How to Become a Notary Public in California
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Commissioned
*This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend resources that are helpful for new notaries getting started.
If you've been thinking about becoming a California Notary Public, here's some great news: the process is more straightforward than most people expect. Whether you're looking to add a flexible income stream, enhance your existing business, or simply offer a valuable service to your community — becoming a notary is one of the smartest moves you can make.
California notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State to verify identities, witness signatures, and help prevent fraud in legal and financial documents. They play an essential role in real estate closings, estate planning, powers of attorney, and all kinds of legal paperwork. In other words, people genuinely need you.
With the right preparation, you can complete the entire process in just a few weeks. Let's walk through exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify
Before you dive in, take a moment to confirm you meet California's basic eligibility requirements. The good news is that most people do. To qualify, you'll need to:
Be at least 18 years old
Be a legal resident of California
Have no disqualifying criminal convictions
Complete a state-approved notary education course
Pass the California notary exam
Pass a background check and fingerprint screening
If you're reading this and nodding along, you're almost certainly in good shape. Most applicants sail through without any issues — as long as they follow the steps correctly (which is exactly what this guide is here to help you do).
Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Notary Training Course
California requires all new notaries to complete a 6-hour approved education course before sitting for the state exam. Think of this as your foundation — it gives you the knowledge and confidence to do the job right.
You'll cover the essentials, including:
California notary laws and procedures
How to properly verify identification
Journal requirements and record-keeping
Completing notarial certificates correctly
Avoiding the common mistakes that can invalidate a notarization
We recommend starting with Notary.net, which offers a California state-approved training course specifically designed for new notaries. Their online program includes exam prep materials and step-by-step application guidance — exactly what you need to build confidence going into test day. A solid training course genuinely makes the whole process easier, especially if this is your first time going through it.
Step 3: Pass the California Notary Exam
Once your training is complete, it's time to take the California Notary Public Exam — the official state test administered by a third-party vendor. Here's what to expect:
45 multiple-choice questions on California notary laws and procedures
A passing score of 70% or higher
Results available immediately after the test
Don't let the word "exam" intimidate you. Most applicants pass on their first attempt when they've completed a reputable training course beforehand. Focus your study time on identification rules, certificate wording, and journal requirements — those topics show up frequently.
Step 4: Submit Your Notary Application
Right at the exam site, you'll submit your Notary Public Application to the California Secretary of State. It's convenient — everything happens in one place. Your application packet will include:
Your completed application form
A 2”×2” passport-style photo
Your exam results
The application fee
After submission, the state will begin reviewing your application and kick off the background check process. You've officially entered the home stretch.
Step 5: Complete Your Live Scan Fingerprinting
California requires all notary applicants to complete a Live Scan fingerprinting background check. This is a standard part of the process — it simply confirms you meet the legal requirements for holding a notary commission.
The process is quick and painless: typically 10–20 minutes at an authorized fingerprint location, followed by 1–2 weeks for processing. Once your background check clears, the Secretary of State will give your commission the green light.
Step 6: Receive Your Notary Commission Certificate
When your application is approved, the Secretary of State will mail you your official Notary Public Commission Certificate. Congratulations — your commission is valid for four years!
That said, hold off on notarizing anything just yet. There are two final steps you need to complete before you're legally authorized to get to work. Almost there!
Step 7: Get Your Notary Supplies
Before your first notarization, California law requires you to have two essential tools on hand:
Your Notary Seal — the official stamp that goes on every notarized document.
Your Notary Journal — a bound record book where every single notarization must be logged.
This is the only notary journal I use for its ease and organization. I've personally put together a list of recommended notary supplies on my Amazon storefront so you can grab exactly what you need without the guesswork.
Step 8: File Your Oath of Office and Surety Bond
This is the final step — and once you complete it, you're officially open for business. California requires you to file two things with your county clerk's office:
Your Oath of Office
A $15,000 Notary Surety Bond
Important: this must be done within 30 days of receiving your commission certificate, so don't let it slip through the cracks. Once it's filed, you are fully authorized to begin notarizing documents throughout California. Welcome to the profession!
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Most applicants complete everything in about 3–6 weeks. Here's a rough timeline to help you plan:
Training course: 1 day
Exam scheduling and testing: 1–2 weeks
Background check processing: 1–2 weeks
Commission processing and mailing: 1–2 weeks
Pro tip: Schedule your exam early in the process. It's one of the biggest variables in the timeline, and getting it on the calendar right away keeps things moving.
What Can You Do Once You're Commissioned?
Once you have your commission in hand, you have real options. Many California notaries choose to expand into mobile notary services or loan signing work, both of which can be quite lucrative. Common services include:
Real estate loan signings
Estate planning documents
Powers of attorney
Affidavits and sworn statements
Business contracts
Mobile notaries travel directly to clients — at their home, office, or even a coffee shop — making the service more convenient and often commanding higher fees than a traditional office setting. It's a genuinely flexible way to work.
Ready to Get Started?
Becoming a California Notary Public is one of those rare opportunities where a modest investment of time and money can open the door to lasting, flexible income. The process is clear, the steps are manageable, and the demand for notary services isn't going anywhere.
Here's your quick checklist one more time:
✓ Complete a state-approved 6-hour training course
✓ Pass the California notary exam (70% or higher)
✓ Submit your application at the exam site
✓ Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
✓ Receive your commission certificate
✓ Purchase your notary seal and journal
✓ File your oath of office and surety bond with your county clerk
The best place to begin is with a solid training course. We recommend checking out Notary.net's online California notary course — it's state-approved, beginner-friendly, and includes everything you need to walk into your exam with confidence. And when you're ready to stock up on supplies, my Amazon storefront list has everything you need in one place.
You've got this. Your California notary commission is closer than you think.
*This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend resources that are helpful for new notaries getting started.
