From Start to Finish: How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary in California?
Most people complete the entire process in 6 to 12 weeks. Here is how that breaks down step by step.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before anything else, make sure you qualify. You must be 18 or older, a California resident, and able to read and write English. You also need a clean enough background to pass a Live Scan check. See our full eligibility guide for disqualifying convictions.
Disqualifying convictions include any felony and certain misdemeanors such as theft, fraud, or forgery. If you have a record, check with the Secretary of State before investing time in the process. Some convictions may be waived depending on circumstances.
Time: None. You either qualify or you do not.
Step 2: Complete the 6-Hour Education Course
New notaries must complete a state-approved 6-hour course. Renewing notaries with an active commission can take a 3-hour refresher instead. The course covers notary law, ID verification, journal keeping, acknowledgments, jurats, and fees. You can take it online at your own pace.
CalNotaryClass is a state-approved provider. See our guide on what to know before enrolling.
The course is not just a formality. The exam tests the material directly, and the knowledge matters in practice. Pay attention to the sections on acceptable forms of identification, the difference between acknowledgments and jurats, and when you must refuse a notarization.
Time: 6 hours (or 3 hours for renewals). Can be done in a single day.
Step 3: Pass the State Exam
The exam is 45 multiple-choice questions, closed-book, administered by CPS HR Consulting at locations throughout California. You need a scaled score of 70 to pass. You submit your application at the same time you take the exam.
Results arrive in 15 to 25 business days. If you fail, you can retake for $20, but only once per calendar month.
Common reasons people fail: not studying the fee schedule (Government Code 8211), confusing acknowledgment and jurat procedures, and not knowing which forms of ID are acceptable. The passing rate is around 60 percent on the first attempt, so preparation matters.
Time: The exam itself is 1 hour. Scheduling depends on available dates. Results take 3 to 5 weeks.
Step 4: Live Scan Fingerprinting
After passing the exam, you receive instructions to complete Live Scan fingerprinting. Your prints go to the California Department of Justice and the FBI for a background check.
You need to use a Live Scan vendor approved by the DOJ. Many UPS Stores, postal centers, and local police departments offer this service. Bring your Request for Live Scan form and a valid government-issued photo ID. The rolling fee is typically $20 to $40, plus DOJ and FBI processing fees.
Time: The appointment takes about 30 minutes. Background check results take 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 5: Get Your Bond and File with the County
Once the Secretary of State approves your application, you receive a commission packet. You then purchase a $15,000 notary bond and file it along with your oath of office at the county clerk’s office. You have 30 days from the commission date to do this.
The bond protects the public, not you. If a notary makes an error that causes financial harm, the injured party can make a claim against the bond. Many notaries also purchase errors and omissions insurance to cover personal liability beyond the bond amount. See our guide on notary insurance in California.
Time: Buying the bond takes a few days. Filing at the county clerk takes a few hours. Do it within the 30-day window or your commission is void.
Step 6: Buy Supplies and Start Working
After filing, you receive a commission certificate. Use it to buy your notary seal from an authorized vendor and pick up a journal. You can now perform notarizations and charge fees. See our supply requirements guide.
Your seal must include your name exactly as it appears on your commission, the words “Notary Public,” “California,” your county, and the commission expiration date. Do not use the seal until you have filed your bond and oath. Using a seal before filing is a misdemeanor.
Total Timeline
If everything goes smoothly and you schedule each step promptly, the full process takes about 6 to 12 weeks from starting the course to receiving your commission. The most common delays are waiting for exam results and background check processing.
Some notaries move faster by scheduling their exam date before finishing the course, then completing the course in time for the exam. Others get delayed because they submit incomplete paperwork or fail to schedule their Live Scan promptly. The difference between 6 weeks and 12 weeks is usually how quickly you move between steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary in California?
About 6 to 12 weeks from starting the course to receiving your commission, assuming no delays.
What is the longest wait in the process?
Waiting for exam results (15 to 25 business days) and the Live Scan background check (2 to 4 weeks) are the two longest steps.
Can I speed up the process?
Schedule your exam and Live Scan as early as possible. Complete the course quickly and have all documents ready. Delays usually come from incomplete paperwork.
How long is the exam?
45 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour, administered by CPS HR Consulting.
What happens if I miss the 30-day filing deadline?
Your commission becomes void. You would need to reapply and start over.
How much does it cost to become a notary in California?
Expect to spend $150 to $300 total. The course runs $50 to $100, the exam is $40, Live Scan is $50 to $70, the bond is $40 to $80, and your seal and journal cost another $30 to $50.
