How to become a notary in Los Angeles
How to Become a Notary in Los Angeles
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.
Notaries enjoy a minimal investment for multiple years of income before renewing.
With this guide, you will learn all the steps to take to become an official California Notary in no time. Now to the guide.

Become a Notary Public: California Secretary of State
- Becoming a notary comes with requirements. Requirements are simple and can be met with one day of work. Notary Public Class can help you with this!
- Be 18 years of age or older (there is no maximum age set by statute),
- Be a legal California resident,
- Complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State,
- Satisfactorily complete and pass a written exam of the Secretary of State,
- Clear a background check.
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 that Notary Public Class has a 1 day solution. Find more information about the process below.
How to Become a Notary in Los Angeles
We've got 2 options!
#1: Notary Training: Your Own Pace

What's included with online training:
Go at your own pace with 60 Days Access
Flash Cards
Quizzes
Printable handbook
Printable Forms
Live Chat Inside Course
Certificate of Completion
Exam Seat Registration
I took the loan signing training with notary public class and when I say they offer the BEST notary classes! They have free online training, notary supplies, notary surety bonds, and they also have loan signing training that helped me learn what a notary public salary will be. I’m jumping into signing as a notary public this weekend thanks to them.
Julie Parker
#2: Live In Person Training
Took their California approved notary class in the classroom and they were awesome. Class was filled with a lot of students who were just starting like me and wanting to learn something new. They have loan signing training after the class and offer a lot of advice and information that you can’t get from someone with no notary experience.
Jesse Hicky
What's included with live in person training:
Online Training Features – 60 Days Access
Live In Class Instructor
Exam Same Date
Notary Handbook On Site
Certificate of Completion

How much does it cost to become a CA Notary?
Are you wondering how much does it cost to become a Notary in California?
To begin the process, applicants must pay for training, a criminal background check, and a $40 fee as their application fee to take the Notary exam. Then they can choose from authorized vendors to fulfill the necessary 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.
Await Your Commission Packet
Becoming a California Notary requires first submitting an application, followed by a background check. If the application is approved, a notary public commission packet will be mailed as part of the next steps towards becoming an official notary in the state.
This packet includes a Certificate of Appointment signed by the Secretary of State, which officially confirms your status as a Notary Public in California. Congratulations!
Then, you will need to provide notarypublicclass.com with a copy of your commission certificate and original letter of authorization to obtain your bond and other supplies. Finally, we prepare you for the last step of filing to make it official.
How long does a California Notary commission last?
Becoming a CA Notary is not difficult, but it does require following the necessary steps. The first step is submitting 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.
Is training required to become a CA Notary?
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.
What is a surety bond and why do I need one?
To become a Notary Public in the state of California, you must first obtain a surety bond of $15,000 from a surety company licensed to do business in the state. This bond serves as an insurance policy and provides financial protection against any losses that could result if you fail to faithfully perform your duties as a Notary. The surety company may also require repayment of any costs incurred in defending the bond. Furthermore, you are held responsible for verifying all documents you notarize and must pay for any damages caused by negligence on your part.
May I become a California Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
If you are a California resident and want 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.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
To become a Notary Public in the state of California, you must complete an application form, submit it to the Business Programs Division Notary Public Section in Sacramento, and meet the qualifications set forth in the California Notary Handbook. 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.
Then, you will need to provide notarypublicclass.com with a copy of your commission certificate and original letter of authorization to obtain your bond and other supplies. Finally, we prepare you for the last step of filing to make it official.
Email [email protected] or call 18448404949
If you want to become a Notary Public in California, contact us to complete the process! We are available Monday through Saturday 8am to 8pm at 18448404949.
Become a notary
What is errors and omissions insurance?
Becoming a California Notary requires the completion of an application, attending a 6-hour training course, and passing a state-administered 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. An E&O policy will cover attorney costs, legal fees, and damages associated with any lawsuit brought against you.
Where will I notarize?
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.
What is the process to renew my commission as a California Notary?
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 begin at least six months before expiration, to avoid interruption in notarizations. When renewing early, it’s important to note that the new commission won’t arrive until 30 days before the old one expires.
Why Choose Notary Public Class as Your Training Provider in California?
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 must also fulfill the Live Scan fingerprinting requirements at any of the live seminars before becoming certified.
To become a Notary Public in California, you must first complete an official application and submit it to the California Secretary of State. In addition to your application, you must provide proof of identity, a passport-style photograph, and a $40 application fee. You will also need to submit a Notary bond in the amount established by your county. Finally, you must purchase a notary stamp and journal, which are used to record documents notarized. Once all these requirements have been satisfied, you will be officially commissioned as a California Notary Public.
Additional resources
The process of becoming a California Notary Public involves meeting various state requirements and completing many steps. The California Secretary of State publishes an official source of laws related to Notaries Public in California, known as the 2022 CA Notary Handbook. This handbook includes a checklist of all the requirements that must be met and steps that need to be taken to become a commissioned Notary in the state of California.
Becoming a California Notary requires you to meet certain qualifications and complete several steps. First, you must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of California. You need to complete an eight-hour training course and pass an exam. After this, you will need to fill out the application form provided by the state’s Secretary of State office. Once your application is approved and you are sworn in, you will receive your commission!
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