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How to Become a Notary Public in California: Step by Step

Becoming a Notary in California involves these steps:

Ensure you fulfill all the necessary qualifications (must be California Resident).
Complete a six-hour course from an approved provider in California.
Fill out the California Notary Public application. and Register for the Exam
Ace the state exam. Remember to bring a photo ID, your application, a 2″x2″ color photo, your course completion certificate, a letter confirming your registration, and a $40 fee to the exam location.
Process your LiveScan fingerprinting for a background check, with locations listed by the Department of Justice.
Wait for your notary commission certificate to arrive by mail.
Secure a $15,000 surety bond.
Register your bond and oath at the county clerk’s office within 30 days.
Purchase an official Notary journal and stamp from an approved vendor.
Consider obtaining Errors and Omissions insurance for added protection (recommended by BlueNotary).

What’s the Cost to Become a Notary in California?

In California, the fee for filing an application and taking the Notary exam is $40. However, the total cost will vary based on the choices you make for the mandatory training course, surety bond, background check via live scan, passport-style photo, Notary equipment, and the fees for filing your bond and oath at the county clerk’s office.

The overall expense of obtaining your commission can also vary based on whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your Notary status. New Notaries often require additional resources, like instructional books, extra training, and access to live expert advice, which can increase initial costs.

What’s the Timeframe to Become a Notary in California?

The time from taking your Notary exam to when you receive your commission can range from two weeks to six months, largely dependent on the current backlog of applications. For a smoother application process and to minimize the risk of errors or delays, it’s advised to use the state’s fillable PDF application form online (Form SOS/NP-30 (REV 02/2024)), ensuring to print it single-sided and sign it by hand in ink, as electronic signatures are not accepted.

As of now, the California Secretary of State is processing applications that were submitted with an exam date from 10 to 12 weeks ago. Expect exam results to be available at least 15 business days post-exam. Regular updates on the processing times for commissions are posted by the California Secretary of State’s office.

What’s the Duration of a California Notary commission?

A California Notary commission is valid for four years. Post this period, you will need to renew your commission to continue as a Notary.

What are the Qualification Requirements to Become a Notary Public?

To become a Notary Public in California, applicants are required to satisfy the following criteria:

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a legal resident of California.
Cannot have been convicted of any felonies, crimes involving moral turpitude, or other offenses that are deemed incompatible with the responsibilities of a Notary Public.

Crimes considered to involve moral turpitude, which are not limited to, include offenses such as burglary, embezzlement, fraud, statutory rape, and tax evasion. For a comprehensive list, refer to pages 11-12 in the Secretary of State’s 2012 Notary Public Disciplinary Guidelines.

Additionally, candidates are required to complete the Request for LiveScan Service form and undergo electronic fingerprinting at an approved Live Scan location as part of the background verification process. The California Department of Justice provides a directory of Live Scan site locations.

Do you need training to be a Notary in CA?

Absolutely. First-timers need a six-hour course from an approved provider like the NNA. Renewing? A three-hour refresher is mandatory if you do so before your commission expires. The state’s Secretary of State office lists authorized education providers.

Is an Exam Required for California Notaries?

Yes. Both newcomers and renewers must pass a proctored written exam by Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS) with at least a 70% score. Fail? It’s $20 to try again. CPS provides exam schedules and registration info. For exam locations and sign-ups, call (916) 263-3520.

What Supplies Do I Need?

Once you’re a Notary, you’ll need an ink stamp and a journal for record-keeping. The state will give you a certificate to buy your seal from an approved vendor. Your seal must be rectangular (no larger than 1″x2.5″) or circular (max 2″ diameter) with specific details like your name, the state seal, and your commission info. Quality stamps that don’t bleed are crucial to prevent document rejection. Every notarization must be logged in your journal for accountability and legal proof of your duties.

Why Get a Surety Bond?

A $15,000 surety bond from an authorized company is state law. It compensates anyone harmed if you don’t fulfill your Notary duties properly. You’re responsible for repaying the surety for any claims made against the bond, including legal defenses.

Should I Get Errors and Omissions Insurance?

To cover potential legal fees or damages, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is advisable. It pays for legal expenses and damages up to your policy limit, often including attorney fees.

Who Oversees California Notaries?

The Office of the Secretary of State, Business Programs Division, Notary Public Section in Sacramento handles Notary administration. The Notary Handbook contains all rules and regulations.

Can non-U.S. citizens be California Notaries?

Yes, if you’re a legal state resident and meet other criteria, citizenship isn’t required.

Where Can I Find Help and Training?

Many organizations, including the NNA, offer Notary training. The Secretary of State’s website features a database of approved education providers and resources like the state Notary Public Handbook.

Where and for Whom can I Notarize?

You can notarize anywhere in California for any public member who meets all notarization requirements. You cannot notarize if you have a direct interest in the document. Notarizing for relatives is allowed unless it benefits you directly. Agreements with employers about notarization limitations and expenses are permissible.

What Fees Can California Notaries Charge?

California Notaries can charge up to $15 per act. You may add travel fees if the signer agrees beforehand.

What if My Details Change?

Report any address or name changes to the Secretary of State. For address changes, use the Notary Public Address Change form or a letter within 30 days. Name changes require a Notary Public Name Change form and a new seal with your updated name.

How do I Renew my Commission?

Renewal is similar to the initial process but requires only a three-hour course if done before expiry. Start six months in advance to avoid notarization gaps. You can get your new commission 30 days before the old one expires.

What about remote online notarization (RON) in California?

RON laws were passed, but the Secretary of State must set rules before it’s implemented. California Notaries likely need to wait until at least 2025 for RON or later. We’ll update with a guide once more information is available.

That said, Californian citizens are allowed to get their documents notarized by notaries online in other states essentially allowing them to join the rest of the union with getting notarized from home.

How to Become a Notary Public in California