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California Notary Bond$15,000 • 4-Year Term

Get your California notary bond instantly. Required for all notaries in the Golden State. 6-hour education course and exam required. Download your certificate in minutes.

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$15,000 bond required by California
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Quick Answer

According to California Government Code §8212, California requires a $15,000 surety bond from an admitted insurer. Most applicants receive instant approval with no credit check. You must file your bond with the county clerk within 30 days of your commission start date.

What Are the California Notary Requirements?

Education & Exam

  • Complete 6-hour Secretary of State-approved course
  • Pass written exam with 70% or higher
  • Exam fee: $40 (retakes $20)
  • Renewing notaries: 3-hour refresher course

Application Requirements

  • Must be 18+ and California resident
  • Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
  • Post $15,000 surety bond
  • File oath and bond with county clerk within 30 days

Important: California notary bonds must be filed with your county clerk along with your oath of office within 30 calendar days of your commission start date. The bond provides financial protection to the public from losses caused by notarial errors or misconduct. Similar to contractor license bonds and probate bonds, notary bonds are essential for public protection.

How Do I Become a California Notary?

1

Education

Complete 6-hour approved course

2

Exam

Pass written exam (70%+)

3

Background

Live Scan fingerprinting

4

Bond & File

Get bond, file with county

Where Do California Notaries Work?

Southern California

Los Angeles County: Nation's largest notary market with real estate, entertainment contracts, loan signings. Mobile notaries in high demand across 88 cities.

San Diego & Orange County: Strong real estate and military markets. Camp Pendleton generates deployment documents and POAs.

Inland Empire: Fastest-growing region with logistics and residential development driving title/escrow work.

Northern California

San Francisco Bay Area: Tech M&A documents, venture capital agreements, stock options. Premium fees in Silicon Valley.

Sacramento: State capital with government notarizations and legislative documents.

Central Valley: Agricultural business, land transactions, equipment financing, succession planning.

California Notary Bond FAQs

How much does a California notary bond cost?
According to California Government Code §8212, California requires a $15,000 notary bond. This one-time premium covers your entire commission period. Most applicants qualify for instant approval.
What are the California notary bond requirements?
According to California Government Code §8212, every notary public must obtain a surety bond in the amount of $15,000. The bond must be executed by an admitted surety insurer—cash deposits are not accepted. You must file the bond with your county clerk within 30 calendar days of your commission start date. Source: California Secretary of State.
Is the 6-hour education course mandatory in California?
Yes. Under California law, all new notary applicants must complete a Secretary of State-approved 6-hour course of study before taking the exam. Renewing notaries must complete a 3-hour refresher course. Source: California Secretary of State.
What is required to pass the California notary exam?
California requires a passing score of 70% or higher on the written notary exam. The exam fee is $40 ($20 for retakes). The test covers California notary laws, procedures, and proper document handling.
How long does it take to become a California notary?
The California notary process takes 6-8 weeks from application to commission. This includes completing the 6-hour course, passing the exam, Live Scan fingerprinting, and filing your bond and oath with the county clerk.
Can I get a California notary bond with bad credit?
Yes. California notary bonds qualify for instant approval without a credit check for most applicants. The bond premium is typically the same regardless of credit score since the bond amount ($15,000) is relatively small.
Do I need errors and omissions insurance in California?
California law does not require E&O insurance for notaries. However, it is strongly recommended. Your notary bond protects the public—not you. If a claim is paid, you must reimburse the surety company. E&O insurance provides personal liability protection.
What happens if I don't file my bond within 30 days?
According to California Government Code §8213, your notary commission does not become effective until you file your bond and oath with the county clerk. If you fail to file within 30 calendar days of your commission start date, your commission may be voided and you would need to reapply. The bond must be filed in the county where you maintain your principal place of business.
Can I notarize documents in languages other than English?
California notaries can notarize documents in any language, but the notarial certificate must be in English. If you cannot communicate directly with the signer, you may use an interpreter. You do not need to read or understand the document being notarized—only verify the signer's identity and willingness to sign.
What records must California notaries keep?
California requires notaries to maintain a sequential journal recording each notarial act. Entries must include date, time, type of document, signature method, ID used, and fees charged. Journals must be kept for 10 years after your commission expires or until surrendered to the county clerk.

Need a Notary Bond in Another State?

Texas
$10,000
4 years
Florida
$7,500
4 years
New York
$15,000
4 years
Illinois
$5,000
4 years
Pennsylvania
$10,000
4 years
Ohio
$15,000
5 years
Arizona
$5,000
4 years
Washington
$10,000
4 years
Nevada
$10,000
4 years
Nebraska
$15,000
4 years
View All State Notary Bonds

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Official California Notary Resources

California Secretary of State

Official notary requirements, exam registration, education providers, and handbook.

U.S. Treasury Surety Bond Program

Official list of federally authorized surety companies.

Official California Requirements

"Every person appointed a notary public shall execute an official bond in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). The bond shall be in the form of a bond executed by an admitted surety insurer and not a deposit in lieu of bond."
California Secretary of State • California Government Code §8212
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