Essential Items to Bring to Your California Notary Exam: A Complete Checklist
Showing up to the California notary exam without the right documents means you will not be allowed in. Here is exactly what to bring.
Checklist
- Admission confirmation (email or letter from CPS HR Consulting)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID)
- Completed Notary Public Application with a 2″ x 2″ color passport photo attached
- Proof of completion certificate from your state-approved education course
- Exam fee payment: check or money order payable to “Secretary of State”
- No. 2 pencils
Put everything in a folder the night before. CPS HR starts checking documents at the door, and if you are missing any of these items, you will be turned away. No exceptions, no second chances that day. You would need to register for a new exam date.
ID Requirements
Accepted forms of ID:
- Current driver’s license or state DMV ID card (must be current or issued within the last five years)
- Canadian or Mexican driver’s license
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Foreign passport
- U.S. military ID card
The ID must have your photo and cannot be expired. CPS HR will check the name on your ID against the name on your application. If you recently changed your name (marriage, divorce), bring supporting documentation or make sure your ID matches the name you registered under. The name on everything needs to match: your ID, your application, and your admission confirmation.
The Application
Download the application from the California Secretary of State’s website. Fill it out completely and attach a 2″ x 2″ color passport-style photo. If anything is missing or filled out incorrectly, you may be turned away.
Common mistakes: forgetting to sign the application, using a black and white photo instead of color, attaching the wrong size photo (it must be exactly 2″ x 2″), or leaving fields blank. Take 5 minutes to double-check everything before you leave for the exam.
Proof of Course Completion
Bring a printed copy of your proof of completion certificate from your state-approved education provider. Electronic copies on your phone may not be accepted. The certificate must be signed, dated, and include the provider’s information.
New notaries need a 6-hour course certificate. Renewing notaries need a 3-hour refresher certificate. Make sure the course was completed within the required timeframe before the exam date.
Exam Fee
- New applicants and reappointments: $40
- Retake (if you failed the previous exam): $20
Payment must be by check or money order made payable to “Secretary of State.” Cash and credit cards are not accepted. The candidate’s name must be preprinted on the check. Temporary checks are not accepted.
This is a common point of failure. If you show up with cash or a credit card, you will be turned away. Go to the bank a few days before and get a cashier’s check if you do not have personal checks with your name preprinted on them. Money orders from the post office also work and cost about $1.50.
What Not to Bring
- No cell phones or smartphones
- No smartwatches or fitness trackers
- No calculators
- No electronic devices of any kind
Bring an analog watch if you want to track time. Dress in layers since exam room temperatures vary. You have 60 minutes for 45 questions, so time management matters but you do not need to rush.
Exam Day Tips
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. CPS HR checks in candidates one at a time, and the line moves slowly. If you arrive late, you may not be seated.
The exam is held at locations throughout California, typically conference centers, hotels, and community colleges. Check your admission confirmation for the exact address and room number. Parking can be tricky at some locations, so factor that into your arrival time.
During the exam, work through the questions you know first and come back to the harder ones. You need a 70% to pass, which means you can miss up to 13 questions and still pass. Do not spend 5 minutes on a single question.
For the full list of requirements, visit the CPS HR Consulting website. For exam preparation, see our practice test and exam guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the exam fee with a credit card?
No. CPS HR only accepts checks or money orders made payable to “Secretary of State.” Cash and credit cards are not accepted.
What if I forget my proof of completion?
You will likely be denied entry. Bring a printed copy. Electronic copies on your phone may not be accepted.
Do I need to bring my own pencils?
Yes. Bring sharpened No. 2 pencils for filling out the answer sheet.
Can I bring my phone into the exam room?
No. Electronic devices including phones, smartwatches, and calculators are prohibited. Leave them in your car or at home.
What size photo do I need for the application?
A 2″ x 2″ color passport-style photo. Attach it to the application form before arriving. Black and white photos are not accepted.
What if my name changed since I registered?
Bring supporting documentation (marriage certificate, court order) and make sure your ID matches the name on your application. Contact CPS HR before exam day if possible.
