The total cost to become a California notary public runs between $220 and $340, depending on where you live and which vendors you choose for supplies and fingerprinting. You pay these fees to several different entities over a 4-to-8-week period. Every fee listed here is mandatory unless marked optional.
We break down each cost below with the exact amounts, who you pay, and where you can save money. If you want a quick answer, skip to the total cost summary table at the bottom. Or use our interactive cost calculator to estimate your personal total based on your county and choices.
Adjust each cost to match your area and get a personalized estimate.
1. Education course: $29–$49
Every new applicant must complete a 6-hour notary education course from a vendor approved by the California Secretary of State. This is required by Government Code §8201 — no exceptions, even for attorneys. Renewing notaries whose commission has not yet expired can take a shorter 3-hour refresher course instead.
Online courses range from $5 to $199 depending on the vendor. The cheapest options deliver the state workbook with minimal instruction. The most expensive (NNA at $199) bundle live seminars with an exam seat and supplies. Most online self-paced courses sit in the $29 to $49 range.
- 6-hour course (new applicants): $49 at California CE Academy
- 3-hour refresher (renewing notaries): $29 at California CE Academy
Not sure which course you need? See 6-hour vs 3-hour notary course: which one do you need?
Your Proof of Completion certificate is valid for two years from the date of issuance. If you do not pass the state exam within that window, you must retake the course.
2. State exam and application fee: $40
The $40 covers both sitting for the exam and processing your notary application. You pay this at the exam site on the day of the test.
- Payment by check or money order only, payable to “Secretary of State”
- Cash and credit cards are not accepted at exam sites
- If you fail the exam, the retake fee is $20 (bring your fail notice)
- Register for exam dates at cpshr.us/notary
Not sure what to expect on the exam? Read California notary exam: what to expect and how to pass.
3. Live Scan fingerprinting: $40–$65
Every applicant must submit fingerprints through California’s Live Scan system for a DOJ and FBI criminal background check. The total fee has three parts:
- DOJ processing fee: $32 — set by the state, same everywhere
- FBI processing fee: $17 — set by the federal government, same everywhere
- Rolling fee: $10–$30+ — set by the Live Scan operator (this is the variable part)
The DOJ and FBI fees are fixed at $49 combined. The rolling fee is the operator’s service charge, and it varies wildly. Police stations and sheriff offices often charge $10 to $15. UPS Stores and private fingerprinting shops charge $20 to $30+. Some community colleges offer Live Scan for as low as $10.
You need the notary-specific Live Scan request form from the Secretary of State’s website. Do not use a generic Live Scan form — the ORI number must match the notary application.
4. Surety bond: $40–$100
California law requires every commissioned notary to carry a $15,000 surety bond for the full four-year commission term. You do not pay $15,000 — you pay a premium (a fraction of the bond amount) to a licensed surety company.
- Typical premium: $40 to $100 for a four-year term
- The bond protects the public, not you. If the surety company pays a claim, they come after you for reimbursement
- You must have the bond in hand before you can file your oath of office
- Shop online — several companies offer California notary bonds for under $50
5. County clerk filing fee: ~$36
After you receive your commission certificate from the Secretary of State, you must file your oath of office and surety bond with your county clerk within 30 calendar days. The clerk charges a filing fee that varies slightly by county but typically runs around $36. Call your county clerk’s office to confirm before you go.
6. Notary seal (stamp): $20–$40
You need an official notary seal before you can perform any notarial acts. Order from an authorized seal manufacturer after you receive your commission certificate — the seal must include your exact commission number, expiration date, your name, “Notary Public — California,” and the State Seal.
7. Notary journal: $15–$30
California requires every notary to maintain a bound, sequential journal. You must record every notarial act in the journal with eight required fields. Basic journals run $15 to $20. Higher-end versions with tamper-evident features and thumb print pages cost $25 to $30. Read more about California notary journal requirements.
8. Passport photo: $10–$15
You need a 2×2 inch color passport-style photo for your notary application. Bring it to the exam. Most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) charge $15. Some exam sites offer photos for $10. You can also take your own at home and print at a drugstore for under $1 if you have a white wall and a smartphone.
9. Optional: Errors & Omissions insurance: $25–$75/year
E&O insurance is not required by California law, but many employers require it and it protects you personally if a signer claims you made an error. The surety bond protects the public — E&O protects you. Annual premiums range from $25 to $75 depending on coverage limits.
Total cost summary
| Expense | Low estimate | High estimate | Who you pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education course | $29 | $199 | Course provider |
| Exam + application | $40 | $40 | Secretary of State |
| Live Scan fingerprints | $49 | $65 | DOJ + FBI + operator |
| Surety bond (4 years) | $40 | $100 | Surety company |
| County clerk filing | $36 | $40 | County clerk |
| Notary seal | $20 | $40 | Seal manufacturer |
| Notary journal | $15 | $30 | Supply vendor |
| Passport photo | $1 | $15 | Pharmacy / self |
| Total (without E&O) | $230 | $529 | |
| Optional: E&O insurance | $25/yr | $75/yr | Insurance company |
Most people land between $250 and $340 total, assuming an online course in the $29–$49 range and smart shopping on fingerprinting and supplies.
Our free calculator lets you adjust each cost and see your total instantly.
How to reduce your costs
The biggest variable costs are the education course, Live Scan rolling fee, and surety bond. Here is where to save:
- Course: Online self-paced courses cost $29 to $49. You do not need a $199 live seminar unless you strongly prefer in-person instruction. Compare the top California notary courses here.
- Live Scan: Check the AG directory for your zip code. Police stations and community colleges often have the lowest rolling fees.
- Bond: Shop online and compare at least three surety companies. Some charge $38 for a four-year bond.
- Passport photo: Take your own against a white wall with a smartphone. Print at CVS for $0.35.
How long does the process take?
From starting your education course to performing your first notarization, expect 4 to 8 weeks. The education course can be completed in a single day. The exam can be taken as soon as the next available date at cpshr.us. Background check results take 2 to 4 weeks. The commission certificate mails after background clearance. Filing the oath and ordering your seal takes another few days. Read the full timeline at How to become a notary public in California.
Renewal costs are lower
If you are renewing an existing commission that has not yet expired, your costs are lower:
- 3-hour refresher course: $29 at California CE Academy (instead of the 6-hour course)
- Exam + application: $40 (same as new applicants)
- Live Scan: $40–$65 (required again for each renewal)
- New surety bond: $40–$100
- County clerk filing: ~$36
- You may continue using your existing seal and journal (unless the information changed)
Total renewal cost: approximately $185 to $270.
Ready to start? Begin the SOS-approved 6-hour course and complete it today. Your Proof of Completion is generated instantly when you finish.