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Becoming a notary public can provide a valuable professional credential, create opportunities for additional income, and allow you to offer an important service within your community. However, the process is not the same in every state.
If you want to become a notary public in California, you will need to complete approved education, pass a state examination, submit fingerprints, clear a background check, obtain a surety bond, and complete the county filing process. Other states may require different courses, exams, bonds, fees, or application procedures.
In other words, every state gives notaries a stamp, but each one creates its own obstacle course before handing it over.
This guide compares the requirements for becoming a notary in California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. We will examine education, examinations, application costs, surety bonds, commission terms, and potential income so you can better understand how California’s process compares.
Quick Summary
Becoming a notary in California requires applicants to be at least 18, reside legally in California, complete an approved six-hour education course, pass a written examination, submit Live Scan fingerprints, clear a background check, obtain a $15,000 surety bond, and file an oath and bond with the county clerk. Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah also issue four-year commissions, but their education, exam, fee, and bond requirements differ. California’s process is more structured than those of many other states, but California notaries may charge up to $15 for many common notarial acts.
The table below provides a simplified comparison. Fees and requirements can change, so applicants should always confirm the current rules with the appropriate state agency before applying.
| State | Education / Training | Exam | Bond | Main State Fees | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Six-hour approved course or eligible three-hour refresher | Yes | $15,000 | $40 initial exam and application fee | 4 years |
| Oregon | Mandatory Notary Basics training | Yes | Not required | $40 processing fee | 4 years |
| Nevada | Approved training | Yes | $10,000 | $35 application plus $45 traditional training | 4 years |
| Arizona | Official study materials; no separate three-hour course | Yes | $5,000 | $43 filing fee plus $46.75 exam | 4 years |
| Utah | Study guide and self-directed preparation | Yes | $5,000 | $95 administration and testing | 4 years |
Important: The cost of a stamp, journal, bond premium, fingerprints, county filing, insurance, education, and other supplies may be additional.
Official source: California Secretary of State – Notary Public Checklist
A notary public acts as an impartial witness during important document transactions. The notary’s role is primarily to help deter fraud and verify that required legal formalities have been followed.
During a typical in-person notarization, a California notary will:
A notary does not certify that every statement in the document is truthful, legally enforceable, or a good idea. A notary is also not there to explain the legal consequences of the document unless the notary is separately qualified to provide legal advice.
California law prohibits a notary from notarizing an incomplete document. The state also requires personal appearance for acknowledgments and jurats and requires notaries to maintain a sequential journal of official acts.
Official source: California Notary Public Handbook
The California Secretary of State oversees the appointment and regulation of California notaries public.
To qualify, an applicant must:
Exam registration: California Notary Exam Registration
The oath and bond must be filed within 30 calendar days from the commencement date of the commission. Missing that deadline is not the sort of mistake that can be fixed with a fresh ink pad and a hopeful smile. The applicant may have to begin parts of the process again.
Official source: California Secretary of State – Qualifications
California applicants must take either an approved six-hour course or, when eligible, a three-hour refresher course.
The six-hour notary course is required for:
The course covers essential California laws and procedures, including acknowledgments, jurats, identification, journal entries, certificates, prohibited acts, fees, and notary responsibilities.
A six-hour Proof of Completion certificate remains valid for two years from its date of issuance. However, the applicant must pass the examination before the certificate expires.
Official source: California Secretary of State – Complete Approved Education
The three-hour refresher course is available only to eligible renewing notaries.
To use the shorter course, the applicant must:
Applicants can review the complete process in our guide to the five steps to renew a California notary commission.
A six-hour course may always be taken instead of the three-hour refresher. Unfortunately, the reverse is not true. Waiting until after your commission expires can turn a three-hour refresher into a six-hour reunion with the course material.
Official source: California Secretary of State – Frequently Asked Questions
Oregon applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in Oregon or have a place of employment or business practice in the state, and be able to read and write English.
Applicants must also:
Oregon does not require its traditional notaries to obtain a surety bond. Oregon commissions last four years, after which the notary must complete the required training and application process again.
Official source: Oregon Secretary of State – Notary Qualification
Nevada requires applicants to complete approved notary training and pass an examination. Applicants must also take an oath of office, obtain a $10,000 surety bond, file the bond with the appropriate county clerk, and submit the required application materials.
Nevada’s listed state fees currently include:
Nevada may also commission qualifying residents of adjoining states when they maintain a place of business or are employed within Nevada. Traditional commissions generally run for four years.
Official source: Nevada Secretary of State – Notary
Arizona applicants must be at least 18, reside in Arizona, read and write English, and be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Beginning July 1, 2025, all new and renewing Arizona notaries must pass a state competency examination. The exam currently costs $46.75, requires a score of at least 80%, and contains questions based on the state’s official notary reference manual.
Applicants must also obtain a $5,000 surety bond and submit:
Arizona commissions last four years, and the Secretary of State estimates approximately four weeks for standard processing, although actual times may vary.
Official source: Arizona Secretary of State – New Notary
Utah applicants must be at least 18, satisfy the state’s residency or employment requirements, be able to read and understand English, and meet the required citizenship or permanent-resident qualifications.
The Utah process includes:
Utah does not list a separate mandatory three-hour education course. Applicants prepare using the state’s official guide and resources.
Official source: Utah Notary Office – Qualifications and Process
There is no guaranteed processing time that applies to every applicant.
The total timeframe can depend on:
California publishes its current application-processing dates online and notes that the issuance of a commission may be delayed while the Department of Justice completes the background check.
For that reason, renewing notaries should begin early. The Secretary of State recommends taking the reappointment examination at least six months before the existing commission expires.
Official source: California Secretary of State – Processing Times
The total cost of becoming a notary includes more than the state application fee.
California applicants should budget for:
The cost of an online notary course depends on the provider and package selected. Applicants should compare course approval, access, support, and included materials rather than choosing based on price alone.
Our guide to choosing state-approved California notary classes explains what to look for before enrolling. You should also review the California notary supplies guide before purchasing your seal, journal, bond, or optional equipment.
California’s current fee for new applicants and reappointments is $40, while applicants retaking a failed exam pay $20.
Official source: CPS HR Consulting – California Notary Exam: What to Bring
There is no single salary that every notary can expect to earn.
Exactly how much a notary public makes depends on factors such as:
Salary resources such as Salary.com may provide broad employment benchmarks, but these figures often combine different job titles, experience levels, and working arrangements. They should not be treated as a guarantee of independent notary income.
In California, a notary may generally charge up to:
A mobile notary may also charge a separately disclosed travel or convenience fee. That charge should be identified separately from the state-regulated notarial fee and agreed upon before the appointment.
The official California fee schedule allows a notary to charge less than the maximum – or nothing at all – but not more than the permitted fee for the notarial act.
Official source: California Notary Public Handbook
Becoming a California notary can be worthwhile, but the value of the commission depends on how you plan to use it.
A California notary commission may provide:
Applicants should also understand that:
The commission can be a valuable investment for someone with a realistic plan. It is not, however, a magical license to print money – despite the impressive stamp.
California has a more structured process than many states. Applicants must complete approved education, pass a written examination, submit Live Scan fingerprints, clear a background check, obtain a $15,000 bond, and file an oath and bond with the county clerk.
No. Notary examination requirements vary by state. California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah currently require an examination, but the format, passing score, cost, and study requirements differ.
Oregon does not require traditional notaries to obtain a surety bond. California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah require bonds in different amounts.
No. A California commission authorizes the notary to perform California notarial acts while physically located within California. It does not grant authority to perform notarial acts in another state.
Yes. An applicant must be a legal California resident to qualify for a California notary public commission.
A California notary public commission is valid for four years from its commencement date.
No. California requires applicants to complete approved education. Most applicants must take the six-hour course, while eligible currently commissioned notaries may take the three-hour refresher course.
No. The surety bond primarily protects members of the public who suffer a covered financial loss because of a notary’s misconduct. If a surety company pays a valid claim, it may seek repayment from the notary. Errors and omissions insurance is a separate product intended to help protect the notary.
No. Some notaries build successful full-time businesses, while others use their commissions as part of another job or to earn supplemental income. Results depend on demand, marketing, availability, appointment volume, travel, training, and repeat clients.
Becoming a notary public in California involves more steps than the process in some states, but those requirements help prepare applicants for the legal responsibilities that come with the commission.
With the right education, careful preparation, and a realistic business plan, a California notary commission can strengthen your professional skills, expand your employment options, and create opportunities to generate additional notary income.
Notary Course Online provides California-approved online education designed to help applicants understand state law and prepare for the exam. Start your six-hour California notary course and take the first practical step toward receiving your commission.
State-approved California notary classes are essential for individuals who need to become a notary public in California or renew their notary commission. Classes for notaries public are designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to perform notarial acts in compliance with California Law and regulations. Before choosing a notary class, make sure that the […]
Becoming a notary public can provide a valuable professional credential, create opportunities for additional income, and allow you to offer an important service within your community. However, the process is not the same in every state. If you want to become a notary public in California, you will need to complete approved education, pass a […]
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