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Notary Public License Requirements in California

Issued by: California Secretary of StateVerified: April 2026
License Required
Required
Application Fee
40.0
Renewal
4 years
Exam Required
Yes
Bond Required
Yes (15000.0)

Requirements

  1. 1Be 18 years of age or older
  2. 2Be a legal California resident
  3. 3Complete a 6-hour notary public education course approved by the Secretary of State
  4. 4Pass the written notary public examination
  5. 5Submit fingerprints (Live Scan) for DOJ/FBI background check
  6. 6Pay the commission application fee ($40)
  7. 7File oath of office and $15,000 surety bond with county clerk within 30 days of commission

How to Apply

Notaries public in California are commissioned by the Secretary of State. Applicants must be 18+, a legal California resident, complete an approved 6-hour education course, pass a written exam, submit fingerprints, and file an oath and bond with their county clerk.
Apply at California Secretary of State

Costs

Application Fee
40.0
Renewal Fee
40.0
Surety Bond
15000.0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to become a notary public in California?
Yes. Notaries public in California must be commissioned by the California Secretary of State. The commission serves as the official authorization to perform notarial acts.
What are the requirements to become a California notary public?
You must be 18+, a legal California resident, complete a 6-hour approved education course, pass the Secretary of State exam, clear a background check, and file an oath and bond with your county clerk.
How much does it cost to become a notary public in California?
The commission application fee is $40. A $15,000 surety bond is also required (typically costs $30-50 from a bond company). Additional costs include the Live Scan fingerprint fee and the education course.
How long is a California notary commission valid?
A California notary public commission is valid for 4 years. You must reapply, retake the exam, and resubmit fingerprints to be reappointed.
Where do I take the California notary public exam?
The exam is administered by vendors approved by the Secretary of State, often at the same location as the 6-hour education course. Submit your application with the $40 fee directly at the exam site.

Related pages

Notary Public in other states
Other licenses in California
Data sourced from official state government portal. Last verified April 2026.
View official source →