How to Become a California Notary Public: The 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Obtaining a California Notary Public commission requires completing a structured multi-step process governed by California Government Code. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap through all mandatory requirements, statutory deadlines, and cost components necessary to achieve commission in 2026.
Quick Reference: California Notary Public Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $40.00 (paid to California Secretary of State) |
| Examination Fee | $20.00 (paid to CPS HR Consulting) |
| Live Scan Fingerprinting | $69–$89 (DOJ $32 + FBI $17 + Rolling Fee $20–$40) |
| Surety Bond | $15,000 bond (premium cost varies, typically $50–$100) |
| Mandatory Education | 6 hours (pre-licensing course) |
| Commission Term | 4 years |
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for appointment as a Notary Public in the State of California, applicants must satisfy the following non-negotiable statutory prerequisites:
👤 Minimum Age
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
📍 Residency Requirement
Applicant must be a legal resident of the county in which they intend to file their oath of office. The commission is geographically tied to the specific county of filing, and applicants must verify residency within that jurisdiction.
🔍 Background Check
All applicants are subject to mandatory Live Scan fingerprinting and criminal background check administered by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify an applicant from commission.
Step 1: Complete Mandatory 6-Hour Pre-Licensing Education
All new applicants for a California Notary Public commission are required to complete a 6-hour pre-licensing education course prior to sitting for the state examination. This course must be completed through a vendor approved by the California Secretary of State Notary Public Section.
Simply reviewing the official notary handbook is insufficient to satisfy this requirement. Applicants must enroll in and complete a formal structured course from an approved provider to proceed to the examination phase.
Step 2: Pass the Notary Public Examination
Following successful completion of the 6-hour pre-licensing course, applicants must pass the California Notary Public Examination. The examination is administered by CPS HR Consulting, the entity contracted by the California Secretary of State for this purpose.
Examination Details
| Examination Fee | $20.00 (paid separately from application fee) |
| Passing Score | 70% (must answer at least 70% correctly) |
| Score Validity | 1 year from date achieved |
| Test Content | Notarial law, procedures, ID requirements, journal entries, ethics |
Step 3: Live Scan Fingerprinting & Background Check
All applicants are required to undergo a Live Scan fingerprinting session and criminal background check as part of the application process. This step verifies the applicant’s criminal history and suitability for holding the office of Notary Public.
Live Scan Fee Breakdown
The total cost for Live Scan services is a composite of three separate fees:
| Fee Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California DOJ Fee | $32.00 | Fixed (state processing) |
| FBI Fee | $17.00 | Fixed (federal processing) |
| Rolling Fee | $20–$40 | Varies by service provider location |
| Total Cost | $69–$89 | Depends on provider selected |
Applicants should contact local Live Scan vendors to confirm the exact rolling fee charged at their location.
Step 4: The CRITICAL 30-Day Filing Deadline
After passing the examination and obtaining the required $15,000 surety bond, applicants have exactly 30 days to file the following documents with the County Clerk of the county where the oath of office was executed:
Required Documents (Must File Within 30 Days)
- The original executed Oath of Office
- The original $15,000 Surety Bond
- The $40.00 application fee payable to the California Secretary of State
❌ Consequences of Missing the Deadline
This 30-day deadline is a hard statutory cutoff. If the applicant fails to file these documents within 30 days, the application becomes void, regardless of whether the examination score remains valid.
The 30-day filing window begins immediately upon execution of the oath of office. Applicants must plan accordingly and ensure all required documents are prepared and submitted to the County Clerk well in advance of the deadline. The County Clerk will review the filing, and upon acceptance, the notary is officially commissioned.
Commission Details and Term Length
Upon successful filing of all required documents with the County Clerk, the California Secretary of State issues a Notary Public commission for a term of four years. The commission term begins on the date the notary is officially commissioned and expires exactly four years later.
Summary of Total Costs
The total out-of-pocket cost to obtain a California Notary Public commission for a four-year term includes the following mandatory fees and expenses:
| Expense Category | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (SOS) | $40.00 | Fixed fee to Secretary of State |
| Examination Fee | $20.00 | CPS HR Consulting fee |
| Live Scan Fingerprinting | $69–$89 | DOJ $32 + FBI $17 + Rolling $20–$40 |
| Surety Bond Premium | $50–$100 | Varies by creditworthiness and provider |
| 6-Hour Pre-Licensing Course | $50–$150 | Varies by approved provider |
| Total Estimated Cost | $250–$400 | Upfront costs for 4-year commission |
Calculate Your Exact Costs
Use our interactive calculator to estimate your total startup costs based on your specific choices and location.
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