How to Become a Notary in California (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your California notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official California state sources.
A state-by-state reference covering notary fee caps, remote online notarization (RON) availability, and step-by-step instructions for getting documents notarized from home. Know your rights and the legal maximums before you pay a notary.
See exactly what you get- All 50 states — fee caps for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and RON
- RON status for every state — which states allow remote online notarization in 2026
- Step-by-step guide to getting documents notarized via video call
- Mobile notary tips — what to ask upfront, how to avoid overcharging
- Instant download — open in any browser, print to PDF
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How to Become a Notary in California — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in California, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of California or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Complete the required education course
California requires you to complete a state-approved notary education course before applying. The course is 6 hours. Courses are available from approved providers and can typically be completed online. Course prices are set by the provider.
Pass the notary exam
California requires all applicants to pass a written notary exam. The exam fee is $20. Schedule your exam through the state or an approved testing provider. Study the California notary handbook — available free from the County Clerk.
Obtain your $15,000 surety bond
California requires a $15,000 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company; the bond company sets the premium. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the County Clerk
File your completed notary application with the County Clerk and pay the $20 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Include your certificate of course completion. Include your exam pass certificate. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — by the deadline in your commission letter. In California, you also file your bond with the County Clerk at this step.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official California notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the County Clerk requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in California. Traditional notary fees in California: up to $15 per act (state-capped). For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your California Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for California. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
California Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $20 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $15,000 face value (premium set by the bond company) |
| Exam | Required — $20 fee |
| Education course | Required — 6 hours |
| Filing office | County Clerk |
| RON available | No |
| Fees charged by the state (application + exam) | $40 |
The Secretary of State charges a $20 processing fee with the application and a separate $20 fee for the proctored exam, payable at the exam site (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 2, sections 20802 and 20803). A six-hour approved course comes first, plus Live Scan fingerprints. Course prices are set by the vendor. RON is authorized by SB 696 (2023) but not yet operative (by January 1, 2030 at the latest).
What Can a California Notary Charge?
California caps notary fees at $15 per notarial act. $15 per notarized signature. Travel fees allowed if reasonable and agreed to in advance. RON is authorized by SB 696 (2023) but not yet operative; it starts when the Secretary of State certifies its system, by January 1, 2030 at the latest.
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a California Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your California notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.