How to Become a Notary Public in California
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New or Renewing California Notary Supply Package
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How to Become a Notary Public in California
Step by Step Instructions
How to Become a Notary Public in California
Step-by-step instructions on how to become a notary public in California. If you are looking for an answer to a specific question, scroll down to Additional Info.
Source: https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/qualifications.
1. Mandatory Education: California requires new notaries to take a six-hour notary training course. Renewing notaries are required to take a three-hour notary course.
- Take the mandatory 6-hour training seminar
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- LIVE California Notary Classes - $125 or
- ONLINE Notary Class - $49.95
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2. State Exam: All applicants seeking appointment as a notary public, will be required to satisfactorily pass a written exam prior to appointment as a notary public. Please refer to the following links for exam materials: the California Notary Public Handbook, the California Notary Public Application, and California Notary Testing Information.
- Take the state-administered test (the California notary exam is proctored the same day as the LIVE seminar)
- Bring a $40 check payable to: Secretary of State
- Bring a 2"x2" Color "Passport" Photograph ($10-$15 at seminar)
- Bring a valid photo ID
How do I register for the California Notary State Exam?
- Call CPS at (916) 263-3520; or
- Go online to: https://www.cpshr.us/exam-registration/notary/registration/
- You must register at least two weeks in advance to guarantee a seat.
3. Test Scores: You will receive a letter in the mail saying "You have passed." Test results should be posted 8-10 business days after the exam. To see your score, you can go online to: https://cmas.cpshr.us/CMAS/Login.aspx to view your test score. To obtain your password, call CPS at (916) 263-3520.
4. Live Scan: Submit live scan fingerprints to the Department of Justice and FBI for your thorough background check. The Live Scan application is included with your mailed test results. Alternatively, you can access the California Notary Live Scan Form.
5. Await Commission Packet: Wait for your commission paperwork to arrive (4-12 weeks from exam date). The notary public commission packet will be mailed once the application has been approved and after the applicant has passed the background check. The notary public commission packet includes:
- a cover letter with instructions;
- filing instructions;
- a notary public commission certificate;
- two Notary Public Oath and Certificate of Filing forms;
- a Certificate of Authorization to Manufacture Notary Public Seals; and
- a list of Authorized Manufacturers of Notary Public Seals.
If you took the exam at least six weeks prior to the expiration date on your current notary public commission, your new notary public commission will not be sent to you more than 30 days before the expiration date.
6. Notary Supplies: If you haven't already, order your California notary stamp, notary journal, and bond. We will send your notary supplies the same day we receive your Certificate of Authorization.
- Send your original Certificate of Authorization to: Notary.net PO Box 41400 Des Moines, IA 50311
7. File Your Notary Public Oath and Bond: A notary public must file an oath of office and bond with the county clerk's office in the county where their principal place of business is located. The oath and bond may be submitted to the county clerk prior to the commencement date of the commission and must be filed no later than 30 calendar days after the commencement date of the commission.
- You must take the following items to file at the county clerk:
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- Original Bond
- Two Oath of Office Forms
- These are included in your commission packet you received from the state.
- Original Commission Certificate
- Photo ID
- Payment for filing and recording fees (varies by county)
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Congratulations, you are now a California Notary Public!