California Notary Public Online Class and Exam

If you’re looking to become a California notary, our state-approved online course covers everything including exam prep and your certificate. Learn about the course 

Many people find our website looking for a California notary public online class and exam. If you’re looking to become a notary public in California, there’s some good news and some bad news.

The Good News: You Can Take the Class Online

We offer a 100% online notary public course authorized by the California Secretary of State. You can complete the required education from your home, office, or phone. We also have one of the lowest costs for a state-approved course.

Our course includes a 200+ question practice exam so you can walk into the state test prepared.

The Bad News: You Can’t Take the Exam Online

California requires the official notary exam to be completed in person. The state contracts with CPS HR Consulting to proctor exams at locations throughout the state. You show up with ID and take the test.

We’d offer an online exam if we could, but the state requires in-person testing to verify your identity.

You can find upcoming exam dates and locations on the CPS HR website.

How the California Notary Exam Works

The state exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions, and you have one hour to complete it. A score of 70 or higher is required to pass. The exam covers California notary law, proper procedures for notarial acts, and the responsibilities and liabilities of a notary public. Most of the material comes directly from what you learn in the required education course.

You’ll need to bring a few things with you on exam day:

• Valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
• Your proof of course completion certificate
• A $40 check or money order payable to the Secretary of State (covers the exam and application processing fee)
• A 2″ x 2″ color passport photo of yourself
• A #2 pencil

For a full breakdown of what to bring, see our exam day checklist.

What Happens After You Pass

Passing the exam is just one step. Here’s what comes next:

1. Background check: Complete Live Scan fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice and the FBI. Your course provider or the SOS website has the Live Scan request form.
2. Application processing: The Secretary of State reviews your exam results, background check, and application. This takes several weeks.
3. Commission packet: Once approved, the state mails you a commission packet with your commission certificate and oath of office form.
4. File your bond and oath: File your $15,000 surety bond and take your oath of office at the county clerk within 30 calendar days of the commission start date. Miss this deadline and your commission is voided. You start over.
5. Get your stamp: After filing, order your official notary seal from a qualified vendor.

For a complete walkthrough of every step, see our guide on how to become a notary public in California.

Course Requirements: New vs. Renewing Notaries

California has different education requirements depending on your situation:

• New notaries (or anyone with an expired commission) must complete a six-hour state-approved course.
• Renewing notaries with a current, valid commission can take a three-hour refresher course, as long as they complete the renewal process before their commission expires.
• If your commission lapses by even a day, you’re back to the six-hour requirement.

This is why we recommend starting the renewal process at least six months before your expiration date. For more details, see our renewal process guide.

Timeline Overview

From the day you start the online course to the day you can legally notarize documents, plan on 6 to 12 weeks. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Online course: Complete at your own pace (most students finish in 1 to 3 days for the six-hour course)
• Exam scheduling: Exam seats fill up, sometimes weeks or months ahead. Book early.
• State processing: The Secretary of State typically takes 2 to 6 weeks to process your application after you pass the exam and complete Live Scan.
• County filing: Once you receive your commission packet, file at the county clerk within 30 days.

For a detailed timeline, see how long it takes to become a notary in California.

What to Do Next

Start with the online course. It’s the one part of the process you can control completely. You decide when to study, where to study, and how fast to move. Once you have your completion certificate in hand, you can register for the next available exam date in your area.

Our practice exam is included with the course and covers the same topics the state tests on. Most students who complete the course and take the practice exam pass on their first attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the California notary exam online?

No. California requires the official notary exam to be completed in person. The exam is proctored by CPS HR Consulting at locations throughout the state. You can, however, complete the required education course online through a state-approved provider.

How many questions are on the California notary exam?

The exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions. You have one hour to complete it and need a score of 70 or higher to pass.

What do I need to bring to the California notary exam?

Bring a valid photo ID, your proof of completion certificate from an approved course, a 2×2 inch color passport photo, and a $40 check or money order payable to the Secretary of State.

How long does it take to become a notary in California?

From starting the online course to receiving your commission, plan on 6 to 12 weeks. The course can be completed in a few days, but exam scheduling and state processing take additional time.

What happens after I pass the California notary exam?

After passing, you complete Live Scan fingerprinting, wait for the Secretary of State to process your application, receive your commission packet, and file your $15,000 bond and oath at the county clerk within 30 calendar days.