The complete path, in order, with the real requirements and deadlines. Verified against the California Secretary of State's current Notary Public Handbook.
Six hours if you are applying for the first time, or if your commission has already expired - no matter how many terms you previously held. Three hours only if you hold a current, unexpired commission, previously completed a six-hour course, and take the exam before your commission expires. You receive a Proof of Completion, valid two years.
The exam is administered for the Secretary of State by CPS HR Consulting. Register in advance; seats are limited and in many counties the exam is offered only monthly or less often, so start early if your commission is expiring.
45 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, closed book, proctored, in person, in English. A scaled score of 70 or higher passes. Bring your completed application, your Proof of Completion, a current California driver license or ID, a 2" x 2" color passport photograph, and the exam fee. No cash.
After you pass, complete Live Scan fingerprinting so your background check can be submitted to the California Department of Justice and the FBI. Do this promptly - it must be completed within one year of the exam.
If your application and background check clear, the Secretary of State issues your commission. For a renewal, the commission is issued 30 days before your current one expires.
You must file your oath of office and a $15,000 surety bond with the county clerk in the county where your principal place of business is located, within 30 calendar days of the start of your commission term. This deadline is not extendable and there are no exceptions for mail delays. Miss it and the commission is not valid.
Order your official notary seal and a sequential journal. California requires you to keep one active journal and to secure both the journal and the seal - they are yours alone.
These are the fees paid to the state and required vendors - separate from any course fee. Verified against the current handbook and Secretary of State materials.
Every fact on this page is taken from the California Secretary of State's current Notary Public Handbook and the Secretary of State's published notary materials. Fees and exam logistics change; see our editorial standards for how we keep this current and how to report an error.
This page is educational information about California law, not legal advice.