To become a Notary Public in California, applicants must first take a six-hour training course from an approved vendor. This includes Notary Public Class (NPC). When it’s time to renew, applicants must also take a three-hour refresher course before their current commission expires. The list of approved education providers includes Notary Public Class (NPC) for these courses. More can be found on the California Secretary of State’s website.

To become a notary in California, you must:

1. Be a California Resident at the time of appointment.

2. Be 18 Years of age

3. Complete an approved Course of study.

4. Pass a written, proctored, closed book examination.

5. Pass a background check.

Congratulations! This is always great to learn! If you have passed your exam now, you must await your commission package from the secretary of state to arrive. Once this is received contact us and we can get you sworn in and your supplies done as soon as possible.

With each class that we offer we provide a certificate of completion!

If you do not pass the exam, just reschedule a new examination with us. 

1. $40 check or money order payable to the “Secretary of State” for your application to be processed.

2. Your Application Photo if you do not purchase our live scan. If you purchase our live scan, a FREE application photo is provided.

3. A Valid ID

Yes! If you need to check, please use this link directly to their site:

reference: sos.ca.gov

If becoming a notary for first time or not renewing on time, you must take a six hour training. If renewing as a notary, you are required to take a three hour training. However, if desired, it is also satisfactory to take six hour training.

Unfortunately, the secretary of state specifies your commission term is 4 years. If you are not renewing on time you must complete a six hour training.

Commissions are valid for four years from the start of your commencement date. You have four years to operate, then your commission expiration occurs.

If you are a California resident and would like to become a notary public, you can start by researching the process, requirements and fees. You must be 18 or older, hold a clean criminal history, pass an exam and submit an application that includes proof of identity and residency. Once approved, you will be given an oath of office and may purchase the necessary seals and supplies.

Becoming a California Notary is fairly simple. All you need to do is apply with the county clerk’s office, complete your training, and pass the notary exam. Once you are approved and certified, you will officially be a California Notary and can start notarizing documents anywhere within the state’s borders.

Are you a California Notary looking to renew your commission? The process is similar to when you first became a Notary, with one main difference; if you renew before your current commission expires, you only need to take a three-hour training course instead of the usual six-hour course. It’s recommended that renewal should begin at least six months in advance of expiration in order to avoid any interruption in being able to carry out notarizations. When renewing early it’s important to note that the new commission won’t arrive until 30 days prior to the old one expiring.

THE ENERGY IS UNMATCHED. If you’re interested in becoming a California Notary, Notary Public Class offers six-hour courses approved by the state’s Secretary of State. You can attend these classes in person at our locations, or take an online course. Once your training is completed, you can then sit for the required CA Notary exam. You can also fulfill the Live Scan fingerprinting requirements at any of the live seminars.