How to Become a Notary in California (2026): Requirements and Steps

Residency

Legal resident of California.

“Be a legal resident of the State of California;”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

Age

At least 18.

“Be at least 18 years of age;”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

Education

Approved six-hour course.

“Satisfactorily complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State;”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

Exam

Pass the state exam.

“Pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State; and”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

Background check

Pass it.

“Pass a background check.”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

Convictions

Disclose all; some disqualify.

“Notary applicants are required to disclose on their applications all arrests for which trials are pending and all convictions, including convictions that have been dismissed under Penal Code section 1203.4 or 1203.4a.”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

1. Take an approved six-hour course

Required for everyone, every new appointment.

“Please note that all persons being appointed, no matter how many commission terms held in the past, are required to take the initial six-hour course of study.”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

2. Take the exam and hand in your application

Application and photo go in at the exam site. The exam itself: 45 items (40 scored), 60 minutes, $40.

“a completed application and a 2” x 2” color passport photograph of the applicant shall be submitted at the examination site”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

“The examination is a total of 45 items with a one hour time limit.”

Source: CPS HR Consulting: Notary Public exam information

“There are 40 items on the below content areas. There are also five non-scored items on the exam, these items do not count against a candidate’s exam score”

Source: CPS HR Consulting: Notary Public exam information

“Payment of fee : $40 for new/reappointments and $20 for applicants who failed their last exam.”

Source: CPS HR Consulting: California Notary exam FAQ

“Fees are made payable to Secretary of State.”

Source: CPS HR Consulting: California Notary exam FAQ

3. Get fingerprinted (Live Scan)

Instructions arrive after you pass.

“Information concerning the fingerprinting requirements will be mailed to applicants who pass the examination.”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

4. File your oath and bond within 30 days

With the county clerk.

“Once the commission has been issued, a person has 30 calendar days from the beginning of the term prescribed in the commission to take, subscribe, and file an oath of office and file a $15,000 surety bond with the county clerk’s office.”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

“The commission does not take effect until the oath and bond are filed with the county clerk’s office.”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)

Reappointment course

Three-hour refresher, only before your commission expires.

“The three-hour refresher course can only be used to satisfy the education requirement if the notary public is applying for a new commission before their current commission has expired.”

Source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (reprints the Government Code)