Notary Requirements for California: 2025 Updated

This guide provides comprehensive information on becoming and renewing as a Notary Public in California as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, the application process, renewals, required tools, remote notarization rules, and answers common questions.

• Eligibility Requirements
• Application Process for New Notary Commission
• Surety Bond
• Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
• Oath of Office and Filing the Commission
• Commission Term and Expiration
• Commission Renewal Process
• Remote Online Notarization (RON)
• Official Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a California Notary Public commission, you must:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.

• Residency: Be a legal California resident (U.S. citizenship not required, but legal CA residency is).

• Education: Complete a state-approved 6-hour notary education course.

• Examination: Pass a written notary public examination prescribed by the CA Secretary of State (SOS).

• Background Check: Clear a background check, including submitting fingerprints via Live Scan for FBI and DOJ review.

• Criminal History: Disclose all arrests and convictions. No disqualifying felony convictions or lesser crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude. Failure to disclose is grounds for denial.

Get a notary stamp that meets California’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.

Order California Notary Stamp

Application Process for New Notary Commission

1. Complete Approved Education Course: Enroll in and complete a 6-hour SOS-approved notary public course (in-person or online). Obtain course completion certificate (needed for exam/application).

2. Register for and Pass the Notary Exam: Schedule exam with CPS HR Consulting (state's exam provider).

   • Fee: $40 application/exam fee at testing site (check/money order). Retakes: $20.

   • Process: Written, proctored, multiple-choice. 70% score to pass. Results mailed/emailed in 15-20 business days. Receive Notary Public Application form at exam site.

3. Submit Fingerprints via Live Scan: After passing the exam, get fingerprinted at a certified Live Scan location using the official Request for Live Scan Service form. Pay Live Scan vendor fee (approx. $50). New fingerprints required each term.

4. Await Commission Approval: SOS reviews passed exam results, application, and background check. If approved, SOS issues commission. Processing times vary (check SOS website). Commission packet (Certificate, Seal Authorization) mailed.

5. Purchase Required Notary Supplies: After receiving commission certificate:

   • Official notary seal (from SOS-authorized vendor using Certificate of Authorization).

   • Notary journal.

   • $15,000 surety bond. (Supplies/bond cost ~$50-$100 total).

   • Important: Do not notarize until oath and bond are filed.

6. File Oath of Office and Bond (Mandatory): Within 30 days of commission start date, appear at County Clerk in the county of principal place of business.

   • Take the oath of office.

   • File $15,000 surety bond.

   • Pay county filing fee (varies).

   • Failure to file within 30 days voids commission; reapplication needed.

Surety Bond

A $15,000 surety bond is mandatory for the 4-year commission term.

• Purpose: Protects public from financial damages due to notary misconduct/negligence. Notary personally liable to reimburse surety for paid claims.

• Provider: From a surety company authorized in California.

• Filing: Original bond filed with County Clerk (with oath) within 30 days of commission start. Commission ineffective until filed.

• Recommendation: Optional Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance protects the notary personally.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

Official Notary Seal: Mandatory. Rubber inked stamp (circular/rectangular) used for all notarizations.

• Content: State Seal of California, "Notary Public," notary’s name (as on commission), county of principal place of business, commission expiration date, commission number, manufacturer ID number.

• Format: Photographically reproducible (dark ink). Embossers alone are not allowed.

• Vendor: Made only by an SOS-authorized vendor, requires Certificate of Authorization.

• Security: Keep under notary's direct, exclusive control, in a locked, secure area. Report loss/theft to SOS. Destroy/deface upon commission end.

Notary Journal: Mandatory. Bound, sequential journal of all notarial acts.

• Format: Bound book (hardcover/spiral), numbered pages. One active journal at a time. Entries chronological.

• Required Entries (contemporaneous): Date/time, type of act, document description, signer's signature, ID method (ID details or credible witness name/signature), fee charged.

• Thumbprint: Required for deeds, powers of attorney, documents affecting real property or vital records (right thumbprint).

• Security: Keep in a secure, locked area under notary's control. Not employer's property.

• Retention: Completed journals kept for 10 years after last entry. Upon commission end (resignation, expiration without renewal, death), journals delivered to the county clerk of the principal place of business within 30 days.

Oath of Office and Filing the Commission

Final step to activate commission.

• Administration: Take oath before the County Clerk or another notary in the county of filing.

• Filing with County Clerk: Within 30 days of commission start date, file signed Oath of Office and original $15,000 Surety Bond with Clerk of county of principal place of business.

• Post-Filing: Commission is effective. Order seal (if not already done with commission info).

Commission Term and Expiration

• Term: Four (4) years from commencement date on certificate.

• Expiration: Ends midnight on expiration date. No grace period for notarizing.

• Renewal: Start renewal process ~6 months before expiration. SOS does not send reminders.

Commission Renewal Process

Largely mirrors initial application.

1. Start Early: Recommended 6-12 months before expiration.

2. Education:

   • 3-Hour Refresher Course: If applying before the current commission expires (pass exam before expiration).

   • 6-Hour Course: If commission expires before exam/application, or if preferred. Attach course completion certificate to exam application.

3. Exam and Application: Retake exam ($40 fee). Submit application (reappointment), 2”x2” photo, course cert.

4. Fingerprinting: New Live Scan required each term.

5. Oath and Bond: Upon renewal approval, new oath and new $15,000 bond filed with County Clerk within 30 days of new commission start.

6. New Seal: Required due to new expiration date. Destroy old seals.

7. Journal: Start new journal (recommended) or clearly separate entries.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in California

As of May 2025, California notaries cannot yet perform Remote Online Notarizations.

• Current Law: Requires physical personal appearance of signer before notary. Webcam/online notarization by CA notaries is illegal.

• Senate Bill 696 (Online Notarization Act): Enacted 2023, authorizes future RON. Effective Jan 1, 2024, but implementation is staged, with full RON availability by January 1, 2030 (or sooner if SOS implements the system earlier).

• Out-of-State RONs: California recognizes valid RONs performed by notaries of other states according to their state's laws.

• Future CA RON: Will require registration as "Online Notary Public," use of approved platforms, multi-factor ID verification, A/V recording, electronic journal.

• In-Person Electronic Notarization: Currently allowed (e-doc signed with signer physically present).

Official Resources

• California SOS – Notary Public Section: sos.ca.gov/notary (main portal, forms, handbook, news).

• California Notary Public Handbook (2025): Official SOS PDF guide (laws, instructions, FAQs).

• CA SOS Notary Public FAQs: Answers common questions.

• Notary Application Forms/Updates: On SOS Forms and Fees page.

• Contact SOS Notary Public Section: Phone (916) 653-6814. Mail: SOS, Notary Public Section, 1500 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the costs to become a California notary public?

A: Total ~$200-$300. 

• SOS app/exam fee $40 (retake $20).
• Plus: 6-hr education (~$50-$100)
• Live Scan (~$50)
• Journal/seal (~$15-$40 each)
• $15k bond premium (~$50).

Q: How long does a California notary commission last, and when should I renew?

A: Four (4) years. Start renewal ~6 months before expiration. Must complete 3-hr refresher and pass exam before expiration to qualify for shorter course.

Q: Can I renew my notary commission after it expires?

A: No. Must reapply as new (6-hr course, exam, etc.). No grace period for notarizing or for 3-hr course eligibility.

Q: Do I need to be a U.S. citizen or a California resident to become a notary?

A: Must be a legal California resident. U.S. citizenship not required if legal resident. Non-CA residents are generally ineligible (very limited exceptions for certain state/local gov't employees).

Q: Can I become a notary if I have a criminal conviction?

A: Depends on conviction. Felonies and serious misdemeanors (fraud, dishonesty) usually disqualify. Must disclose ALL convictions/arrests. SOS reviews case-by-case.

Q: Is a notary seal and journal required for every notarization in California?

A: Yes. Official seal (SOS-authorized vendor) and chronological journal entry mandatory for every notarial act. Thumbprint in journal for certain documents.

Q: Can California notaries notarize documents remotely or online via webcam?

A: No (as of May 2025). Physical presence of signer required. RON authorized by SB 696 but not yet implemented (expected by 2030). CA accepts valid RONs from other states.

Q: How do I change my name or address on my notary commission?

A:

• Name: File Name Change Application (SOS/NP-33, no fee). SOS issues amended commission. Then, within 30 days: file a new oath and bond rider with the county clerk, get a new seal with a new name.
• Address: Notify SOS in writing (Form SOS/NP-34 or letter) within 30 days. No fee. Mail/deliver (no email).

Q: How much can a notary charge for their services in California?

A:

• Max $15 per signature for acknowledgments/jurats.
• Depositions: $30 + $7/oath + $7/certificate.
• Copy cert of Power of Attorney: $15.
• No fee for vote-by-mail ballots or veteran benefit docs. Travel fees by prior agreement.

Q: What should I do if my notary seal or journal is lost or stolen?

A: Immediately notify SOS by certified mail (or method with receipt) using "Report Lost or Stolen Seal and/or Journal" form. File a police report if theft is involved. For lost seals, SOS issues new Seal Authorization to get replacement.

Q: If I move out of California or no longer want to be a notary, how do I resign my commission?

A: Send resignation letter (or Resignation Form) to SOS. Within 30 days, deliver all notary journals to the county clerk of the principal place of business. Destroy the seal.

Q: Can I notarize for family members or friends?

A: Yes, if there is no direct financial/beneficial interest for the notary. Cannot be a party to document. Avoid if impartiality could be questioned.

Always refer to official California SOS resources for the most current information.