How to Become a Notary in California (2026): Requirements, Cost & Steps
California has the most detailed notary requirements in the United States. The state has approximately 300,000 active notaries, the most of any state, and the process to become one involves mandatory education, a state-administered exam, a background check, and a surety bond. This guide walks through every step to become a California notary in 2026.
California Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Must be a legal resident of California |
| Education | 6-hour state-approved notary course |
| Exam | Written exam, proctored by an approved vendor |
| Background check | Live Scan fingerprinting |
| Bond | $15,000 surety bond |
| Stamp | Ink stamp only (no embossers). Rectangular, with specific required information |
| Journal | Required — paper bound journal only (no electronic) |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Total cost | $150 to $250 (all fees combined) |
| Timeline | 4 to 8 weeks from start to commission |
Step-by-Step: How to Become a California Notary
Step 1: Complete a 6-Hour Notary Education Course
California requires all new notary applicants (and renewals) to complete a 6-hour education course from a state-approved provider. The course covers California notary law, proper identification procedures, journal requirements, and common notarial acts.
Approved course options:
- In-person seminars (offered by NNA, Notary2Pro, and other providers)
- Online courses (self-paced, typically $50 to $100)
- Live webinars
The course must be completed within the 12 months before filing your application. You will receive a certificate of completion that must be submitted with your application.
Cost: $50 to $100 for online, $100 to $175 for in-person
Step 2: Pass the California Notary Exam
After completing the education course, you must pass a written exam. The exam is:
- 30 questions, multiple choice
- Passing score: 70% (21 out of 30 correct)
- Time limit: 1 hour
- Administered by: Approved proctoring services (not the Secretary of State directly)
- Topics covered: California notary laws, fees, identification requirements, journal entries, certificate wording, and prohibited acts
The exam is open-book — you can bring your course materials. However, you must answer without electronic devices.
Cost: $20 to $40 (exam fee to the proctoring service)
Step 3: Submit Live Scan Fingerprints
California requires a background check via Live Scan fingerprinting. You must go to an approved Live Scan site (found on the California DOJ website) and have your fingerprints taken electronically.
The Live Scan request form must include the Secretary of State as the requesting agency. The results are sent directly to the Secretary of State.
Disqualifying offenses: Felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, and notary-related violations may disqualify you. Some convictions may be eligible for waiver — the Secretary of State reviews each case individually.
Cost: $41 (DOJ processing) + $15 to $25 (Live Scan site fee) = approximately $55 to $65
Step 4: Purchase a $15,000 Surety Bond
California requires a $15,000 surety bond. The bond protects the public (not you) if you make an error that causes financial harm. The bond must be filed with the county clerk in the county where your principal place of business is located.
Cost: $40 to $60 per year (annual premium, paid for the 4-year term)
Where to buy: National Notary Association, Notary.net, or any licensed surety company.
Step 5: File Your Application with the Secretary of State
Submit the following to the California Secretary of State:
- Completed notary public application form
- Course completion certificate
- Exam passage confirmation
- Filing fee
Application fee: $20 (filed online through the Secretary of State website)
Step 6: Take the Oath of Office and File with the County Clerk
After the Secretary of State approves your application and commission:
- Take the official oath of office before the county clerk in your county of principal business
- File your oath and bond with the county clerk
- This must be done within 30 days of receiving your commission certificate
County filing fee: $20 to $50 (varies by county)
Step 7: Purchase Your Notary Stamp and Journal
California has strict stamp and journal requirements:
Stamp requirements:
- Ink stamp only (embossers not accepted since 2017)
- Rectangular shape
- Must include: your name, “Notary Public,” county of commission, “California,” commission number, expiration date, and the state seal
Journal requirements:
- Bound paper journal with sequentially numbered pages (electronic journals not permitted for in-person notarizations)
- Must record: date, time, document type, signer name, ID type and number, signer’s thumbprint (for deeds, POAs, and certain documents), fee charged
Cost: $20 to $40 (stamp) + $15 to $25 (journal)
Total Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Education course | $50-100 |
| Exam fee | $20-40 |
| Live Scan fingerprinting | $55-65 |
| Surety bond (4-year term) | $160-240 |
| Secretary of State filing fee | $20 |
| County clerk filing fee | $20-50 |
| Stamp | $20-40 |
| Journal | $15-25 |
| Total | $360-580 |
Many vendors offer notary supply packages that bundle the bond, stamp, journal, and sometimes the course at a discount, reducing total costs to $250 to $400.
How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Education course | 1 day (in-person) or 1-2 days (online self-paced) |
| Schedule and pass exam | 1-2 weeks |
| Live Scan processing | 1-2 weeks |
| Secretary of State processing | 2-4 weeks |
| County clerk oath and filing | 1 day |
| Total | 4-8 weeks |
California Notary Fees
As a California notary, you can charge up to $15 per notarial act. If you offer mobile services, you can charge additional travel fees — California does not cap travel charges.
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $15 per signature |
| Jurat | $15 per signature |
| Certified copy of a power of attorney | $15 |
| Oath or affirmation | No statutory fee (typically $15 or included) |
| Mobile notary travel fee | No state cap (typically $25-75) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in California?
The total cost ranges from $360 to $580, including education, exam, fingerprinting, bond, filing fees, stamp, and journal. Many vendors offer packages that reduce this to $250 to $400.
Do I need to be a California resident to become a California notary?
Yes. You must be a legal resident of the State of California. You do not need to be a US citizen, but you must have legal residency status.
Can I take the California notary exam online?
The exam must be proctored, but some approved providers offer remote proctoring. Check the Secretary of State website for current approved exam providers and formats.
How long is a California notary commission?
Four years from the date of commission. You must complete a new 6-hour education course and retake the exam to renew.
Can California notaries use an embosser seal?
No. Since 2017, California requires an ink stamp only. Embosser seals are not accepted as the official notary seal.
How much can a California notary earn?
A part-time mobile notary in California can earn $1,000 to $3,000 per month. Loan signing agents in California often earn $3,000 to $8,000 per month. See our notary income guide for more details.
Already a California notary? List yourself on FindNotary.io to connect with clients in your area. Or explore notary fees, journal requirements, and loan signing agent careers.