California

Alameda County Notary Oath and Bond Filing


Filing your notary oath and bond in Alameda County is a required step after receiving your California notary commission. This guide covers exactly where to go, what to bring, the filing fees, and how to schedule your appointment. If you don’t have your notary bond yet, you can purchase one here.

Where to File in Alameda County

Office: Alameda County Controller

Address: 1106 Madison St, Oakland, CA 94607

Phone: (510) 272-6362

Website: https://auditor.alamedacountyca.gov/clerk-recorder-notary-oath-and-bond-filings2/

Filing Fees

  • $50 registration and bond recording fee for a standard 1-page bond and 1-page oath (8.5″ x 11″).
  • $3 for each additional page (8.5″ x 11″).

Payment Options

Accepted:

  • Cash.
  • Check: Make payable to the Alameda County Clerk Recorder. Valid identification of the signer is required at time of purchase.
  • Money order: Make payable to the Alameda County Clerk Recorder.
  • Debit/Credit card: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa (2.3% service fee)
  • Apple Pay and Samsung Pay: (2.3% service fee)

Appointment Requirements

Appointments are not required in Alameda County.

Notary filings are handled entirely on a walk-in basis during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM). The county officially notes that to get faster service and avoid long wait lines, applicants should avoid their busiest hours, which are typically between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

What to Bring

  • Original notary commission certificate
  • $15,000 notary bond
  • Two unsigned oath of office forms
  • Valid photo ID
  • Payment for filing fees

Important Tips

  • You must file within 30 calendar days of your commission start date
  • Arrive early for your appointment
  • Double-check your bond for accuracy before filing

Mail Filing Option

Alameda County generally requires in-person filing. Always confirm current options with the county before mailing documents by calling them at Phone: (510) 272-6362.

Next Steps

Once your oath and bond are filed, you are officially authorized to begin working as a California notary public!

Purchase Your Notary Supplies

Need to purchase a bond?

Congratulations!

You have completed this course successfully.

To receive your certificate, please complete the form below. The State of California requires this information, and it will appear on your certificate.
All details must exactly match your ID.