Becoming a notary can be stress-free, depending on how you prepare for it. We can rest assured your experience is easy from start to finish if it’s with us. So, how do i become a notary in California? For some states, it’s as easy as applying. However, for California, some requirements must be met. 

How hard is it to become a notary in California? (See step by step guide below)

1. You must be a California Legal Resident (you do not have to be a U.S. Citizen, reside in the state)
2. Complete a six-hour course of study. Training with a California state-approved vendor.
3. Submit the CA Notary Public application form.
4. Pass a closed book state proctored exam. 
5. Submit a background check through live scan fingerprinting.
6. Receive your commission packet from the state in the mail.
7. Obtain a $15,000 surety bond.
8. File both bond and oath of office within 30 days with the county clerks.
9. Purchase your notary journal, notary stamp from an approved vendor, ink pad, etc.
10. Lastly, although optional and strongly recommended, get errors and omissions insurance.

More Details About how to Become a Notary Public in California

Meeting the requirements is excellent news! In the next paragraph, we will cover the costs, questions, and learning more about the process can help you with the steps.

What are the costs to become a notary in California?

To file your application with the state, state requirements state you must accompany a $40 check or money order. Additional costs depend on the notary training courses you choose to take, extended training, supplies. County clerk’s fees for filing, live scan fees. 

The total cost depends on whether you are becoming a notary in California for first time or renewing. When new, you might want to purchase more assistance. If you have more experience, you might not need additional training and other offers. We offer a free online course to learn ahead of your live class with us.

Do I have to take a notary exam?

It is required to take a notary exam before the state processes your application. This is done after your training course on how to become a notary public in California. You are given a proof of completion certificate to take your exam.

Exams are administered through a privately contracted company named Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS). You must take your examination with this company and score 70% or higher to pass. Check out their exam schedules here.

Also, if you are more of a phone person, contact them at (916) 263-3520 to request information about exam locations and registration.

What is a surety bond? Why do I need a surety bond? 

A surety bond is a requirement to become a notary in California. If you completed all steps and failed to file your surety bond, your commission is no longer valid.

This surety bond promises to pay the public who are harmed by misconduct, dishonestly, etc. The bond is like insurance because it helps pay for a signer’s losses. However, if you ever need to use your surety bond to pay any costs, you must pay the surety company back. 

Please keep in mind you will need more than a surety bond as a California notary public. You will need notary supplies like a notary seal, journal, ink pad, etc. for your notarial acts.

How long is the process to become a Notary in California?

After taking your exam, you must wait for your notary exam results in the mail. This takes 15-20 business days from the date of the exam.

Following this, you will receive a pass letter. Once that is done, your application is submitted for processing. From then on, you have six weeks to eight weeks or more, depending on the number of applicants the state must process. You can schedule here.

How long does a California Notary Commission last?

Notary commission last four years. You are only taking three hours training to renew. You must renew every four years, or you are no longer a notary.

Where can I retrieve a live scan form for my fingerprints?

Fingerprints submit to the California Department of Justice Live Scan. You can find the Live Scan Form here. Please note that only an approved live scan provider can provide this service. Please refer to the California DOJ for a list of Live Scan providers.

I submitted my background check to become a notary in California. How can i check the status on the web? 

The Applicant Background Check webpage is located here: https://applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov/. You must use both the ATI number from the Request for Live Scan Form and, lastly, the date of birth for your search.

How can i know the status of my application?

The notary application processing time varies. If properly completed, this depends on the time received, and your background check status returned for your fingerprints. Please check the state’s website for Processing Times. This is updated daily.

I could not file my oath and bond on time. Do i have to take a class to become a notary in California again?

This passage will discuss filing an oath and bond on time. If you forget to file your oath and bond on time. Unfortunately, you must reapply to become a notary public.

With reapplying, you must submit a current proof of completion, a new notary application, and present new fingerprints via Live Scan. a 2″ x 2″ color application photo of yourself, and finally a check for $20.00. 

I changed my business or home address. What do I do?

This passage is regarding changing your address for either home or business. Many students become a notary in California and change their address. The state provides an address change form. You must submit this back by certified mail or delivery that provides your receipt. Lastly, this must be changed within 30 days. Please refer to States Information for the mailing address.

I changed my name. What do I do?

This passage is regarding changing your name with the state. The state provides a Name Change Form. You must submit this by certified mail or delivery that provides a receipt. Once approved, the state will send an amended commission reflecting a new name. Next, you must file an oath of office, get your bond amended to reflect your new name, and file both with county clerks within 30 days from the date the amended commission was issued. Please know that you must obtain a new seal with a new name and destroy your old seal.

How do I renew? Who can take the three-hour training?

Notaries commissioned and their four-year terms almost completed can take a three-hour training. You must have previously completed an approved six-hour notary public training and hold a current active commission. Then, you are eligible to take an approved three-hour course. You will need to complete a training, notary exam, application, and background check before the expiration date of their current commission, with enough time to process.

I applied to renew, took 3 hours of training, but did not pass my notary public exam. What do I do?

If you do not pass your exam when it is time to renew, you can retake the exam before the expiration of your commission. You will bring your certificate of completion for your three-hour training, a 2 x 2 application photo, and a $20 check or money order payable to the state for filing. However, suppose your commission expires before retaking the exam. In this one case, you will be required to take a six-hour training, as the three-hour training will no longer be satisfactory for an expired commission. Additionally, make sure you will need to submit fingerprints via Live Scan for each commission if not already done.

How soon can I take the exam to renew as a notary public?

It is essential to know that the state recommends renewing at least six months before your commission expiration. Also, test results are valid for one year from the examination date. To sum up, you can test one year before the end or a few months before the expiry of your commission.

In conclusion, thank you for reading our topic. Now that you have learned how to become a notary public in California. Check out our class dates for our how to become a notary public in California.