State Notary

California State Notary Public

Notary publics in California serve a host of key functions.

Prospective notaries must complete a formal application and education process administered by the California Secretary of State. Like most states, notary applicants must be a California resident at least 18 years old.

Applicants must also satisfactorily complete a written exam; complete an approve course; and submit to a criminal background check. Under California state law, all notary public applicants must also agree to be finger printed as part of the background check.

The required paperwork must be submitted along with a color passport photo at an approved examination site.

Upon receiving a notary commission, the recipient must file an oath of office and a $15,000 surety bond with their county clerk’s office within 30 days.