California notaries do not have to pay the state to explore, but you will need to cover fingerprinting and a test

California does not charge an process fee to become a notary public. The Secretary of State's office processes your process at no cost. However, you will pay for two things you cannot avoid: live-scan fingerprinting (typically $20 to $30) and a notary exam administered by an approved testing vendor (usually $30 to $40). Some counties offer free or low-cost fingerprinting through their sheriff's office, which can reduce your total cost to just the exam fee.

The path is straightforward: take a notary course (many are free online), pass the state exam, get fingerprinted, submit your process to the Secretary of State, and take the oath of office. The entire process usually takes four to six weeks from process to receiving your commission.

Key Takeaways

  • California charges no process fee, but you must pay for fingerprinting and an exam through a private testing vendor.
  • You can find free notary courses online through some county libraries and community colleges, or purchase one for $15 to $30.
  • The notary exam is not administered by the state — you must schedule it with an approved vendor and pay their fee directly.
  • Your county sheriff's office may offer free or low-cost fingerprinting, which saves money compared to private vendors charging $20 to $30.
  • Once approved, you must take the oath of office in person before your commission becomes active.

Where to find a free or low-cost notary course

Many California county libraries offer free notary courses, either in person or online. Check your local library's website or call the reference desk to ask whether they host notary training. Some libraries partner with community colleges or nonprofit organizations to provide the course at no cost.

Community colleges in California often offer notary courses for $15 to $40. Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College, and others list them in their continuing education catalogs. These are cheaper than private vendors and taught by instructors familiar with California law.

If your library and local college do not offer free courses, online vendors like the National Notary Association charge $20 to $30 for a self-paced course. You complete it on your own schedule and receive a certificate of completion, which you will need when you explore.

How to schedule and pay for the notary exam

The California Secretary of State does not administer the notary exam. Instead, you must schedule it through an approved testing vendor. The main vendors are Pearson VUE, PSI (Prometric), and the National Notary Association. Each charges $30 to $50 for the exam.

You can schedule your exam online through any of these vendors' websites. You will need your course completion certificate and a valid ID. Most vendors offer both in-person and remote proctored exams, so you can test from home if that is available in your area. The exam is 30 questions and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.

After you pass, the vendor sends your passing score directly to the Secretary of State's office. You do not need to submit it yourself.

Getting fingerprinted at your county sheriff's office

Before you submit your process, you need a live-scan fingerprint clearance. Your county sheriff's office usually offers this service for free or $5 to $10. Call your local sheriff's office and ask for the live-scan fingerprinting appointment line. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book ahead.

Bring a valid ID and be prepared to pay if there is a fee. The technician will scan your fingerprints electronically and send them directly to the California Department of Justice. You will receive a receipt with a transaction number — keep this for your records.

If your county sheriff does not offer live-scan fingerprinting, private vendors like IdentoGO and Fieldprint charge $20 to $30. You can search for vendors near you on the California Department of Justice website.

Submitting your process to the Secretary of State

Once you have your exam score and fingerprint clearance, you are ready to explore. read the Notary Public process (Form NP) from the California Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely — the form asks for your personal information, your notary course provider, your exam score, and your fingerprint transaction number.

Mail the completed form, along with a copy of your exam passing score and your fingerprint receipt, to the address listed on the form. The Secretary of State's office is in Sacramento. Processing takes two to four weeks. You will receive a letter confirming your approval and instructions for taking the oath of office.

Do not send payment — there is no fee. If you receive a letter asking for money, it is not from the state.

Taking the oath of office to set up your commission

After the Secretary of State approves your process, you must take the oath of office in person before your commission is active. You can take the oath before a county clerk, a judge, or another notary public. Most county clerk offices offer this service during regular business hours at no cost.

Call your county clerk's office and ask when they administer oaths. Bring your approval letter from the Secretary of State and a valid ID. The oath takes five minutes. The clerk will sign and stamp your oath form, and you will return it to the Secretary of State's office along with a signed statement that you took the oath.

After the Secretary of State receives your oath, your commission is official. You will receive your notary seal and journal in the mail, or you can purchase them separately from an office supply vendor.

What you need to buy after you are commissioned

Once you are a notary, you must have a notary seal and a notary journal. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, commission number, and expiration date on documents. The journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform.

You can buy both from office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot, or online from vendors like Amazon or the National Notary Association. A seal costs $15 to $40 and a journal costs $10 to $25. Some vendors sell them as a bundle. These are one-time purchases — your seal and journal last for your entire four-year commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the notary exam without taking a course first?

No. California law requires you to complete a notary course before you can take the exam. The course covers California notary law, your duties, and common mistakes. Your course completion certificate is proof that you took the course, and you must show it when you schedule your exam.

What if I fail the notary exam the first time?

You can retake the exam. Most testing vendors let you schedule another attempt within a few days or weeks. You pay the exam fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before you can submit your process to the Secretary of State.

Do I need a background check to become a notary in California?

The live-scan fingerprinting serves as your background check. The California Department of Justice runs your fingerprints against criminal records. If you have a felony conviction or certain misdemeanors, you may be denied. The Secretary of State will notify you if there is a problem.

How long is a California notary commission good for?

Your commission lasts four years from the date you take the oath of office. You can renew it before it expires by submitting a renewal process to the Secretary of State. Renewal also has no fee, but you must retake the exam and get fingerprinted again.

Can I notarize documents for family members?

Yes, California allows notaries to notarize for relatives. However, you cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction or if the signer is not present in front of you. Always follow the rules in your notary handbook to avoid liability.