Notary Public Class

how to become a ca notary

The Complete Guide on How to Become a California Notary

how to become a ca notary

Becoming a notary in California can be a rewarding choice for those interested in providing important legal services. Oftentimes individuals looking for income opportunities or to add to their resume seek this great opportunity. 

With this guide, you will learn all the steps to take to become an official California Notary in no time.

Now to the guide.

How to Become a Notary Public

Becoming a notary comes with requirements. Requirements are simple and can be met with one day of work.

To become a notary public, you must meet all the following requirements (see below): 

  1. Be 18 years of age or older (there is no maximum age set by statute), 
  2. Be a legal California resident, 
  3. Complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State,
  4. Complete application and pass a written exam of the Secretary of State, 
  5. Pass a background check. The Department of Justice has a list of Live Scan locations.
  6. Purchase $15,000 surety bond 
  7. Purchase Notary Stamp, journal and errors and omissions

Meet the requirements? Here’s more information

Becoming a notary is a fairly straightforward process, but it may take some time and effort. Keep in mind, Notary Public Class has a 1 day solution. Find more information about the process below. 

Become a Ca. Notary

Notary Public Class has an all in 1 solution for how to become a ca notary. We want to offer you:

  1. Live 6 Hour Certification Class
  2. Online Training,
  3. Loan Signing PRO Certification Class, 
  4. Background Check & Application Photo
  5. Notary Supplies – $15k Notary bondNotary stampink pad & upgraded journal – Our Advanced Modern Notary Journal** 
  6. And more amazing perks 🙂
how to become a ca notary

Most important

This can help you understand better cost, application processing and more.

Are you wondering how much does it cost to become a Notary in California? 

Applicants must pay for training,

a criminal background check,

and a $40 fee as their application fee to take the Notary exam.

Next, purchase your supplies, such as surety bond, notary stamp, journal, ink pad, and insurance.

Please know: An additional cost may be required for county clerk bond and oath of office filing fees. 

Becoming a CA Notary is not difficult, but it requires following the necessary steps. The first step is to submit an application to the California Secretary of State’s Office. Once your application is approved, you must pass an exam administered by the Secretary of State.

After that, you will be issued a commission as a notary public, which will last for four years. To remain a notary public, you must renew your commission before it expires every four years.

Meeting the requirements

Sometimes, meeting the requirements involves questions. Here are our frequently asked.

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).

In addition when it’s time to renew, applicants must also take a three-hour refresher course before their current commission expires. This includes Notary Public Class (NPC). More can be found on the California Secretary of State’s website.

If you are a California resident and want to become a notary public, you can. The requirement is that if you reside in California, you do not have to be a United States citizen.

You must first obtain a $15,000 bond from a licensed company to become a notary public in California. This bond provides protection against losses if you fail to perform your duties as a Notary.

The surety company may also require repayment of any costs incurred in defending the bond. You are responsible for verifying all documents you notarize, and must pay for any damages caused by negligence on your part.

Are you a California Notary looking to renew your commission?

The process is similar to first time notaries, but you only need a three-hour training course.

It’s recommended renewal begin at least six months before expiration, to avoid interruptions. If you renew before your current commission expires. When renewing early, it’s important to note that the new commission won’t arrive until 30 days before the old one expires.

To become a Notary Public in California, complete an application form and submit it with your ewxam. Once approved, you will be mailed a Certificate of Appointment as well as information on how to obtain your commission. After your commission is issued, you may begin performing notarial acts.

To become a Notary Public in California, complete an application form, attached proof of completion of training, $40 check or money order payable to “Secretary of State” and submit it with your exam.  After your commission is issued, you may begin performing notarial acts.

Additionally asked questions

Sometimes, meeting the requirements involves questions. Here are our frequently asked.

Becoming a California Notary requires the completion of an application, attending a 6-hour training course, and passing a state exam. Once your application and credentials are approved, you will receive your certificate of appointment and bond. You may also want to consider purchasing Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance to protect yourself against possible legal costs or damages. Lastly an E&O policy will cover attorney costs, as well as legal fees and damages associated with any lawsuit brought against you.

Once you are approved and certified, you will officially be a California Notary and can start notarizing throughout California.

The Notary Public Exam is a closed book exam, administered by proctors from CPS HR!

Results are given within 15-20 business days. After receiving your pass letter, your application is forwarded to the secretary of state.

Notaries can make between $15 and $250 per appointment. It depends on the signing, however we teach how to make both as a notary.

The California notary exam is 45 questions, each multiple choice.

Back to top

Ready to get started?

Take our California State Approved Training.

Notary Public Class
Author: Notary Public Class

Notary Public Class is the leading notary school in the state of California. Whether you are looking to become a Notary or to renew your current commission as a California Notary Public, Notary Public Class is the go-to option. We have the best courses and study materials that are state-approved and that will thoroughly prepare you to pass the State Notary Public Exam on your first attempt. We have an impeccable reputation as the best notary trainers in the field, and our enviable track record of high passing rates coupled with our high sense of professionalism is what makes us the first call for new and renewing notaries all over California. Our Notary Public materials are designed by notary experts to simulate reality and ensure that all our applicants are well acquainted with real-life instances that will require them to perform their notary duties. A Notary Public Class, our goal is to provide our students with all the help they need to achieve their dream of becoming a notary public or renewing as a notary public.