How to Become a Notary in the State of California

There are eight steps to becoming a notary in the state of California.

Some legal documents require a notary's stamp or signature. A notarized document prevents fraud by providing proof of signature and affirming that the document was signed under oath that the contents of the document are true. A notary public is assigned by the state to witness the signatures of official and important legal documents. The state of California requires eight steps to become a notary public.

Instructions

1. Take the six-hour mandatory notary training course. There are three options for taking this seminar. Go to the live notary class, watch the notary class online or take the course at home on DVD.

2. 

   Take the state notary exam to receive your notary public license in California.

   Take the state notary exam. This is administered at the end of the live notary course and requires $40, a 2"x2" passport photo and photo identification. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and takes 50 minutes to complete. You must pass with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your license. If you are taking the course online or via DVD, contact the Cooperative Personnel Service to find out how you can take the exam.

3. View your test scores either by mail, or you can check them online via the CPS Human Resources website, where you will also find information how to obtain a password. Wait approximately 15 business days from your exam date for the test scores to be posted online.

4. Fill out the Live Scan application, which will come with your test results in the mail. You can also download an application by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page entitled "Download Live Scan Form." Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting process that expedites the criminal background check process. You will need to give these results to the Department of Justice and FBI to complete your background check. Convicted felons cannot become notaries.

5. Order your notary supplies including an official notary stamp and bond from Golden State Notary by faxing them your Certificate of Authorization to Manufacture Public Seals. It will take eight to 12 weeks for this certificate to arrive by mail. You can also order online or through the mail.

6. File your insurance bond with the county clerk's office. This bond is for four years with a value of $15,000. The bond is also available from the Nationwide Notary Bond's website.

References

• National Notary Organization: What is a Notary Public?
• Golden State Notary: How to Become a Notary

Resources

• Notary Public Exam
• Download Live Scan Form
• Golden State Notary: Certificate of Authorization
• Nationwide Notary Bond