Free guide

7 Steps to Become a California Notary

A clear roadmap through the whole process, from your approved education to your commission. Step one starts here.

Your 7 steps to a California notary commission, one at a time.

It looks like a lot written down. Taken one step at a time, it is very doable, and you never have to figure out what comes next on your own. Tick things off as you go, or download the printable checklist to keep beside you.

Download the printable checklist

0/7Step 1

01
Start here. This one's us.
Complete the approved 6-hour course
6 hours, at your own pace$49.97 (50% off $99.95)
Everyone must complete a six-hour course of study approved by the Secretary of State before appointment, no matter how many commission terms they have held before. Our course is approved by the Secretary of State, you can't fail it, and your Proof of Completion is included.
To do
Good to know
How long is my Proof of Completion valid?
24 months from the date it is issued, so there is no rush between finishing the class and taking the exam.
Can I take the 3-hour refresher course instead?
Only if you are renewing before your current commission expires. If it has already expired, you need the full 6-hour course.
My commission expires soon. Which course should I take?
If it expires in 90 days or less, take the 6-hour course. It counts whether or not your commission has expired by the time you apply.
Start the Course
02
Register for the state exam
A few minutes online$40 exam fee ($20 retake)
The state exam is given in person by CPS HR, the state's exam provider, at test sites around California. Take one in your area, or travel to any upcoming location.
To do
Good to know
How much is the exam?
$40 for new applicants and reappointments. $20 if you previously took the exam and did not pass.
How do I pay?
By check, money order or cashier's check payable to the Secretary of State, with your name preprinted on the check. Temporary checks and cash are not accepted.
The session I want is full. Now what?
Walk-ins are allowed on a space-available basis. Arrive at least 45 minutes early and tell the proctor you are a walk-in.
See every exam date near you Register with CPS HR
03
Take the exam
1-hour exam, 2 to 3 hours on siteCovered by your exam fee
You must pass the state exam within 12 months of your filing date. There are 45 multiple-choice questions, closed book and proctored, and you need a score of 70 to pass.
Bring with you
Good to know
What if I don't pass?
You can retake it the next calendar month. Taking it twice in one month makes the second score invalid and forfeits the fee.
Do I have to retake the course?
No. Your Proof of Completion covers retakes for 24 months.
When will I get my results?
They are mailed to you, usually within about 15 to 20 business days. Results are not given over the phone.
Want to walk in confident? Add our State Exam Study Guide when you check out. It comes with a 100% pass guarantee.
Download the notary application
04
Complete a Live Scan background check
Usually under an hour$35 state fee + rolling fee (often about $25)
Once you pass the exam, you complete a fingerprint background check to confirm you are fit to hold the position, and submit your application.
Bring with you
Good to know
Where can I get a Live Scan?
Many UPS Stores offer it. The California Attorney General keeps a full list of locations.
Do I need an appointment?
Most locations don't require one, but it's worth calling ahead to check, and to confirm their rolling fee.
Download the Live Scan form Find a Live Scan location
05
Receive your commission packet
Mailed once you're approvedNo cost
This is the exciting part. The Secretary of State mails your packet once your application is approved and your background check clears.
What's inside
Good to know
I'm a current notary. When does my new commission arrive?
If you took the exam at least six weeks before your current commission expires, the new one won't be sent more than 30 days before that expiration date.
06
Buy your notary supplies
A few days to orderBond about $50 to $200, plus journal and seal
Once your packet arrives, you're ready to buy what you need to work as a notary.
To buy
Good to know
How much does the $15,000 bond cost?
Usually about $50 to $200. Shop around for the best price; any bonding or insurance company can issue it.
07
File your oath and bond
Within 30 calendar days, no extensionsPaid to your county clerk
You are almost done. File your oath of office and bond with the county clerk in the county where your principal place of business is, within 30 calendar days of your commission's start date. Your commission does not take effect until both are filed.
To do
Good to know
Can I file by mail?
Yes, mail is allowed, but counties process filings in order, not by the date received. We recommend filing in person so it is on time.
What if I miss the 30 days?
The commission is not valid, and you cannot act as a notary until you obtain a new appointment and qualify within the 30-day window.
The 30-day window cannot be extended. Put the deadline in your calendar the day your packet arrives.
Congratulations, you're a California notary.
Your commission is valid for four years. To keep it from lapsing, start your education again 6 to 9 months before it ends, and come back here: we'll walk you through it again.
Download the printable checklist

About the 7 steps

See the full FAQ

How long is my course certificate valid?

24 months from the date it's issued, so there's no rush between finishing the class and taking the exam.

There is a 3-hour refresher course. Can I take that instead?

The three-hour refresher only satisfies the requirement if you are a currently-commissioned notary applying for a new commission before your current one expires. If your commission has expired, you must take the 6-hour course.

How much is the state exam?

New applicants and reappointments pay $40; applicants who previously took and failed pay $20. It is paid by separate check or money order to the Secretary of State.

What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake it the next calendar month. Do not take it more than once in a calendar month or the second score is invalid. Your 6-hour certificate stays valid for 24 months, so you do not retake the course.

You can do this. Let's take the first step together.

Start our state-approved class today, at your own pace. You can't fail it, your Proof of Completion is included, and we'll be here for every step after.

$49.97$99.95