Steps to Become a California Notary

Include the attached Certificate of Completion with your notary application.

Visit the California Secretary of State's website and complete the notary application online or download the form. Fill it out accurately and attach all necessary documents. You will take the completed application with you to the exam.

Schedule and take the notary exam through a California-approved testing vendor. You must pass the exam before your commission expires to avoid a lapse.

Before submitting fingerprints via Live Scan, you must first take and pass the notary public exam. Applicants who fail the exam will not be required to have their fingerprints taken until passing.

Once your application is approved, you will receive your new notary commission in the mail. This process can take several weeks, so please plan accordingly.

After receiving your new commission, file your oath of office and a $15,000 surety bond with your county clerk's office within 30 days. This step is crucial to activate your notary commission.