California Notary 101: What It Really Takes to Get Commissioned

If you’ve ever tried to read through the California Secretary of State’s Notary Public Handbook without your eyes crossing, congratulations — you’ve got stamina. For everyone else, here’s the version that makes sense to normal humans.

Becoming a California Notary Public isn’t rocket science, but it is bureaucratic. It’s the kind of process where one missed form or date can send you back to square one. So let’s save you from that headache and walk through it step by step — minus the legalese and government-speak.

Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify

Let’s start with the basics. To become a notary in California, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a legal California resident

• Be able to read, write, and understand English

• And have no disqualifying criminal convictions

That last one’s important. A felony conviction can disqualify you, but minor offenses usually don’t. So if you once forgot to return a library book in 2003, you’re probably fine.

Step 2: Take a State-Approved Training Course

Before you can apply, you need to complete a 6-hour training course approved by the California Secretary of State.

You can do it online or in person, and the course certificate is good for two years. That means if you take it and then procrastinate for 25 months (looking at you, future-you), you’ll have to take it again.

Pro tip: Pick a reputable provider from the official state list. Some “discount” courses out there are about as legitimate as a $3 Rolex.

Step 3: Pass the State Exam

The notary exam is run by CPS HR Consulting. It’s a multiple-choice test, and you need a score of 70% or better to pass.

You’ll register ahead of time, bring a valid ID, your completed application, and a $40 check or money order (no, they don’t take Venmo).

And no, it’s not open book. You’ll want to actually read the Notary Handbook — at least once.

Example: One of the most-missed questions is about acceptable forms of ID. Spoiler: a Costco card doesn’t count.

When you’re ready, you can find testing dates and registration info here.

Step 4: Get Fingerprinted

Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to complete a Live Scan fingerprinting for your background check.

Even if you’ve been fingerprinted for another job, you’ll need to do it again — this one is specifically for the Secretary of State.

The cost runs about $70–$90, depending on where you go. Make sure you use the official form they give you after your test. (This form usually comes with your Exam confirmation packet, which also includes your Application for the Notary Commission.)

Think of this step as the state saying, “We trust you… but we’re still going to check.”

Step 5: Wait for Your Commission Packet

If your background check clears and all your paperwork looks good, you’ll receive your commission packet in the mail.

Inside you’ll find:

• Your Notary Commission Certificate

• An Oath of Office form

• Filing instructions

It’s a small envelope that feels like the golden ticket from Willy Wonka. Except instead of a trip to a candy factory, you get a trip to the county clerk’s office.

Step 6: File Your Oath and Bond

This step is where a lot of people drop the ball.

You have 30 days from the start date of your commission to:

• Take your Oath of Office

• File a $15,000 Surety Bond

• Do both at the County Clerk’s office in your primary county of business

And yes, that deadline is strict. If you show up on day 31, they don’t say “close enough.” They say “start over.”

The surety bond isn’t insurance for you — it’s protection for the public in case you mess up. Think of it as a polite way of saying, “We trust you… but not that much.”

Step 7: Get Your Supplies

Once you’ve filed your oath and bond, it’s time for the fun part — shopping! (Sort of.)

You’ll need:

• An official notary seal/stamp

• A journal (required by California law)

• A thumbprint pad

• A few acknowledgment and jurat forms

You can’t order your stamp until you have your commission in hand, because your seal must match your exact commission name. So don’t get creative with “Jane Doe, Notary Extraordinaire.” The state won’t find that funny.

Step 8: Start Notarizing

Once your oath is filed and your seal arrives, congratulations — you’re officially a California Notary Public!

You can start notarizing right away, whether it’s for friends, family, or paying clients. Just remember: every notarization you do must go in your journal, even if it’s for your cousin selling a used car.

Example: Let’s say your neighbor needs a Power of Attorney notarized. You check their ID, complete the acknowledgment, stamp it, and then log it in your journal. Thumbprint, signature, done. That’s one clean, legal notarization.

Bonus Step: Consider Becoming a Loan Signing Agent

If you want to earn more than the standard $15 per notarization (yes, that’s the legal limit), consider becoming a Loan Signing Agent.

That’s a notary who handles mortgage closings, refinances, and trust documents. It requires some extra training, but it opens the door to much higher-paying work — and a lot more flexibility.

Just be ready for the occasional 150-page signing packet and clients who want to “just get it done in five minutes.”

Final Thoughts

Getting commissioned as a California Notary Public isn’t difficult — it’s just a process. Follow the steps, don’t miss your deadlines, and keep copies of everything.

Once you’re official, you’re not just a stamp-wielder. You’re a public official — someone trusted to verify identity and prevent fraud. It’s an important role, even if most people only remember you when they need something notarized yesterday.

So go get that commission, and welcome to the club — where bureaucracy meets purpose, one signature at a time.