How to Become a Notary in California

California Notary: More Rigorous Than Most States

California has one of the most thorough notary commission processes in the United States. Unlike many states that only require an application and bond, California requires a state-administered exam, a background check, and a 6-hour training course. This higher bar means California notaries are better trained — and California's high cost of living means notary work can be quite lucrative.

California Notary Requirements

To become a California notary public, you must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be a legal California resident
• Complete a 6-hour approved notary education course
• Pass the California Secretary of State's notary exam
• Pass a fingerprint-based background check (Live Scan)
• Not have been convicted of a felony

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your California Notary Commission

Step 1: Complete the 6-Hour Education Course

California requires all applicants to complete a 6-hour notary education course approved by the California Secretary of State. This covers California notary law, proper procedures, and common mistakes.

Many providers offer this course online or in-person:

• National Notary Association (NNA)
• California Notary Association
• Various community colleges and private education providers

Cost: $30–$100 depending on provider

Step 2: Pass the California Notary Exam

The California Secretary of State administers notary exams throughout the state at various testing locations. The exam:

• Is a 30-question multiple choice test
• Requires a passing score of 70% (21 correct)
• Is based on California notary law and the Notary Public Handbook
• Costs $20 per exam sitting

You may take the exam multiple times if needed (waiting period applies between sittings).

Tip: The Secretary of State publishes the current handbook and sample questions. Study these closely. Most questions are directly based on California statutes.

Step 3: Submit Your Application and Fingerprints

After passing the exam, you have 1 year to complete and submit your application.

Application process:

• Complete the application form (provided at the exam)
• Get fingerprinted via Live Scan (California's electronic fingerprinting system) at an approved location
• Submit application to the Secretary of State with:
  • Application form
  • Proof of education course completion
  • Exam results
  • Application fee: $40

Background check: The California DOJ and FBI review your fingerprints. This takes 2–6 weeks typically.

Step 4: Obtain a $15,000 Surety Bond

Once approved, you must obtain a $15,000 surety bond within 30 days. California has one of the higher bond requirements.

Bond cost: approximately $75–$150 for the 4-year term

Step 5: File Your Oath and Bond with the County Clerk

Unlike many states, California requires notaries to file their oath of office and bond with the County Clerk in their home county within 30 days of receiving their commission. This is a critical step — failing to do so within 30 days voids your commission.

County Clerk filing fee: approximately $15–$30 (varies by county)

Step 6: Order Your Notary Seal and Journal

California notaries must use a seal containing:

• The words "Notary Public"
• "California" (or the state seal)
• Your name as commissioned
• Your county
• Commission expiration date

California also requires maintaining a notary journal (sequential record book) of all notarizations. The journal is mandatory — not optional.

Seal: $25–$60 Journal: $15–$30 (must be a bound journal with sequentially numbered pages)

California Commission Details

• Commission term: 4 years
• Maximum fee: $15 per notarial act (for certain notarial acts; varies)
• Exam required: Yes
• Background check: Yes
• Mandatory training: 6 hours

Remote Online Notarization in California

California is unique among major states: California does not have a general RON statute. California notaries cannot currently perform remote online notarizations under California law (with limited exceptions for certain circumstances that were temporarily authorized during the COVID pandemic and have since expired).

This means California notaries must notarize in person — the signer must be physically present in the same room as the notary.

What this means for signers in California: If you need a remote notarization, you must use a notary commissioned in an RON-authorized state. Most RON platforms connect California signers with notaries commissioned in other states — and those notarizations are valid in California for most purposes.

What this means for California notaries: Your work will be in-person and mobile. California's restriction on RON actually protects local mobile notaries from out-of-state competition.

How Much Do California Notaries Earn?

California's high cost of living is matched by higher notary fees:

Standard notary services:

• Up to $15 per notarial act (for most acts)
• Mobile notary travel fees: $50–$300+ depending on location (Bay Area and LA notaries command premium travel fees)

Signing agent income: California's real estate market is enormous — San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Silicon Valley. Signing agents in California's major metros earn:

• Standard residential closing: $125–$200+
• Refinance: $125–$175
• Commercial closing: $200–$400+

Experienced California signing agents can earn $80,000–$150,000+.

California Notary Resources

• California Secretary of State Notary Division: sos.ca.gov/notary
• California Notary Public Handbook: Free PDF from the SOS
• National Notary Association California resources
• California Land Title Association: Resources for signing agents

Start Your California Notary Journey

California's notary market is competitive but lucrative. The exam requirement means fewer casual applicants, so dedicated notaries who know their craft can build strong, consistent businesses.

Learn About Becoming a Notary in California →