How to Become a Notary in California.

To qualify for a California notary commission you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a legal resident of California.
• Have no disqualifying criminal history — a felony conviction generally bars commission, and certain misdemeanors are reviewed case by case.
• Have never had a prior notary commission revoked or denied in California or another state.

California is one of the few states that mandates training before you can sit for the exam. First-time applicants must complete a 6-hour course approved by the Secretary of State, covering notarial law, procedures, and liability. Renewing notaries who apply within one year of their commission's expiration only need a 3-hour refresher course.

Courses are offered in person and online through Secretary of State-approved vendors, typically costing $40–$60.

1. Register for the exam through the Secretary of State's exam vendor after completing your course.
2. Bring required documents — government-issued photo ID and your course completion certificate.
3. Pass the proctored, multiple-choice exam covering CA notary law and procedure. The exam fee is roughly $40.
4. If you don't pass, you may retake the exam after completing the course again.

After passing the exam, California requires fingerprint-based Live Scan background screening through the Department of Justice and FBI. Schedule this at any Live Scan-certified location — cost is typically around $40, separate from the exam and course fees. Results are sent directly to the Secretary of State.

California requires every notary to file a $15,000 surety bond — the highest base bond amount of any state — covering the full 4-year commission term. The bond protects the public, not the notary, against financial losses from notarial errors or misconduct.

• Cost: typically $40–$80 for the 4-year term from a licensed CA bonding company.
• The bond must be filed with your county clerk within 30 days of your commission's start date, or your commission becomes void.
• Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is optional but strongly recommended — most CA notaries carry $10,000–$100,000 in E&O coverage.

California's filing flow runs through both the state and your local county clerk:

1. Submit your application, exam results, and Live Scan clearance to the Secretary of State.
2. Once approved, the Secretary of State issues your commission certificate by mail.
3. File your oath of office and $15,000 bond with the county clerk in the county where you maintain your principal place of business — within 30 days of the commission start date.
4. Your commission becomes searchable in the public Secretary of State notary database.
5. You may begin notarizing once your oath and bond are on file with the county clerk.

• Notary seal or stamp — required. Must include your name as commissioned, "Notary Public," "State of California," your county, and your commission expiration date. Cost: $15–$40.
• Notary journal — required by law for every notarial act, including a thumbprint for certain document types (deeds, powers of attorney). Cost: $15–$30.
• Certificates and acknowledgment forms — California has specific statutory certificate wording; keep compliant blank templates on hand.
• Errors & Omissions insurance — optional but recommended.

California notary commissions last 4 years. Renewal is not automatic — you must retake the course and exam:

• Start the renewal process 60–90 days before your expiration date to avoid a lapse.
• Complete the 3-hour refresher course (if renewing within one year of expiration) or the full 6-hour course (if lapsed longer).
• Retake and pass the state exam — California does not waive re-testing for renewals.
• File a new $15,000 surety bond and oath with your county clerk.
• Order a new seal reflecting your new commission expiration date and start a new journal.