Revised: 9/17/25
Start Your Notary Career the Right Way
If you’re applying to become a California Notary Public for the first time, or if your commission has expired, you’re required by California law to complete a 6-hour approved notary education course. This training ensures you understand your duties, responsibilities, and the laws governing notarial acts.
At Notary Public Class, we provide an official, state-approved course designed to help you pass the notary exam and start your career with confidence.
Who Needs the 6-Hour Notary Course?
- First-time applicants for a California Notary Public commission
- Renewing notaries whose commission has expired
- Notaries who did not take an approved 6-hour course previously
If you’re renewing before your commission expires and have already completed a 6-hour course, you may qualify for the 3-hour refresher course. If your commission lapses, you must take the full 6-hour course again.
📘 What You’ll Learn in This Course
Our 6-hour training covers everything required by the California Secretary of State, including:
- Duties and responsibilities of a notary public
- Identification requirements and credible witnesses
- Acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations
- Proper use of the notary seal and journal
- California notary laws and Government Code sections
- Avoiding conflicts of interest and notarial misconduct
- Completing notarial certificates correctly
- Filing your oath & $15,000 bond with the county clerk
You’ll also receive a Proof of Completion certificate, valid for 2 years, which you’ll submit with your notary exam and application.
📝 How to Become a California Notary Public
- Complete the 6-Hour Approved Course (online or in person with us)
- Receive your Proof of Completion Certificate
- Register and pass the State Notary Exam
- Submit your application to the Secretary of State
- Undergo Live Scan background check
- Receive your Notary Commission packet by mail
- File your oath of office and $15,000 surety bond at the county clerk’s office
- Purchase your supplies (seal, journal, certificates)
💡 Why Choose Notary Public Class?
- State-Approved Provider (meets all CA SOS requirements)
- Same-Day Certificate available upon course completion
- Flexible learning (in-person or online access)
- Expert instructors with real notary experience
- Free retake if you don’t pass the exam the first time
- Affordable packages that include supplies and exam prep
📅 Course Schedule & Enrollment
We offer classes Monday–Saturday with both live in-person training in Los Angeles and online access for those who prefer remote learning.
👉 Enroll Now to secure your spot today.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long is the Proof of Completion valid?
A: 2 years from the date of issue. If you don’t pass the exam within that time, you must retake the course.
Q: Can I take the course online?
A: Yes, California allows both online and in-person training — as long as it’s with a Secretary of State-approved provider.
Q: Do I need this course if I’m just renewing?
A: If you renew before your commission expires and previously completed a 6-hour course, you may take the 3-hour refresher. If you let your commission lapse, you must take the 6-hour course again.
Q: What happens if I fail the exam?
A: You may retake the exam, but your Proof of Completion must still be valid.
Q: What is the 6-hour notary course in California?
A: The 6-hour notary course in California is a state-approved notary public training that first-time notary applicants must complete before taking the California notary exam.
Q: Do I get a proof of completion after the course?
A: Yes. At the end of the course, you will receive a proof of completion certificate, which is required to sit for the California notary exam.
Q: Is this course required for all California notaries public?
A: Yes, all first-time California notaries public must take the 6-hour training course. Renewing notaries may only need a 3-hour refresher course if their commission is active.
Q: Can I take the course online?
A: Yes. Our California notary course is available online and in person, so you can choose the format that works best for your schedule.
Q: How much can a California notary charge per notarization?
A: In California, notaries may charge up to $15 per signature notarized, as set by state law.
⚖️ Legal Reference
- California Government Code §8201 – Education requirement
- Government Code §8206(d) – Journal requirements
- Government Code §8207 – Seal requirements
- California Notary Handbook (latest edition)
🚀 Ready to Begin?
Join thousands of students who have trusted Notary Public Class to prepare for their notary careers.
