Becoming a notary in San Bernardino County
The state steps are the same everywhere in California. What changes in San Bernardino County is where and how you file your oath and bond. San Bernardino is the largest county in the lower 48 states, so where you file matters. The main filing office is on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino, and High Desert residents can use the Hesperia branch.
Updated October 31, 2026. Facts from the California Secretary of State and the county clerk; sources at the bottom.
- File with
- San Bernardino County Recorder-County Clerk
- Deadline
- 30 days from commission start
- Bond
- $15,000
Where to file your oath and bond
San Bernardino County Recorder-County Clerk, County Clerk Division
222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415. There is also a branch at the Hesperia High Desert Government Center.
How to file
In person by appointment only, or by certified mail. Mail filing only works if you took your oath before a notary in San Bernardino County.
Filing fees
The county lists a Notary Public Filing fee of $90, a Bond for Notary fee of $55 and a Recording fee of $14 (plus $3 for each additional page), and adds a 3.5% surcharge for card payments. Call the county to confirm what you'll owe for your filing.
Good to know
- The county states that no extensions or exceptions to the 30-day filing deadline are permitted.
- Phone: (909) 387-8306, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hesperia: (760) 995-8065.
- Your name must match exactly on your commission, oath and bond.
Taking the state exam
The closest exam site on the current CPS HR schedule is in Ontario. 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 San Bernardino County?
With the San Bernardino County Recorder-County Clerk, County Clerk Division. 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415. There is also a branch at the Hesperia High Desert Government Center.
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 San Bernardino County?
In person by appointment only, or by certified mail. Mail filing only works if you took your oath before a notary in San Bernardino County.
Sources
- San Bernardino County: Notary public filing
- San Bernardino County form ARC 230 (Rev. 07/01/2026)
- 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.
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