California Notary | NOTARYBONDING - Notary Service & Bonding Ins. Agcy.

State of California Notary Requirements

Click Here for simple step by step directions on how to become a new or renewal notary in California

Eligibility

Be 18 years of age or older.
Be a legal resident of the State of California.
Complete a six-hour course of study approved by the Secretary of State.
Pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State with a score of at least 70%.
Pass a background check by the FBI and the California Department of Justice.
Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.

Provisions:

Notary Term
4 years.
Notary Bond
Required. A notary bond in the amount of $15,000 is required for new and renewing notaries.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Optional. Notary Service and Bonding Insurance Agency strongly recommends that California notaries insure themselves against claims of negligence.
Notay Stamp/Notary Seal
Required. Embosser or rubber-inked stamp.
Record Journal
Required. A notary public must maintain one active sequential journal for all notarial acts performed. The journal must be kept in a locked and secured area, under the direct and exclusive control of the notary. If the journal is stolen, lost, misplaced, destroyed, or damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable as a record, the notary shall immediately notify the Secretary of State by certified or registered mail. Such notice must include the periods of journal entries, the notary’s commission number, the commission expiration date, and a police report, if applicable. A notary must surrender his notary journal immediately when requested to do so by a peace officer investigating a criminal offense if the officer shows probable cause as required by law. A peace officer or law enforcement agency that seizes a notary journal must notify the Secretary of State by facsimile within 24 hours. A power of attorney document is added to the list of documents that requires a thumbprint in the journal.
State Filing Fee
A $40 filing fees is required for new and renewal notary applications.
Education/Testing
Required. Every notary must satisfactorily complete a six-hour course approved by the Secretary of State prior to appointment. After completing the approved six-hour course, the vendor will issue a Proof of Completion Certificate that will be valid for two years from the date of issuance. After receiving the Proof of Completion Certificate, the applicant registers for an exam by contacting Cooperative Personnel Service (CPS). The written examination must be passed with a score of at least 70%.
Jurisdiction
Statewide.
Non-Residents
Not permitted.
Notary Commission Renewal
A notary public may apply 30 days before the expiration of the current commission by completing a renewal application form and by completing the approved three-hour refresher course prior to reappointment as a notary public.

Become a New or Renewal Notary in California

Step 1

Complete your California new or renewal notary bond package order form and send us your "original" certificate of authorization so that we may process your order.

New or Renewal Notary Bond Package Order Form (PDF)

To order your notary bond package and/or official stamp seal you must mail us your "original" certificate of authorization issued by the California Secretary of State before we can process your order. Please be advised that no emails, faxes or photocopies are accepted, it must be the "original" document.

See the example picture below of what form to SEND to us and what form to KEEP for your records.

Note: The certificate authorizes a maximum number of stamps for a notary. If you want to order more than one stamp, the certificate must authorize as such.

Mail the following forms:

"Original" certificate of authorization.
Completed new or renewal notary bond package order form.

Corporate Mailing:
Notary Service and Bonding Agency, Inc.
550 Hulet Drive, Suite 105
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Step 2

When we receive your forms in the mail we will process your order.

Once we receive your "original" certificate of authorization, completed notary bond package order form, and form of payment we will immediately process your notary public bond and official seal stamp (if ordered).

Step 3

Visit the California Secretary of State website for a check list of instructions for new notary public commissions and current commissioned notaries.

California Secretary of State Website

Become a New or Renewal Notary Electronically in California

Step 1

Become a New or Renewal Notary using our Mail-In Service in California

Step 1

For a Recently Appointed Notary in California

Step 1

California Notary Packages and Supplies

State of California Notary Requirements

Become a New or Renewal Notary in California

Become a New or Renewal Notary Electronically in California

Become a New or Renewal Notary using our Mail-In Service in California

For a Recently Appointed Notary in California

Order your notary package by mail

Notary Directory & More

Service Support & More

Contact Us

© 2025 Notary Service and Bonding Agency, Inc. all rights reserved. Pricing, shipping, information, and specifications are subject to change without notice. Your notary bond paper work will be emailed to you for faster service.

California Notary Packages and Supplies

Pages

Pages

State of California Notary Requirements

Become a New or Renewal Notary in California

Become a New or Renewal Notary Electronically in California

Become a New or Renewal Notary using our Mail-In Service in California

For a Recently Appointed Notary in California

Order your notary package by mail

Contact Us

© 2025 Notary Service and Bonding Agency, Inc. all rights reserved. Pricing, shipping, information, and specifications are subject to change without notice. Your notary bond paper work will be emailed to you for faster service.