How to become a notary in California

The steps at a glance

1. Check that you qualify. You must be at least 18, a legal California resident, and able to pass a background check.
2. Complete a 6-hour course from an approved vendor. The Secretary of State publishes the list of approved vendors. Keep your proof of completion; you bring it to the exam.
3. Register for and pass the state exam. CPS HR Consulting runs it for the state: 45 questions in one hour, and you need a scaled score of at least 70. Bring the $40 application fee as a check or money order.
4. Get fingerprinted through Live Scan. Do this after you pass, and within one year of the exam.
5. Receive your commission. The Secretary of State mails your commission once your background check clears.
6. Get your $15,000 bond, take your oath, and file both with your county clerk within 30 calendar days of the start of your commission. The deadline can't be extended.
7. Buy your seal and journal and start notarizing.

Who can become a notary

California requires that you be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of California, that you complete an approved course of study, pass the written exam, and clear a background check. The Secretary of State can refuse a commission for certain criminal convictions and for failing to disclose any arrest or conviction on your application.

The 6-hour course

Every first-time applicant must complete a 6-hour course of study from a vendor approved by the Secretary of State, and the state says this applies "no matter how many commission terms held in the past." Check any provider against the official vendor list before you pay.

Our own 6-hour course is built and waiting on state approval, so it isn't on that list yet. You can join the waitlist and we'll email you the day it opens.

The state exam

The exam is run by CPS HR Consulting: 45 multiple-choice items with a one-hour limit, five of them unscored, and you need a scaled score of at least 70 to pass. Plan on two to three hours at the site. Read our full exam guide, and practice with Notary Exam Prep before exam day.

Fingerprints and background check

After you pass the exam, get fingerprinted through Live Scan within one year. You pay a fingerprint processing fee plus a rolling fee at the Live Scan site; the state doesn't publish one set price, so ask the location.

Your commission, oath and bond

Once your background check clears, the Secretary of State mails your commission. From the start date on it, you have 30 calendar days to buy a $15,000 surety bond, take your oath of office, and file both with the county clerk in the county where your principal place of business is. The state says this deadline can't be extended. Each county runs this a little differently:

• San Bernardino County
• Riverside County
• Los Angeles County
• Orange County
• San Diego County
• Ventura County

Common questions

Sources

• California Notary Public Handbook (2026)
• Secretary of State: Complete approved education
• Secretary of State: Approved education vendors
• Secretary of State: Notary forms and fees
• Secretary of State: Fingerprints
• Secretary of State: Oath and bond
• CPS HR: Notary exam information

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

• The California notary exam
• Renewing a California notary commission
• What it costs to become a notary in California
• All guides