California Notary Exam Guide 2026
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Exam in a week or two? Here is what California Secretary of State materials say about the California notary exam and commission, plus the free 20-question practice test so you can see where you stand.
California notary exam at a glance
| Who gives it | CPS HR Consulting, for the Secretary of State |
|---|---|
| Format | 45 multiple-choice items (40 scored, 5 unscored), closed book |
| Time limit | 60 minutes |
| Passing score | Scaled score of at least 70 (not a percentage) |
| Exam fee | $40 for new and reappointment applicants; $20 if you failed your last exam |
| Retakes | No more than once per calendar month |
| Content areas | Administrative procedures; notarial acts and documentation; identification and subscribing witnesses; immigration and foreign language; misconduct and fees |
| Bring | Completed application, 2x2 color passport photo, course completion certificate, fee, and No. 2 pencils |
California notary exam myths, checked against the rule text
Printable PDF: 25 more practice questions with answer key and sources
How to become a notary in California
- Be at least 18 and a California resident.
- Complete a six-hour course approved by the Secretary of State (a three-hour refresher can count only for reappointment if you completed the six-hour course before and apply before your commission expires).
- Register for and pass the CPS HR exam.
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting for the background check (instructions are mailed after you pass).
- When your commission is issued, file your oath of office and a $15,000 surety bond with your county clerk within 30 calendar days.
Every California requirement and step, quoted from the official source
California notary fees
| Exam (new/reappointment) | $40 |
|---|---|
| Exam after failing the last one | $20 |
| Surety bond | $15,000 bond required (you pay the bonding company's premium) |
| Max notary fee: acknowledgment | $15 per signature |
| Max notary fee: oath/affirmation | $15 |
Full California notary fee schedule: what a notary can charge, with the statute text
Renewing a California commission: when to apply and what happens if it lapses
California notary stamp and seal rules: what it must show, size and ink, and who owns it
Study plan if your California exam is in 7 or 14 days
Built only from facts already listed on this page and in 2026 California Notary Public Handbook. No pass-rate claims.
If your exam is in about 7 days
- Re-read 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (or the sections covering the topics you missed).
- Take the free practice test on this site and note weak topics.
- Review the official facts: Format: 45 multiple-choice items (40 scored, 5 unscored), closed book; Time limit: 60 minutes; Passing score: Scaled score of at least 70 (not a percentage); Exam fee: $40 for new and reappointment applicants; $20 if you failed your last exam; Content areas: Administrative procedures; notarial acts and documentation; identification and subscribing witnesses; immigration and foreign language; misconduct and fees; Bring: Completed application, 2x2 color passport photo, course completion certificate, fee, and No. 2 pencils.
- Confirm you have finished any required prep step: Complete a six-hour course approved by the Secretary of State (a three-hour refresher can count only for reappointment if you completed the six-hour course before and apply before your commission expires).
If your exam is in about 14 days
- Spread handbook study over several sittings: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook.
- Work through the free practice test more than once, focusing on missed topics.
- Check remaining application or exam-registration steps with California Secretary of State.
- Register for and pass the CPS HR exam.
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting for the background check (instructions are mailed after you pass).
Practice for the California exam
Free sample: 20 questions with explanations and source quotes (not a full-length timed exam). Want more? Unlock the full bank of 168.
Start free California test (20 questions) See the full bank
Ready for a full sitting? Take the free 45-question timed practice exam (60 minutes).
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the California notary exam?
45 multiple-choice items, of which 40 are scored and 5 are unscored, with a 60-minute limit (per CPS HR Consulting).
What score do I need to pass?
A scaled score of at least 70. CPS HR notes that a scaled score is not a percentage.
How much does the exam cost?
$40 for new and reappointment applicants, or $20 if you failed your last exam.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. These are original practice questions written from the 2026 Notary Public Handbook and the Government Code. They are not actual exam questions.
Next steps after you pass
Bond, seal, journal and other things to set up once you are commissioned: after you’re commissioned in California.
Independent study aid. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any state agency, exam vendor or course provider. All questions are original practice questions written from official public sources; they are not actual exam questions. Laws and fees change, so confirm details with the official source before you rely on them. Official sources: CA Secretary of State: Notary qualifications, 2026 Notary Public Handbook (PDF), CPS HR Consulting: California notary exam.
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