Notary Public Qualifications
BECOMING A NOTARY PROCESS
Steps to Becoming a California Notary Public
Notary Education Requirement :
- Take an approved course of study - six-hours for new Notary applicants - three-hours for renewing
Notary Exam Site:
(exam registration provided in your course)
- Provide a Proof of Completion
(provided in your course materials) - Complete a Notary Public Application
(provided in your course materials) - Provide a current photo ID
- State Exam & Application fee $40 payable to the Secretary of State. Acceptable forms of payments: check, money order.
- Passport Photo 2"x 2" color photo
( can be purchased at your local CVS)
The Notary Public State Exam:
- 45 questions - multiple choice (not open book)
- 60 minutes to complete exam
- 70% passing score
- 15 days for emailed results
After Notary Public Exam:
- Background Check - Live Scan Fingerprinting
Can be taken at your local live scan agency or UPS store. Live Scan Fingerprints can be done prior to the notary exam, be sure to get a copy of the live scan form once completed (Request for Live Scan Form provided in your course material)
- A Notary Public commission will not be issued until the background check has been completed. So although you may have passed the exam, the commission will not be processed until your Live Scan Fingerprinting has been completed. You have up to 1-year after passing the notary exam to be live scanned.
After Live Scan Background Check
Your Notary Public Commission Process:
After the background check has been processed and you have passed the criminal check your application will be approved.
The California Secretary of State Notary Division will mail your Notary Public Commission along with:
- Filing Instructions ( Oath & Bond) Notary Oath & Certificate filing forms (two) - you will be required to file your oath & bond in the county of your principal place of business The county of your principal place of business is indicated on the application you complete.
- Certificate of Authorization
to Manufacture a Seal/stamp - In order to have a notary stamp made, you must have a Certificate of Authorization which indicates to the vendor making the seal that you are allowed to have one made. Without this form you can not have a notary seal/stamp made.
- Authorized Manufacturers - only an approved vendor/manufacture is allowed to make a notary seal/stamp and will require the Certificate of Authorization. The manufacture will then take an imprint of your seal on the Certificate of Authorization and will send the original to the Secretary of State, and keep the other in their records.
- File an oath and $15,000 surety bond with the county clerk’s office in the county where the commissioned applicant maintains a principal place of business within 30 calendar days.
California State Required Notary Supplies:
- $15,000 Surety Bond -
Average cost: $50-$100
one time fee - 4-years - the duration of the Notary commission - Protects the public not the Notary Public. - Notary Journal -
Average cost :$25-$40 - Notary Seal/Stamp -
Average cost: $25-$65
Important Note:
If you fail to file the oath and bond within 30-calendar days from the issuance date listed on the Notary Public Commission the Notary Commission will then be voided. You will then need to reapply and submit a new application.
Notary Public Training
Online VIDEO Notary Course - NEW NOTARY
Access your class anytime & anywhere. Go at your own pace! You can watch the videos, or listen to the lessons while driving or working out, running errands. Your time is locked, so every time you log in you pick up exactly where you left off. The States BEST pre-test are available after each lesson. State Exam Registration process provided, proof of completion of course easy downloadable once you have completed your course.
$69.00
Renew Your Commission - Easy, Fast & Accessable
Take your Video course anytime from anywhere, smart phone, tablet, or computer. At your own pace - all pre-test are included. State Exam list provided and easy download your proof of completion.
$59.00
Certified Notary Loan Signing Agent Course
As Notary Public in order to make your commission work, you must learn how to process, package and provide Loan Signing Services. In our Online Notary Loan Signing Course you will learn exactly how to start and effectively become a Loan Signing Agent.
$399