California notary public
Exam requiredWhat it takes to become a notary public in California, from the state's 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.
Start the Notary course →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.