Becoming a notary in San Diego County
The state steps are the same everywhere in California. What changes in San Diego County is where and how you file your oath and bond. San Diego County is one of the easier places to file: no appointment, and four offices from Chula Vista to San Marcos.
Updated October 31, 2026. Facts from the California Secretary of State and the county clerk; sources at the bottom.
- File with
- San Diego County Recorder/County Clerk
- Deadline
- 30 days from commission start
- Bond
- $15,000
Where to file your oath and bond
San Diego County Recorder/County Clerk
County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101. Mail: P.O. Box 121750, San Diego, CA 92112-1750.
How to file
No appointment is required. You can file downtown or at the Chula Vista (590 3rd Ave.), Santee (10144 Mission Gorge Rd.) or San Marcos (141 E. Carmel St.) offices. Filing is not available at the Kearny Mesa office. Mail filing works after you take your oath before a San Diego County notary.
Filing fees
The county lists a $64 filing fee and a $14 recording fee for the first page, plus $3 for each additional page and a $2.50 card surcharge.
Good to know
- Mailed documents must be received at least two weeks before your deadline. Postmarks don't count.
- Offices are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Taking the state exam
The current CPS HR schedule lists an exam site in Poway. 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 Diego County?
With the San Diego County Recorder/County Clerk. County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101. Mail: P.O. Box 121750, San Diego, CA 92112-1750.
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 Diego County?
No appointment is required. You can file downtown or at the Chula Vista (590 3rd Ave.), Santee (10144 Mission Gorge Rd.) or San Marcos (141 E. Carmel St.) offices. Filing is not available at the Kearny Mesa office. Mail filing works after you take your oath before a San Diego County notary.
Sources
- San Diego County: Notary oath and bond
- San Diego County: Office locations
- 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
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