How to Become a Certified Notary Public in California

Becoming a notary public in the state of California is a multi-tiered process and one of the most rigorous in the United States. Applicants must pass a state-given, closed-book examination. Many other state's allow applicants to complete a small, open-book quiz as part of their application packet or not submit to an exam at all. California applicants must also submit to a full background check and fingerprint exam. A full background check of this scale is not required for notary applicants in many other states.

Instructions

1. Download the "California Notary Public Handbook" from the Secretary of State's website (see Resources). This document includes all current information and rules pertaining to notarial acts and duties within the state. You should read the document and become familiar with it.

2. Complete and pass notarial training with an approved third-party vendor. All approved notary education vendors are listed on the California Secretary of State's website. All applicants must complete a six-hour long training course. At the end you will receive a Proof of Completion Certificate from the vendor verifying that you completed the training. There is a fee for this; fees range per vendor.

3. Register for the notary exam given by the state of California. To register, visit the Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS) website (see Resources) and create an account. Once registered on the site, you can view the exam schedule and locations that the test will be given. When you find a suitable location and exam date, select the "Register for an Examination" button next to the exam date. Or, you can call CPS at: 916-263-3520 and register over the phone, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. When calling be prepared to provide a chosen exam date and location to the representative. There is no fee to register for the exam.

4. Complete the California "Notary Public Application" before you take the state exam. This application can be downloaded from the California Secretary of State's website. The application requires that you enter your full name, address, date of birth, social security number and admit to any felony convictions.

5. Attach a two-inch by two-inch photo of yourself to the application before you take the state exam. You may get a photo of this size from any passport photo business. There is a fee for this. Fees range per place of business. You may also use a two-inch by two-inch photo that you already have but it must be current and taken within the last five years.

6. Take the closed-book state notary exam. The examination will take approximately one to two hours. Make sure you bring your completed application, photo, Proof of Completion Certificate, a check or money order for $40 (as of 2010) made payable to the Secretary of State, identification such as a state-issued driver's license or ID card (a Canadian or Mexican driver's license or ID card is also acceptable), a U.S. Passport or military-issued ID and two-number two sharpened pencils.

   Exam results will be scored within 15 days of taking the test and results will be mailed. You must have a score of 70 percent or higher on the exam to pass. Successful applicants will have their transferred to the Secretary of State for processing.

7. Complete a full background exam and fingerprint scan. This is only required of applicants that pass the examination. Download and complete a "Request for Live Scan" form. The form requires that you enter your full name, address, date of birth, social security number, physical characteristics such as weight and height and employer information.

8. Bring the Request for Live Scan, a current photo ID, a fingerprint processing fee and a rolling fee (call the Live Scan location to verify the amount of these fees) to a Live Scan location (see Resources) and submit to a fingerprint exam. The Department of Justice and FBI will then run a complete background check on you to make sure you don't have a criminal record. They will then submit clearance to the Secretary of State and your notary commission will be issued.

9. Receive the Notary Commission Packet in the mail. The packet includes a cover letter with further instructions, a notary commission certificate, filing instructions, two Notary Public Oath and Certificate of Filing forms, a Certificate of Authorization to Manufacture Notary Public Seals and a list of authorized manufacturers of notary public seals.

10. Purchase notary public materials. Such materials include a notary bond, notary journal and notary seal. A notary public bond can be purchased at a bonding or insurance company. A notary journal is a journal designated to keep and maintain a sequential listing of all notarial acts performed. A journal can be purchased from most office supply stores. A notary public seal may be purchased from an authorized notary seal manufacture as listed in the Notary Commission Packet in step 8.

11. Complete and file your Oath (provided in your Notary Commission Packet) and submit a receipt of your notary bond at the County Clerk's office in the county in which you reside or where your principal place of business is located within 30 days of your commission being issued. (The 30-day period can't be extended. You may be required to redo the entire application process including the exam again if you go beyond the 30-day period.) There may be a fee to submit these materials to the County Clerk's office.

References

• CA SOS: Notary Public Check List
• CA CPS: Register for Exam
• CA CPS: What to bring
• CA SOS: Live Scan
• CA SOS: Notary Materials

Resources

• CA SOS: Notary Application
• CA SOS: Approved Vendor
• CA SOS: Notary Public Handbook
• CA SOS: Request for LiveScan
• CA: Live Scan Fingerprinting Locations