What happens after you pass the California notary exam

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Passing the exam feels like the finish line, but it is the halfway point. There are four more things you need to do before you can perform a single notarization, and two of them have hard deadlines.

Your passing score is valid for one year. From the date you pass, you have 12 months to complete every remaining step. If that year expires, your score is void and you retake the exam from scratch.

Step 1: Complete Live Scan fingerprinting

The Secretary of State requires a criminal background check through the California DOJ and FBI before they will process your application.

What you need

The notary-specific Live Scan form (download from the SOS website)
A valid photo ID
Payment of $40 to $65 (varies by location)

Find a location at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations. Processing takes a few weeks — the results go directly to the Secretary of State.

Step 2: Purchase your $15,000 surety bond

You need this before you can file your oath.

The bond protects the public, not you
If the surety pays a claim, they can demand reimbursement from you personally
Cost: $40 to $100 for the full four-year term
Buy from any licensed surety company

Consider E&O insurance too. It is optional, but the surety bond will not cover your legal defense costs if you are sued. Errors and Omissions insurance will. A basic policy runs $30 to $60 per year.

Step 3: Wait for your commission certificate

After the SOS receives your exam results, application, and background check, they process your appointment. Processing times vary — check the Secretary of State’s website for the current timeline.

Your commission certificate shows:

Your name
Commission number
Expiration date (four years from issuance)

Step 4: File your oath of office

This is the deadline that catches people. 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 it, and your commission is void.

Bring to the county clerk’s office:

Your commission certificate
Your surety bond
Oath of office form (the county clerk may provide this)
Filing fee (typically around $36)

Once filed, you are officially a commissioned California notary public.

Step 5: Order your seal and journal

You still cannot notarize until you have your tools.

Notary seal (stamp)

Order from an authorized seal manufacturer
Must include your name, commission number, expiration date, “Notary Public — California,” and the State Seal
Must produce a photographically reproducible impression
Do not order until you have your commission certificate — you need the exact number and date

Sequential journal

Required for every notarial act — no exceptions
Each entry must include: date, time, type of act, type of document, signer’s name, ID method, signer’s signature, fee charged
Thumbprints required for deeds and powers of attorney

For full details, see California notary journal requirements explained.

Full timeline

Step	Timeline
Exam results	15-20 business days after exam
Live Scan processing	2-4 weeks
SOS application processing	Varies
Commission certificate	Arrives by mail
Oath filing deadline	Within 30 days of certificate
Seal delivery	A few business days after ordering

Total from exam day to first notarization: typically 6 to 12 weeks.

If you move after filing your oath, you must notify the Secretary of State by certified mail within 30 days. Failure to report an address change carries a fine up to $500.

Haven’t taken the exam yet? Start with our SOS-approved 6-hour course — study online at your own pace and get your certificate instantly.

Quick answers

Looking for a short answer? Our FAQ covers the most common questions about California notary education.

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