How to Become a Notary in California

Who is an Notary?

A Notary Public (NP) is an officer of integrity whose appointment to serve the public as an impartial witness in signing and verifying the authenticity of legal documents, i.e., affidavits, licenses, deeds, etc., is usually by the secretary of state.

Learn how to qualify by understanding answers to 6 critical questions.

Who can become a Notary?

An applicant must be:
• Minimum of 18 years
• Legally residing in California
• Having a spotless criminal record compatible to an office of an Notary. As part of the background check, applicants must also have their fingerprints scanned electronically at an official "Live Scan" site.

Is training needed to become a CA Notary?

For first-time applicants, a mandatory 6 hours of training with an authorized state agent is a requirement. And renewals earlier than an applicant's current commission expiration, a 3-hour refresher course at approved education providers is compulsory.

Does an applicant need to pass an examination?

All new or renewing applicants must pass a written proctored examination managed by Cooperative Personal Services, a private firm. An applicant must score no less than 70 percent to pass the exam.

Unsuccessful initial applicants will pay a $20 examination retake fee.

What is and why does an applicant have a surety bond?

A surety bond guarantees anyone harmed due to the failure of an NP to faithfully and dutifully carry out their responsibilities that the NP will pay.

The Notary thus bears all damages occurring. All payments covering a signer's losses are from the bond with the company.

The company gets its repayment from the NP, who must bear the cost of damages, including all expenses the company incurs defending the bond.

The surety company may also require you to repay any costs the company incurs in defending the bond. A surety bond does not provide insurance coverage for you.

California obligates applicants to obtain a $15,000 surety bond from a firm authorized to conduct business in the state.

What supplies does a notary public need?

On commissioning, the Notary must purchase a well-bound journal and ink stamp to discharge their duties.

What kind of notarial supplies are required?

Once commissioned, you must purchase an ink stamp and a well-bound journal. After will buy a seal from a vendor with state approval using a certificate the Secretary of State issues. The shape of the seal is standard. Its form either has to be 1" x 2.5" rectangular or 2" in diameter circular shape seal.

An Notary seal purchase from an approved source like a stationary store is prohibited.

It's a strong recommendation that an NP confirms that the stamp has a lifetime guarantee before making a purchase.

It's necessary to verify due to the issue with a varying range of quality and durability among vendors. And a smudge document will mean rejection by a county officer.

An Notary must record every notarization performed in a journal. This record shows that the NP is carrying out their duties correctly. Also, a journal proves how an Notary forms a notarization task.

Why get errors and omissions insurance?

Although optional yet the strong recommendation is to get it. It ensures against likely legal expenses and damages equal to the amount of the policy. Plus, it covers attorney fees during court proceedings.