Becoming a notary in Los Angeles County
The state steps are the same everywhere in California. What changes in Los Angeles County is where and how you file your oath and bond. Los Angeles County handles more notary filings than anywhere else in the state, and in-person filing runs on appointments booked online.
Updated October 31, 2026. Facts from the California Secretary of State and the county clerk; sources at the bottom.
- File with
- Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
- Deadline
- 30 days from commission start
- Bond
- $15,000
Where to file your oath and bond
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Business Filings and Registration
Certified mail: 12400 Imperial Hwy, Room 1201, Norwalk, CA 90650. Regular mail: P.O. Box 1208, Norwalk, CA 90651-1208.
How to file
Book an in-person appointment online (up to three weeks ahead), or file by mail with an oath notarized by a Los Angeles County notary. District offices do not process mail requests.
Filing fees
The county lists a $48 registration and bond recording fee (clerk's fee $16, filing fee $7, $25 for the first page), plus $3 for each additional page and a $1.75 service fee for card payments.
Good to know
- Appointments fill up, so book as soon as your commission arrives.
Taking the state exam
Exam sites on the current CPS HR schedule include Torrance (El Camino College) and Valencia (College of the Canyons). Check the CPS HR schedule for current dates, and practice first with Notary Exam Prep.
The rest of the process
Before you can file, you need to complete an approved 6-hour course, pass the exam, get fingerprinted and receive your commission. Our step-by-step guide covers each step, and our cost breakdown compares filing fees across counties.
Common questions
Where do I file my notary oath and bond in Los Angeles County?
With the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Business Filings and Registration. Certified mail: 12400 Imperial Hwy, Room 1201, Norwalk, CA 90650. Regular mail: P.O. Box 1208, Norwalk, CA 90651-1208.
How long do I have to file?
30 calendar days from the start of your commission. The Secretary of State says the deadline can't be extended.
Can I file by mail in Los Angeles County?
Book an in-person appointment online (up to three weeks ahead), or file by mail with an oath notarized by a Los Angeles County notary. District offices do not process mail requests.
Sources
- Los Angeles County: Notary oath and bond registration
- Secretary of State: Oath and bond
- California Notary Public Handbook (2026)
Golden State Notary Pro is an independent education company, not a government agency. Rules and fees change; confirm with the official source before you act.
Related guides
Practice before you sit the state exam.
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