Your Guide to Becoming a Notary Public and Notary Exams

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How to Become a Notary in California

Become a Notary Public in the State of California.

How to Become a Notary in California

Many people are interested in how to become a notary in California so that they can start their own notary business, advance their career, or expand on their current business. To become a California notary you need to meet specific eligibility requirements and follow a specific process that is determined by the California Secretary of State. If you are able to meet these requirements and become a California notary public, you will be able to work in the entire state of California.

Requirements to Become a California Notary

To become a notary in the state of California, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a legal resident of the state of California
  • Have no felony convictions on your record
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Do not have a declined notary application within the last ten years
  • Have not had your notary commission revoked within the last ten years
  • Finished a state approved notary course
  • Successfully passed a notary exam
  • Submitted and passed a background check and fingerprint check

California Notary Education Requirements

To become a notary in California, you have to take a California notary class. The course is required by law and you can not become a notary public in California without taking the course. The normal California notary class is 6 hours long and can be taken online or in person. After completing the course you will need to submit a proof completion with your application. The California Notary class is an extremely important part of becoming a California notary. Notaries manage and take care of many different types of documents and you will learn how properly handle notarizing each one as well as record keeping, common questions, and common procedures. It will build your confidence as a notary public and ensure you are able to effectively perform your job functions.

California Notary Exam

To become a notary in California you must pass a California notary exam. A score of 70% or better is needed on this exam. It can be taken at any state approved testing center.

California Notary Classes
  • Free Study Guide, Sample Exams, Video Tutorials
  • Pass the Test Guaranteed
  • Includes Reference Guide with Instructions for Key Notarial Duties
  • 6-hour and 3-hour Notary Classes
Everybody who signs up for a Notary Class will receive a free downloadable study guide. Written especially for those without any previous notary experience or notary knowledge and includes step-by-step instructions and detailed explanations. Contains all of the information you need to know to become a notary public in California.
Sign Up for your California Notary Class!

How to Become a Notary in California: Step by Step

Follow these simple steps and you can become a California notary in no time.

  • Step 1:

    Complete a California notary class with an approved provider.
  • Step 2:

    Fill out the application for a California notary public.
  • Step 3:

    Sign up for the California notary exam and pass the text with a score of 70% or better. Bring your application to the exam with you and they will submit it for you to the Secretary of State. There is also a $40 application fee.
  • Step 4:

    When your application is accepted by the state, you will need to go for a background test and fingerprint with Livescan. Follow directions on the paperwork you were mailed to submit the background check successfully.
  • Step 5:

    Read the direction in your California Notary Commission carefully and follow all directions. This will include buying notary supplies required by the state, your surety bong, and being sworn into office.