California Notary Public BondInstant Approval • No Credit Check

California requires all notaries public to obtain a $15,000 surety bond to protect the public from financial losses caused by notarial errors or misconduct. As the most populous state with over 39 million residents, California maintains rigorous notary requirements including mandatory education, a written examination, and comprehensive background checks to ensure notary competency and public trust. Similar to contractor license bonds and probate bonds, notary bonds provide essential public protection. Visit our home page for all bond types.

The California notary bond must be filed with the county clerk in your county of principal business within 30 calendar days of your commission commencement date. The bond remains in effect for the entire 4-year commission term and provides financial recourse for individuals harmed by improper notarial acts throughout California's diverse economy spanning technology, entertainment, agriculture, real estate, and international trade.

California's comprehensive approach to notary regulation reflects the critical role notaries play in the state's economy. With extensive real estate transactions, international business dealings, entertainment industry contracts, and financial services, California notaries must possess thorough knowledge of proper procedures. The combination of mandatory education, examination, background screening, and substantial bonding requirements ensures California notaries meet high professional standards.

California Government Code section 8201 requires all persons seeking appointment as a notary public to satisfactorily complete a Secretary of State-approved six-hour course of study prior to taking the notary examination. This is not merely recommended - it is a mandatory prerequisite that applies to every new notary applicant regardless of previous experience or education.

Course Content and Structure

The 6-hour education course covers California notary laws, proper identification procedures, certificate completion requirements, prohibited acts, record-keeping obligations, and common scenarios notaries encounter. State-approved course providers offer both online and in-person formats, allowing applicants to choose the learning environment that best suits their schedule and learning style.

Upon successful completion, you receive a Proof of Completion certificate valid for two years from issuance. This certificate must be presented when registering for the California notary examination. If you do not pass the exam within the two-year validity period, you must retake the 6-hour course to obtain a new certificate before attempting the exam again.

3-Hour Refresher for Renewals

Current California notaries with valid commissions who previously completed the 6-hour course may take an approved 3-hour refresher course when renewing their commission. This abbreviated course updates notaries on any law changes and reinforces proper procedures without requiring the full 6-hour commitment.

However, the 3-hour refresher option is only available if you apply for reappointment before your current commission expires. If your commission expires before you complete the refresher course and submit your renewal application, you must take the full 6-hour course again as if you were a new applicant. This policy incentivizes timely renewal and ensures all commissioned notaries maintain current knowledge.

Choosing an Approved Course Provider

The California Secretary of State maintains a list of approved education providers on their website. When selecting a course provider, verify their approval status and check reviews from recent students. Course costs typically range from $40-80 for the 6-hour program and $30-50 for the 3-hour refresher. Many providers offer online courses that can be completed at your own pace within the validity period.

After completing the mandatory 6-hour education course, all California notary applicants must pass a written examination administered by the Secretary of State. The exam assesses knowledge of California notary laws, procedures, and responsibilities detailed in the California Notary Public Handbook.

Exam Registration and Fees

The California notary examination costs $40, which includes both the exam fee and application processing. This fee must be paid by check or money order when registering for the exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, the retake fee is reduced to $20. There is no limit on the number of times you may retake the exam, though you must pay the retake fee each time.

When registering for the exam, you will need your Proof of Completion certificate from the 6-hour education course. The certificate number and expiration date are required on the exam registration form. Without valid proof of course completion, you cannot register for the examination.

Exam Format and Passing Score

The California notary exam tests knowledge of state notary laws, proper identification requirements, certificate wording, prohibited acts, and ethical obligations. A passing score of 70% or higher is required. The exam is proctored and administered at designated testing locations throughout California.

Applicants should thoroughly study the California Notary Public Handbook before taking the exam. The Secretary of State publishes updated handbooks reflecting current laws and provides them free on their website. Pay particular attention to proper identification procedures, acknowledgment and jurat certificate requirements, situations requiring refusal to notarize, and record-keeping obligations.

After Passing the Exam

Results are typically mailed 2-3 weeks after taking the exam. If you pass, your approval notice will include instructions for the next steps: fingerprinting for background check, purchasing your $15,000 surety bond, and filing your oath and bond with your county clerk. The commission process can proceed only after successfully passing the examination and completing the background check.

Becoming a California notary public involves multiple steps that must be completed in proper sequence. The entire process typically takes 6-8 weeks from beginning the education course to final commission.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility Requirements

Confirm you meet California's basic eligibility requirements: at least 18 years old, legal California resident, able to read and write English, and no disqualifying criminal convictions. California requires California residency for notary commission - working in California while residing elsewhere does not qualify.

Step 2: Complete 6-Hour Education Course

Enroll in and complete a California Secretary of State-approved 6-hour notary education course. Upon completion, you will receive a Proof of Completion certificate valid for two years. Keep this certificate - you will need it to register for the exam.

Step 3: Register and Pass the Notary Exam

Register for the California notary examination, paying the $40 fee and providing your education certificate information. Study the California Notary Public Handbook thoroughly. Take the proctored exam and achieve a passing score of 70% or higher. If you don't pass, you may retake the exam for $20.

Step 4: Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting

After passing the exam, you will receive instructions for completing Live Scan fingerprinting for your background check. California requires fingerprint-based criminal history checks through the Department of Justice. Schedule an appointment at an authorized Live Scan location and pay the fingerprinting fee (approximately $50-75).

Step 5: Purchase Your $15,000 Notary Bond

While awaiting your background check results and commission approval, purchase your California notary bond. The bond must be for $15,000 and cover a 4-year term. Bonds typically cost $40-80 for the full term. Ensure the bond shows your full legal name exactly as it appears on your application.

Step 6: Receive Commission Certificate

After your background check clears (typically 3-4 weeks), the California Secretary of State will mail your commission certificate showing your commission start and end dates. You have 30 calendar days from the commencement date to file your oath and bond with your county clerk.

Step 7: File Oath and Bond with County Clerk

Take your commission certificate and original notary bond to the county clerk's office in the county where your principal place of business is located. You will sign an oath of office before the county clerk. The clerk files your oath and bond and provides you with copies for your records. The clerk also notifies the Secretary of State of your filing, officially activating your commission.

Step 8: Purchase Notary Seal and Supplies

After filing with the county clerk, purchase your official California notary seal (stamp) and notary journal. California law specifies exact requirements for seal content and journal format. You are now authorized to perform notarial acts throughout California for the next four years.

California's $15,000 notary bond is a surety bond providing financial protection to the public from losses caused by a notary's errors, omissions, or misconduct. Understanding bond mechanics clarifies why California requires them and what obligations they create.

The Three-Party Bond Agreement

California notary bonds involve three parties: the principal (you, the notary), the obligee (the State of California and the public), and the surety (the insurance company issuing the bond). The surety guarantees to California that you will perform notarial duties properly according to California law.

Bond Claims and Your Financial Responsibility

If someone suffers financial loss from your improper notarial act, they can file a claim against your $15,000 bond. The surety investigates and, if valid, pays the claimant up to the bond limit. However, California law requires you to reimburse the surety for all amounts paid plus costs. The bond protects the public, not you personally - you remain ultimately liable for valid claims.

Why E&O Insurance Matters for California Notaries

Given California's high volume of complex transactions - real estate deals, entertainment contracts, international business documents - many notaries purchase Errors and Omissions insurance. E&O protects you personally from liability for honest mistakes, covering legal defense and damages without requiring repayment. For California notaries performing frequent notarizations in high-stakes industries, E&O provides valuable personal protection complementing the required bond.