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How to become a notary public in California. Commission term: 4 years. Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
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67% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
6 hours
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
70 (scaled)
$15,000
Bond Required
surety bond
You must be a legal resident of California (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Complete 6 hours of notary education. Must complete a state-approved 6-hour notary education course. Online courses are accepted. Education cost: $50-$150.
Must pass the California Notary Public Examination administered by CPS HR Consulting. 45 questions (40 scored + 5 unscored), 70 scaled passing score, 60 minutes. Passing score: 70 (scaled). Administered by: CPS HR Consulting (linked as www.cpshr.us under Online Registration).
Submit your application to the California Secretary of State. Application fee: $40 (exam fee) + county clerk filing fee.
Obtain a $15,000 surety bond. $15,000 surety bond required for entire commission term. Must be filed with county clerk within 30 days of commission commencement. Bond cost: $40-$80.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets California requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $250-$400.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 4 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in California. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a legal California resident.
Citizenship
No citizenship requirement explicitly stated; residency (legal California resident) is the requirement.
Background Check
Live Scan fingerprinting and background check required through the DOJ and FBI.
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
Required6 hours
Must complete a state-approved 6-hour notary education course.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
RequiredMust pass the California Notary Public Examination administered by CPS HR Consulting. 45 questions (40 scored + 5 unscored), 70 scaled passing score, 60 minutes.
Passing score: 70 (scaled)
Administered by: CPS HR Consulting (linked as www.cpshr.us under Online Registration)
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Surety Bond
Required$15,000
$15,000 surety bond required for entire commission term. Must be filed with county clerk within 30 days of commission commencement.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required but recommended.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal required. Must include name, 'Notary Public', state seal, commission number, commission expiration date, and county of principal place of business.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $40 (exam fee) + county clerk filing fee |
Bond Premium Approximate premium for $15,000 bond for 4-year term | $40-$80 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Education Course Varies by approved education provider | $50-$150 |
Total Estimated Cost Education + exam + bond + filing fees + seal + fingerprinting | $250-$400 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Complete a state-approved 6-hour education course
Pass the California Notary Public Examination ($40 exam fee)
Submit Live Scan fingerprints for background check
Obtain $15,000 surety bond
File oath of office and bond with county clerk within 30 days of commission start
Purchase notary seal and journal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Must complete education, pass exam, obtain new bond, and file new oath within 30 days.
Renewal Fee
Same as initial (exam + bond + filing fees)
Regulatory Board
California authorized remote online notarization (RON) under SB 696 (signed 2024), effective January 1, 2030. Some interim provisions may allow limited earlier adoption. RON is NOT currently operative as of March 2026.
Additional Requirements
Specific technology and identity verification requirements apply per SB 696. Full regulatory framework to be established before 2030 effective date.
What Makes California Unique
California has one of the most rigorous notary commissioning processes, requiring education, exam, fingerprinting, and background check.
California requires both education and an exam, making it one of the more rigorous states.
Live Scan fingerprinting and DOJ/FBI background check required.
A passing exam score is valid for one year.
Must file oath and bond within 30 days of commission commencement date.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) authorized under SB 696 (signed 2024) but NOT effective until January 1, 2030. RON is not currently operative in California.
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Compare approved notary courses available in California. Prices and availability verified 2026.
National Notary Association
State-approved 6-hour notary education course covering California notary duties, proper procedures, and state-specific laws as required by the Secretary of State.
6 hours · Self-paced, complete in 1-2 days
Best for: New notaries wanting the industry standard
National Notary Association
Notary Signing Agent certification recognized by signing services nationwide. Includes background screening, certification exam, and NSA ID.
8 hours · Self-paced, complete in 1-3 days
Best for: Notaries wanting loan signing agent work
Notary2Pro
Comprehensive loan signing agent training covering all document types, closing procedures, and best practices for building a signing agent business.
12 hours · Self-paced, complete in 2-5 days
Best for: Notaries wanting in-depth signing training
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
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Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Notary license to California →
Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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