So, you’ve decided to become a notary public in California, but where do you start? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of becoming a notary, from understanding the prerequisites to navigating the application process. Whether you’re a newcomer or seeking a renewal, this comprehensive overview will set you on the right path to obtaining your notary commission.
Eligibility
Residence and Citizenship Requirement:
- California Residency: To be eligible for a notary commission in California, you must be a resident of the state at the time of your appointment. However, there is an exception for individuals appointed to serve on a military or naval reservation within California.
Age Requirement
- Minimum Age: To qualify for a notary commission, you must be at least 18 years old. Verify your age eligibility before proceeding with the application process.
Common Disqualifying Convictions
- Crimes of Moral Turpitude: Convictions involving crimes of moral turpitude, which typically include offenses such as fraud, dishonesty, or deceit, are likely to disqualify an individual from becoming a notary.
- Felony Convictions: Felony convictions may also lead to disqualification. Serious criminal offenses, especially those related to dishonesty, raise concerns about an individual’s suitability for the responsibilities of a notary.
- Probation and Parole: Individuals on probation or parole may face disqualification. It’s essential to resolve any legal issues before applying for a notary commission.
Exam Preparation
Course of Study
- Approved Notary Education Course: Completion of an approved notary education course is mandatory. The California Secretary of State maintains a list of approved vendors providing courses that cover the necessary legal and practical aspects of notarial duties. Upon finishing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is a required document for your notary application.
- Course Content: The education course typically covers topics such as notary laws, ethical considerations, and practical scenarios, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of a notary public.
- Recognized Providers: Ensure that the course you choose is recognized by the California Secretary of State to meet the education requirement for your notary application. CaliforniaNotaryPrep.com is an authorized provider for the course content and we provide a 6 Hour Course as well as a 3 Hour Course.
- Duration and Format: Notary education courses vary in duration and format, providing flexibility for individuals to choose a course that suits their schedule and learning preferences.
Obtain Proof of Completion Certificate
- Proof Of Completion Certificate: Prior to taking the exam potential California Notaries must obtain a Proof of Completion Certificate. CaliforniaNotaryPrep.com provides the 6 hour Course for new notaries as well a the 3 Hour Course for renewing notaries.
Register for the California Notary Exam
- Exams are administered by CPS HR Consulting and registration can be made online.
- You can check for the exam schedule here to view the preferred location , date and time of the exam you wish to register
- Once you check for the exam schedule you need to register online to create an account with CPSHR.
- A confirmation scheduling letter will be sent via email or postal mail (in case the candidate doesn’t provide a email address). Expect the letter to arrive 1-2 weeks prior to the exam.
- Many a time our students do not find their preferred location and time. The exam allows for walk-ins however registration is not guaranteed. We highly encourage walks-in’s due to high rate of no-show candidates.
- Special Accommodation testing is available for students who have an ADA disability or are unable to the take the examination on Saturday due to religious obligations.
- Students are allowed to test only once per calendar month.If the exam is is taken more than once in a calendar month the second score will be deemed invalid and all fees will be forfeited.
California Notary Exam Preparation Tips
- Course Completion: Prior to taking the exam potential California Notaries must obtain a Proof of Completion Certificate.
- Written, Proctored Exam: Prospective notaries must pass a written, proctored, closed-book examination. The exam tests your knowledge of notary laws, ethical considerations, and practical applications.
- Exam Content: Questions on the exam cover a range of topics, including the proper procedures for notarial acts, legal requirements, and scenarios that a notary might encounter in their role.
- Exam Preparation Resources: Various resources, including official study guides and practice exams, are available to help applicants prepare for the notary exam. we at www.californianotaryprep.com provide a solid foundation along with practice tests that will help you prepare for the exam. The practice quizzes will help you prepare well for the California Notary exam.
- Exam Locations: The California Secretary of State contracts with approved vendors to administer the notary exam. Check with the Secretary of State’s website for information on exam locations and schedules.
Items to bring for the California Notary Exam
- Valid Photo Identification: All notary applicants must bring a valid current photo identification issued within the last 5 years : no other forms of photo identification are acceptable. The following are acceptable:
- A driver’s License or State DMV I.D Card
- A Canadian or Mexican Drivers License
- US Passport/Passport Card or Passport/Passport Card issued by a foreign government.
- A U.S. Military I.D. Card
The name listed on the identification must exactly match the name that you print on Section 1D of the application (Full Legal Name).
- Notary Public Application : All notary applicants must bring a correctly completed current application. It is preferred if you type all the information or fill in legibly in black ink as any error may result in delay of your commission.
- Recent Photograph : Attach a recent 2″ x 2″ color photograph of yourself on the required form.
- Proof of completion certificate : Attach to this application the 6 hour course completion or 3 hour course completion certificate. Please ensure that the certificate has your full name as displayed on your current photo identification an the proof of completion has to be signed by the vendor to be valid. CaliforniaNotaryprep provides both 6 hour and 3 hour course materials.
- Copy of your printed fail letter : If you have failed your exam previously please bring a copy of your printed fail letter.
- Payment : New applications require a fee of $40, applicants who failed the last exam need to pay $20. Candidates must have a separate valid (at least 90 days from the exam date) check, money order, or cashier’s check, made payable to the Secretary of State. Cash is not accepted.
- Sharpened No 2 lead pencils
- Watch : Wear an analog watch as the site may not have a clock.
Passing the Exam
- Passing Score: A passing score on the notary exam is a crucial step toward obtaining your notary commission.Exam results will be available 15 business days after the examination. CPS HR Consulting will mail the exam results to applicants. A score of 70 or more is required to pass the exam. Successful applicants (receiving a a score of 70 and above) will have their applications transmitted to the Secretary of State for processing. In case you do not clear the exam you will be mailed a failed notice with a re-take voucher. Exam results will not be discussed over the telephone.
After Passing the Exam
Fingerprinting
- Until you have successfully passed the examination, individuals are not obligated to undergo fingerprinting .
- It is imperative for applicants to successfully complete the notary public exam, before proceeding with Live Scan fingerprint submission.
- In the process of appointing individuals as notaries public, a background check is a prerequisite. To evaluate the suitability of applicants for the role of a notary public, it is a legal requirement for them to undergo fingerprinting (Government Code section 8201.1).
- Applicants are obliged to have their fingerprints taken within one year of the exam date, and failure to do so within this timeframe necessitates a retest.
- Applicants are required to submit one set of classifiable fingerprints acceptable to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) for each notary public commission term. The submission of fingerprints is done electronically through the DOJ’s Live Scan Program, which transmits the fingerprints to both the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- The issuance of a notary public commission is contingent upon receiving a report from the DOJ and the FBI stating the absence of a criminal history. In the event that a criminal history is identified, the issuance of a notary public commission is subject to a review and evaluation process to determine its non-disqualifying nature.
- For information on Live Scan locations and business hours, please refer to the DOJ’s website at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations.
- A completed Request For Live Scan Service form (PDF).
- A current photo identification.
- The required fingerprint processing fee and an additional rolling fee. Contact the Live Scan site for confirmation of the rolling fee amount.When visiting a Live Scan site, ensure that you bring the following:
- It is advisable to request a copy of your Request For Live Scan Service form and retain it until you receive your notary public commission.
- There is no need to mail a copy to the Secretary of State, as the information will be electronically transmitted by the DOJ.
Clear Background Check
- Upon approval of the application and successful completion of the background check, the notary public commission packet will be dispatched via mail.
- The notary public commission packet comprises the following components:
- A cover letter accompanied by detailed instructions.
- Filing instructions for seamless processing.
- A notary public commission certificate recognizing the individual’s authority.
- Two Notary Public Oath and Certificate of Filing forms for official documentation.
- A Certificate of Authorization to Manufacture Notary Public Seals, a crucial aspect of the commission.
- A comprehensive list of Authorized Manufacturers of Notary Public Seals for reference.
- If the notary public exam was taken at least six weeks before the expiration date of the current commission, the new notary public commission will be dispatched no earlier than 30 days before the expiration date.
Purchase Notary Bond
- Within 30 calendar days from the initiation of the commission, a notary public must procure and submit an official bond to the county clerk’s office situated in the county where their primary business is located.
Purchase Notary Public Journal
- One must maintain a notary public journal to record all Notarial acts. Journals may be purchased through our Notary Supply Store.
Purchase Notary Public Seal
- One must maintain a notary public seal to record all Notarial acts. Seals may be purchased through authorized manufacturers noted within the notary public commission packet.
File Notary Public Oath and Bond
- A notary public is obligated to submit an oath of office and bond to the county clerk’s office in the county of their primary business location within 30 calendar days from the commission’s commencement date. This timeframe is non-negotiable and cannot be extended.
- While statutes permit mailing the oath and bond, it’s essential to note that document processing by the county occurs in chronological order, not necessarily on the date of receipt due to the document volume. The oath and bond can be presented to the county clerk before the commission’s commencement date and must be filed no later than 30 calendar days after the commission starts.
- For a prompt filing, it is advisable to submit the oath and bond in person.