Renewing Your California Notary Commission: What You Need to Know

Your California notary commission lasts four years. To keep working without a gap, start the renewal process at least six months before it expires. If your commission lapses, you must retake the full six-hour course instead of the three-hour refresher.

Timeline

1. Complete the required education course (3-hour refresher if current, 6-hour if expired).
2. Pass the state notary exam (45 questions, 30 correct to pass).
3. Submit your application at the exam.
4. Complete Live Scan fingerprints (background check).
5. Receive your commission packet from the Secretary of State.
6. File your oath and $15,000 bond at the county clerk’s office within 30 calendar days.
7. Order a new seal with your updated commission expiration date.

The entire process takes 2 to 4 months. The Live Scan results and commission processing are the longest steps. Starting six months early gives you a buffer. You can begin the education course and exam up to one year before your expiration date.

Eligibility

The same requirements apply for renewal as for a new commission:

• At least 18 years old
• Legal resident of California
• No disqualifying criminal convictions (DUI, fraud, theft, and other felonies may disqualify you)

Education Requirements

If your commission is still active when you renew, you can take a three-hour refresher course. If it has expired, even by one day, you must take the full six-hour course. Both must be from a state-approved provider. You will receive a proof of completion certificate that you bring to the exam. The refresher costs less and takes half the time, so it is worth renewing on time.

The Exam

All renewing notaries must retake the state notary exam. The exam covers California notary law and procedures. It is the same exam for new and renewing notaries. To prepare:

• Study the California Notary Public Handbook (free from the Secretary of State website).
• Take a practice test to get familiar with the question format.
• Bring your completed application, proof of completion, valid ID, and the exam fee ($40 for new notaries, $20 for renewals).

The exam is administered by CPS HR Consulting at locations throughout California. Schedule your exam early because dates fill up, especially in the last few months of the year when many commissions expire.

Cost Breakdown

Here is what you will spend to renew your commission:

• 3-hour refresher course: $40 to $80
• State exam fee: $20 for renewals
• Live Scan background check: $15 to $35 (plus DOJ/FBI processing fees of $32)
• $15,000 surety bond: $30 to $60 for a 4-year term
• New seal: $15 to $30
• County filing fee: varies by county, typically $10 to $20

Total renewal cost: roughly $150 to $250. Significantly less than the initial commission cost since you only need the refresher course. See full cost breakdown.

Bond and Supplies

You need a new $15,000 surety bond for each commission term. The bond protects the public from errors or misconduct. You can buy a bond from most notary supply companies or insurance agents.

You also need a new seal because the expiration date changes. The seal must meet California specifications: photomatically reproducible, containing your name exactly as commissioned, “Notary Public,” “California,” your county, and the commission expiration date. Purchase from a state-authorized vendor.

For your journal: if your commission has been expired for more than 30 days, you need a new journal. Otherwise, you can continue using the same one. Keep your old journals for the full retention period required by law (the entire term of the commission during which the journal was used).

Common Renewal Mistakes

• Waiting until the last month. If your commission expires in December and you start in November, you are gambling. Background check delays, exam scheduling backlogs, and county clerk processing can push you past your expiration date. Start six months early.
• Notarizing after expiration. Even one notarization after your commission expires is a misdemeanor. If you are unsure of your exact expiration date, check the Secretary of State website or your commission certificate.
• Missing the 30-day filing window. Once you receive your commission packet, you have 30 calendar days (not business days) to file your oath and bond at the county clerk. Miss that window and your commission is void. You would need to start over.
• Using the old seal. Your new commission has a new expiration date. Any notarization with the old seal is invalid. Destroy the old seal the moment your new one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early can I start the renewal process?

You can begin taking the education course and exam up to one year before your commission expires.

What happens if my commission expires before I renew?

You must retake the full six-hour course instead of the three-hour refresher, and you cannot perform any notarial acts until your new commission is active.

Do I need a new Live Scan for renewal?

Yes. A new background check is required for each renewal. The state sends you Live Scan instructions after you pass the exam.

Can I use my old notary seal after renewing?

No. Your new seal must show the new commission expiration date. Using a seal with the old date is invalid. Destroy or deface the old seal to prevent accidental use.

Where do I file my oath and bond?

At the county clerk’s office in the county where your business is located (or your home county if self-employed). You must file within 30 calendar days of receiving your commission packet, or your commission becomes void.

How much does renewal cost?

About $150 to $250 total. The refresher course, exam, Live Scan, bond, new seal, and county filing fee add up to less than your initial commission cost.