Californianotary public requirements & rules
Exam requiredCalifornia notary law basics: exam requirement, commission term, bond, and how to prepare — from the official commissioning authority.
- Written exam
- Exam required
- Administered by
- State-administered proctored exam (CPS HR Consulting administers on behalf of CA Secretary of State)
- Commission term
- 4 years
- Surety bond
- $15,000 surety bond, filed with county clerk within 30 days of commission
- Notes
- California requires a mandatory 6-hour SOS-approved education course before the exam for first-time applicants. $40 exam/application fee. One of the more rigorous notary regimes in the country.
Some California details were ambiguous on the official site when we researched this (July 2026) — double-check specifics with the commissioning authority before you rely on them.
Preparing to be a California notary
California requires a written exam, and PrepTempo's Notary course covers the notarial concepts it tests — notarial acts, identifying signers, journals and seals, and unauthorized practice of law. Study your California statute on top of the core.
Free notary practice questions →California notary public FAQ
Does California require a notary exam?
Yes. California requires a written notary exam (State-administered proctored exam (CPS HR Consulting administers on behalf of CA Secretary of State)).
What are the California notary public rules for term and bond?
A California notary commission is typically 4 years. Surety bond requirement: $15,000 surety bond, filed with county clerk within 30 days of commission. Confirm current amounts with the official California authority.
How do I become a notary public in California?
Follow California commissioning steps: complete any required training or exam (Exam required), obtain the required bond if applicable ($15,000 surety bond, filed with county clerk within 30 days of commission), and apply through the official California commissioning office. PrepTempo's Notary course covers core notarial concepts for exam and practice readiness.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the California commissioning authority. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state authority or the National Notary Association.