6-Hour CA Notary Training Course

All persons seeking appointment as a notary public must satisfactorily complete a Secretary of State approved six-hour course of study prior to appointment.

Notary public education reduces the number of lawsuits and complaints due to negligence or misconduct.

The goal of notary public training is simple:

  • Provide all potential notaries public with adequate training.
  • Make sure that all notaries public have the same knowledge.
  • To reduce the number of complaints and lawsuits due to negligence or misconduct by a notary public.

Calnotaryclass provides state-approved California notary public training

Our California Secretary of State-approved six-hour course teaches everything you need to know to pass the notary public state exam and obtain a notary commission.

Is this class all I need to become a notary public?

The approved six-hour course is the first step in receiving a valid notary public commission. Prospective notary publics must also complete the following:

  • Take the in-person state exam. You can read more about the notary exam at the exam provider’s website.
  • Submit live scan fingerprints as part of a background check by the California Department of Justice.
  • File notary public oath and notary public bond with the county clerk’s office.

You can read more about how to become a notary public in California.

Where do I submit the notary public application?

The notary public application is submitted at the notary exam.

What do I bring to the exam when I apply for my notary public commission?

The notary public application is submitted along with the following required attachments:

  • Notary public application form to be submitted to the California Secretary of State
  • Proof of Completion certificate from an approved course
  • 2″x2″ color passport photo. The state does not require an actual passport unless you’re using a passport as identification. All they need is the type of photo required for passports, which can be taken at most major drug stores that have photo departments.

In addition, you’ll also have to bring:

  • Acceptable photo identification
  • Payment for both the exam and the application
  • Two sharp number 2 pencils.

The proof of completion certificate from an approved six-hour course or an approved three-hour refresher course.

Can I take the six-hour course if I am renewing a current notary public commission?

Yes. The six-hour course is valid for persons seeking appointment as a notary public for the first time or for those who have a valid notary public commission and are renewing. Although the state will accept proof of completion certificate from an approved three-hour refresher course for renewing notaries, we recommend that those with commissions expiring in fewer than six months take the six-hour course because it can sometimes be difficult to schedule and complete everything that is required in the renewal process in time.

The approved six-hour course also provides more hours of instruction to help current California notaries public to pass the difficult notary exam.

Just getting started? Start with the Course Introduction lesson, which will explain how the course works and how to proceed to later lessons.

Modules