California notary guides
Plain-English answers about becoming and staying a California notary, checked against the Secretary of State's own pages.
Getting your commission
How to become a notary in California
The 7 steps to a California notary commission in 2026: eligibility, the 6-hour course, the state exam, Live Scan, your commission, and filing your oath and bond.
The California notary exam
What to expect on the 2026 California notary exam: 45 questions in one hour, a scaled score of 70 to pass, the $40 fee, what to bring, where to test, and how to prepare.
Renewing your California notary commission
California notaries don't renew automatically. Learn when you can take the 3-hour refresher instead of the 6-hour course, the exam, and the deadlines for reappointment in 2026.
What it costs to become a notary in California
Every cost of becoming a California notary in 2026: the course, the $40 exam fee, Live Scan, the $15,000 bond, county filing fees by county, and your seal and journal.
County guides: filing your oath and bond
Becoming a notary in San Bernardino County
Where and how to file your notary oath and $15,000 bond in San Bernardino County, California: the county clerk office, filing options, fees, deadlines and nearby exam sites.
Becoming a notary in Riverside County
Where and how to file your notary oath and $15,000 bond in Riverside County, California: the county clerk office, filing options, fees, deadlines and nearby exam sites.
Becoming a notary in Los Angeles County
Where and how to file your notary oath and $15,000 bond in Los Angeles County, California: the county clerk office, filing options, fees, deadlines and nearby exam sites.
Becoming a notary in Orange County
Where and how to file your notary oath and $15,000 bond in Orange County, California: the county clerk office, filing options, fees, deadlines and nearby exam sites.
Becoming a notary in San Diego County
Where and how to file your notary oath and $15,000 bond in San Diego County, California: the county clerk office, filing options, fees, deadlines and nearby exam sites.
Becoming a notary in Ventura County
Where and how to file your notary oath and $15,000 bond in Ventura County, California: the county clerk office, filing options, fees, deadlines and nearby exam sites.
Practice before you sit the state exam.
Notary Exam Prep is open now: a practice exam plus exam-day strategy lessons, $19.99 one-time.