How to become a notary in California

Step by step

1. Check that you qualify — 18+, Legal resident of California at the time of appointment (narrow exception in Gov. Code 8203.1 for persons on military/naval reservations). No commission for non-residents who only work in California; Must disclose all convictions and pending arrests (including 1203.4 dismissals). The SOS recommends denial for failure to disclose, a felony unless 10+ years have passed since probation ended, a disqualifying misdemeanor unless 5+ years have passed, or aggravating facts. Applicants out of compliance with child support orders get temporary commissions.
2. Take the required notary course — 6 hours — SOS-approved 6-hour course from an approved vendor before the exam; required again for anyone whose commission has expired. Current notaries renewing before expiration may take a 3-hour refresher. The Proof of Completion certificate is valid for 2 years.
3. Pass the notary exam — Written exam administered by CPS HR Consulting (register at notary.cpshr.us). Bring the completed application, Proof of Completion, 2x2 color passport photo, photo ID, registration letter and the $40 fee (check/money order to the Secretary of State). Score of 70 or more passes; results mailed in about 15 business days; retake fee $20, no more than once per calendar month.
4. Buy a $15,000 surety bond — $15,000 surety bond from an admitted surety, filed with the county clerk of the county of your principal place of business together with the oath within 30 calendar days of the commission start date.
5. Complete the background check — Live Scan fingerprints (California DOJ and FBI) after passing the exam and within one year of the exam date; no commission is issued until the DOJ/FBI report clears.
6. Apply to the California Secretary of State - Notary Public Section — Pay the $40 state fee. Other fees: $40 covers the exam and application processing ($20 per exam retake). Live Scan fingerprint fees (DOJ and FBI processing fee plus the site's rolling fee) paid at the Live Scan site; county clerk fees to file the oath and bond; course tuition set by the vendor; bond premium; seal and journal.
7. Take the oath and file it — Commission packet is mailed after approval and the background check. Take the oath and file it with the $15,000 bond at the county clerk of your principal place of business within 30 calendar days of the commission start date (in person recommended; mail by certified/receipted delivery allowed). The 30-day limit cannot be extended - miss it and the commission is void.
8. Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: photographically reproducible rubber stamp (embosser only in addition) with the State Seal, 'Notary Public', name as commissioned, county where oath and bond were filed, expiration date, commission number and manufacturer ID; circular up to 2 in. or rectangular up to 1 x 2.5 in. with serrated border. Buy only from an SOS-authorized seal manufacturer using the certificate of authorization; keep it locked. Journal: Required: one active sequential journal kept locked; signer's right thumbprint required for documents affecting real property and for powers of attorney.

Notary packages & supplies

• National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
• Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies

Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches California's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.