Becoming a California notary public takes about 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish. The process has six mandatory steps, each with a specific deadline or requirement. Miss one and you start over. Here is the full sequence.
Step 1: Complete a 6-hour education course
- Every new applicant must finish a 6-hour notary education course from a vendor approved by the California Secretary of State. Required by Government Code §8201. No exceptions — even attorneys must take the course.
- The course covers duties, notarial acts, journal requirements, identification rules, fees, and prohibited conduct.
- You receive a Proof of Completion certificate when you finish, valid for two years.
- You can take the course online at your own pace. California CE Academy offers an SOS-approved 6-hour course you can complete from home.
Step 2: Pass the state exam
- The exam is a 45-question, closed-book, multiple-choice test administered by CPS HR Consulting on behalf of the Secretary of State. You need a score of 70% or higher. You get 60 minutes.
- The exam fee is $40 ($20 for retakes). Payment by check or money order payable to the Secretary of State — no cash or cards.
- Bring your completed Notary Public Application, a current photo ID, and a 2×2 passport-style photo.
- Register online at cpshr.us. Walk-ins are allowed on a space-available basis.
- Results arrive by email about 15 to 20 business days after your exam date.
A passing score is valid for one year. You must complete all remaining steps within that window or retake the exam.
Step 3: Get fingerprinted (Live Scan)
- Submit fingerprints through California’s Live Scan system. The DOJ and FBI run a criminal background check.
- You need the notary-specific Live Scan form from the SOS website.
- Find locations at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations.
- Fee: $40 to $65 total (DOJ fee + FBI fee + operator rolling fee).
- Certain criminal convictions can disqualify you. Disclose all arrests with pending dispositions on your application.
Step 4: Purchase a $15,000 surety bond
- Required for the full four-year commission term.
- The bond protects the public, not you. If the surety pays a claim, they seek reimbursement from you.
- Cost: $40 to $100 from a licensed surety company.
- You need this in hand before you can file your oath of office.
Step 5: File your oath of office
30-day deadline. From the date your commission certificate is issued, you have exactly 30 calendar days to file your oath of office and surety bond with the county clerk. Miss this deadline and your commission is void.
Bring to the county clerk:
- Your commission certificate
- Your surety bond
- Oath of office form
- Filing fee (~$36, varies by county)
Step 6: Order your seal and journal
Notary seal
- Order from an authorized seal manufacturer after receiving your commission certificate
- Must include: your name, commission number, expiration date, “Notary Public — California,” and the State Seal
- Cost: $20 to $40
Sequential journal
- Required for every notarial act — no exceptions
- Thumbprints required for real property documents and powers of attorney
- See journal requirements explained for full details
Total cost summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Education course (6-hour) | $29 |
| Exam and application fee | $40 |
| Live Scan fingerprinting | $40-$65 |
| Surety bond | $40-$100 |
| County clerk filing fee | ~$36 |
| Notary seal | $20-$40 |
| Journal | $15-$30 |
| Total | $220-$340 |
For a detailed breakdown of each cost, see How much does it cost to become a California notary?
Ready to start? Take the SOS-approved 6-hour course — study online at your own pace for $29.
Quick answers
Looking for a short answer? Our FAQ covers the most common questions about California notary education.
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