The total cost to become a California notary runs between $220 and $340, spread across several separate fees paid to different entities over 4 to 8 weeks. None of these fees are optional.
Education course: $29
All new applicants must complete a 6-hour notary education course from a Secretary of State-approved vendor.
- 6-hour course (new applicants): $29 at California CE Academy
- 3-hour refresher (renewing notaries): $19 at California CE Academy
Not sure which course you need? See 6-hour vs 3-hour notary course: which one do you need?
Exam and application fee: $40
- Covers both the exam and processing your application
- Pay at the exam site by check or money order payable to “Secretary of State”
- Cash and credit cards are not accepted
- Retake fee: $20 (bring your fail notice)
Live Scan fingerprinting: $40–$65
Every applicant must submit fingerprints for a DOJ and FBI background check. The total is made up of three separate fees:
- DOJ processing fee — set by the state
- FBI processing fee — set by the federal government
- Rolling fee — set by the Live Scan operator (this is where the cost varies)
Surety bond: $40–$100
- California requires a $15,000 surety bond for the full four-year commission term
- Buy from a licensed surety company
- The premium is a fraction of the bond amount — typically $40 to $100
- The bond protects the public, not you
- If the surety pays a claim, they seek reimbursement from you personally
County clerk filing fee: ~$36
When you file your oath of office and surety bond, the county clerk charges a filing fee. The amount varies slightly by county but is typically around $36. Call your county clerk’s office to confirm before you go.
Notary seal: $20–$40
Ordered from an authorized seal manufacturer. Must include your name, commission number, expiration date, “Notary Public — California,” and the State Seal.
Notary journal: $15–$30
A bound, sequential journal is required by law. Basic versions run $15 to $20. Higher-end options with security features cost $25 to $30.
Optional: Errors and Omissions insurance
- E&O insurance is not required by California law
- The surety bond covers harm to the public — E&O covers your defense costs and personal liability
- Basic policy: $30 to $60 per year
- If you plan to do mobile notary work or loan signings, signing services typically require $25,000 to $100,000 in E&O coverage
Total cost summary
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| 6-hour education course | $29 | Education vendor |
| Exam + application | $40 | Secretary of State |
| Live Scan fingerprinting | $40–$65 | Live Scan operator |
| Surety bond (4 years) | $40–$100 | Surety company |
| County clerk filing | ~$36 | County clerk |
| Notary seal | $20–$40 | Seal manufacturer |
| Notary journal | $15–$30 | Supply vendor |
| Total | $220–$340 |
When do you pay each fee?
Week 1
- Education course ($29) — pay when you enroll
Exam day
- Exam and application fee ($40) — pay by check/money order at the test site
After passing
- Live Scan ($40–$65) — pay at the fingerprint location
- Surety bond ($40–$100) — pay when you purchase
After commission arrives
- County clerk filing (~$36) — pay at the clerk’s office
- Seal ($20–$40) and journal ($15–$30) — pay when you order
Renewal costs
Renewing your commission has similar costs, except you take the 3-hour refresher ($19) instead of the 6-hour course. You still need a new exam, new fingerprints, a new bond, and a new oath filing.
Total renewal cost: roughly $200 to $300.
For the full step-by-step process, see How to become a notary public in California.
Quick answers
Looking for a short answer? Our FAQ covers the most common questions about California notary education.
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