California Notary Classes Near Me

What is the education required to become a notary public?

The California Secretary of State requires that notary publics complete training satisfactorily before being commissioned. This training is required for all notaries, whether or not they want to notarize real estate documents. The mandate comes from Government Code section 8214.1, which states that no person shall be appointed as a notary public without first completing the required course.

Two different types of courses

The state requires one of two different notary education courses. A six-hour course is required for new notaries or those who let their commission expire. A renewing notary public with a current commission can take a three-hour course. The three-hour course covers the same material in condensed form, on the assumption that you already know the basics from your previous commission.

If your commission has already expired by even one day, you fall into the six-hour category. There is no grace period. Plan accordingly.

Where can I take notary classes?

Notary public training courses can be taken from an education provider approved by the California Secretary of State. The Secretary of State maintains a list of approved vendors on its website. Only courses from approved providers satisfy the education requirement.

Notary class requirements

Approved course providers must meet specific criteria set by the Secretary of State:

• Submit a detailed curriculum covering all required topics, including identification procedures, notarial acts, journal keeping, and California-specific law
• Provide proof of the instructor’s qualifications and notary experience
• Deliver the course in a format approved by the state (in person, live webinar, or self-paced online)
• Issue a proof of completion certificate that you submit with your notary application

You can verify a provider’s approval status on the Secretary of State’s website. If a provider is not on that list, the course will not count.

Can you take a notary class online?

You can take your California notary public courses online! This means you can get your notary public commission without taking time out of your busy schedule to attend class in person.

Online notary course requirements

All you need is a connected device and an internet connection, and you can complete the course at your own pace. The online course covers the same material as an in-person class and satisfies the same state requirement. The proof of completion certificate you receive is identical regardless of delivery format.

Online notary education works on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can start and stop the course as needed. Most providers let you resume where you left off.

The practical advantage of an online course is that you do not have to drive to a classroom or sit through the entire session in one block. If you work full time or have family obligations, you can complete the material in the evenings or on weekends in whatever chunks of time you have available.

How do I register for online notary training courses?

Registration for online classes is straightforward. You create an account, pay the course fee, and start the material. There are no seats to fill, no dates to schedule, and no commute. Most providers send your proof of completion certificate by email within one business day after you finish.

For in-person classes, you need to find a location, pick a date, and register before the class fills. If you live in a rural area, the nearest in-person class might be hours away. Online courses eliminate that problem entirely.

How soon can I begin an online course?

Most online courses let you begin immediately after registering. There is no wait for a scheduled date or a physical classroom to open. You can literally start five minutes from now if you want to.

Most providers give you access for a set period, often 60 to 90 days. That is more than enough time to complete six hours of material, even at a relaxed pace.

If you are looking for a notary public training class in Orange County, near San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, or elsewhere in the Bay Area; in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Fresno, Los Angeles, or anywhere else in California, the California Secretary of State has approved Calnotaryclass.com as an online provider of the required six-hour or three-hour education class.

Does training prepare you for the state exam?

In addition to the required course, California notaries public must pass a state exam before receiving their notary public commission. The exam has 45 multiple-choice questions and you need at least 30 correct to pass. It is administered in person by CPS HR Consulting at testing centers across the state.

Not all courses are equal when it comes to exam preparation. Some approved courses cover the minimum material and stop there. Others include practice questions, sample exams, and review sessions. The pass rate for first-time test takers hovers around 60 percent, so exam prep is not optional; it is the difference between passing and retaking.

Look for a course that includes practice questions similar to what appears on the actual exam. Our course includes randomized practice tests you can take multiple times, with different questions each session.

What to look for in a notary course

Not all approved courses are created equal. Here is what matters when comparing providers:

• State approval. If the provider is not on the Secretary of State’s approved vendor list, the course does not count. Verify before you pay.
• Practice exams. The state exam is the bottleneck. Courses that include practice questions give you a measurable advantage over courses that only cover the lecture material.
• Self-paced format. Some online courses require you to log in at specific times for live sessions. Others let you work through the material on your own schedule. If you have a day job, self-paced is the better option.
• Price. Courses range from about $30 to $150. Higher price does not always mean better preparation. Compare what is included: practice exams, certificate delivery, and access period.
• Access period. Some courses lock you out after 30 days. Others give you 90 days or more. Longer access means you can review before the exam without paying again.

Our course includes practice exams, randomized question sets, and 90-day access. The proof of completion certificate is sent by email within one business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a California notary class online instead of in person?

Yes. The California Secretary of State authorizes approved vendors to offer notary education courses online. An online course satisfies the same requirement as an in-person class.

How long is the notary class in California?

New notary applicants must complete a six-hour state-approved course. Renewing notaries with a current commission can take a three-hour refresher.

How much does a California notary class cost?

Prices vary. Our state-approved course is $45 for the six-hour class, which includes the proof of completion certificate and practice exam questions.

Do I need to take a class to become a notary in California?

Yes. California requires all applicants to complete a state-approved education course before taking the state exam.

Where can I take the California notary exam?

The exam is administered in person by CPS HR Consulting at locations throughout California. You can find dates and locations on the CPS HR website.