Become a Notary Public in California:
A General Overview

Right for you?

By becoming a notary public, you will be commissioned and authorized by the Secretary of State of California to notarize documents as a recognized impartial witness. A notary public serves a vital role in this process. A meticulously kept journal may prove a reliable resource to law inforcement in a fraud investigation. An accurately recorded date and time of a document signature my prove vital for the parties involved in the contract or legal instrument. A thumbprint may verify identity of the signer (or not!).

You may be a valuable employee at a firm that continually requires notary service or you may be available to the public as a mobile notary or even have an office or business of your own. Your jurisdiction will be the entire state of California. In any circumstance, by securing a notary public commission, you are demonstrating a willingness to shoulder a solemn responsibility for trust, reliability, impartiality, credibility and public service.

Qualifications for the Notary Public Applicant

Applicants must:

1) be a resident of the State of California
2) be at least 18 years old
3) complete six-hours of a notary public course approved by the Secretary of State
4) pass a written notary exam authorized by the Secretary of State
5) be able to read, write, and understand English
6) pass a background check

Additional Considerations

If you wish to become a certified loan signing agent or specialist, you will need further training and a separate, additional exam for your loan signing certification. A background check may also be necessary.

In addition to the notary public course and exam, you will need to be fingerprinted by a service approved by the Secretary of State.

Also, there will be fees associated with the notary exam and fingerprinting.

Disclosures

If you have any prior convictions or arrests with a pending trial, you will need to disclose those. Failure to disclose a previous conviction may be cause for denial of your application.

Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance and Notary Surety Bond

On acceptance of your application by the Secretary of State, you will need to acquire insurance for Errors and Omissions as well as take out a surety bond for a minimum of $15,000. You need to file your bond with the county clerk's office.

Take an Oath of Office

You will also file an oath of office with the county clerk. The county clerk may ask for a fee to file these items.

Essential Tools of the Notary Public

When you receive your commission, you will also receive a certificate to purchase your notary seal and embosser. Only approved vendors may manufacture and supply these items. During your training you will receive instruction on the importance of these items and your responsibility for them as well as for your notary sequential journal.

Commission Term and Re-Appointment

Your notary commission term is 4 years. If your commission expires, you may not notarize documents. You can seek re-appointment by completing an approved study course and re-taking the exam.

Please see the resources page for more information.

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