass a written exam prior to appointment as a notary public. Learn More at: https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/checklist/registration

Exam Final:

Yes, an exam is required

Background Check:

Before submitting fingerprints via Live Scan, applicants must first take and pass the notary public exam. Prior to granting commissions as notaries public, applicants must complete a background check. To assist in determining the fitness of the applicants to hold the position of notary public, applicants are legally required to be fingerprinted. https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/checklist/fingerprints

Background Check Final:

Yes, must complete an authorized backround check

Bond:

A notary 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. This must be done within 30 calendar days from the commencement date of the commission. This 30 day period cannot be extended. https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/checklist/bond

Bond Final:

Yes, a bond is required

Applictation:

The application and all forms are available online at: https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/forms

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies:

Once the notary public commission packet has been received, the next step would be to purchase the notary public supplies. See https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/checklist/materials

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

File Oath And Commission:

File Oath And Commission Final:

Yes, an Oath is required

Other (optional)

Calfornia has one of the strictest prcesses for becoming a notary. Please review the California Secreatary of States website and manual thoroughly before procedeing

Other Final (optional)

Calfornia has one of the strictest prcesses for becoming a notary. Please review the California Secreatary of States website and manual thoroughly before procedeing

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California Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

The Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing notary commissions within the State, as well as authenticating the signatures of California public officials and notaries public.

Always Verify the Information with your State’s Official Notary Licensing Agency.