Notary Classes Online

Just about anything can be done online now, including the education course required to become a notary public in California. If you’re looking to become a notary, online classes are the most convenient way to meet the state’s training requirement.

The Role of a Notary Public

A notary public is a state-commissioned official authorized to serve as an impartial witness when important documents are signed. Notaries verify the identity of signers, confirm they are signing willingly, and maintain a record of each notarization in an official journal. Common situations that require a notary include real estate transactions, loan closings, powers of attorney, and affidavits.

In California, notaries can charge up to $15 per signature for acknowledgments, jurats, and oaths. Many notaries also work as signing agents handling full loan packages, which can pay $75 to $200 per appointment.

California’s Education Requirement

California is one of the more demanding states when it comes to notary education. To qualify for a commission, you must meet these requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal resident of the United States
• Be a resident of California (or work in California if living in a bordering state)
• Be able to read and write English
• Pass a background check (Live Scan fingerprinting through the DOJ and FBI)
• Complete a state-approved education course
• Pass the state notary exam

The education course must be from a vendor approved by the California Secretary of State. The course you take from an unapproved provider will not be accepted at the exam, and you will not receive a commission.

Six-Hour Course vs. Three-Hour Refresher

California offers two course lengths:

Six-Hour Course (New or Lapsed Notaries)

If you have never held a California notary commission, or if your previous commission has expired, you must complete the full six-hour course. This covers all California notary law, proper procedures for every type of notarial act, record-keeping, and penalties for misconduct.

Three-Hour Refresher (Renewing Notaries)

If you currently hold a valid California notary commission and are renewing before it expires, you can take the three-hour refresher course. This shorter course focuses on updates to notary law and key refresher material. Let your commission lapse by even a day and you lose this option. You’d need to take the full six-hour course again.

For more on the difference between the two course types, see our detailed post on notary classes online.

What You’ll Learn in a Notary Class

A state-approved course covers the material tested on the state exam and the knowledge you’ll need once commissioned. Topics include:

• California Government Code sections governing notaries
• How to execute acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and copy certifications
• Identity verification: what forms of ID are acceptable
• When and why you must refuse a notarization
• Journal and record-keeping requirements
• Notary bond and errors & omissions insurance
• Penalties for misconduct
• How to handle special situations (signers who cannot sign their own name, documents with blank spaces, notarizing for family members)

Online Notary Class Pricing

Notary classes can cost as much as $200 from some providers. Our California notary course is $45 for the six-hour course and includes the proof of completion certificate, practice exam questions, and exam prep material. Nothing extra to buy.

Be wary of providers who advertise a low course fee but charge separately for the completion certificate or required training materials. Without the certificate, you cannot take the state exam. See our post on free notary courses for more on this pricing tactic.

The course fee is just one expense. For a full breakdown of all costs (exam fee, Live Scan, bond, supplies), see our guide to how much it costs to become a notary in California.

Notary Supply Requirements

Once commissioned, California requires you to have:

• A notary stamp (seal): Used to stamp every notarized document. Must meet specific state requirements for size and content. See our post on the California notary seal.
• A notary journal: A bound, physical journal where you record every notarization. Required by state law. You must keep it in a locked and secured area when not in use.

While not required by the state, most notaries also carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for personal protection. You can order supplies from our notary supplies page.

Preparing for the State Exam

The state exam is 45 multiple-choice questions administered in person by CPS HR Consulting. You need a score of 70 or higher to pass. You must bring your proof of completion certificate, a photo ID, a passport photo, and a $40 check or money order payable to the Secretary of State.

Our course includes practice exam questions covering the same topics. Most students who complete the course and review the practice material pass on their first attempt. For more tips, see our comprehensive guide to passing the California notary exam.

Getting Started

The online course is the first step in the process and the one you have the most control over. You can start today, work through the material at your pace, and have your completion certificate ready to register for the next available exam date in your area. Start our online notary training course today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a notary class online in California?

Yes. The California Secretary of State authorizes approved vendors to offer notary education courses online. An online course satisfies the same requirement as an in-person class.

How long is the online notary class?

New notary applicants and those with expired commissions must complete a six-hour course. Currently commissioned notaries renewing before their commission expires can take a three-hour refresher course.

How much do online notary classes cost?

Prices vary by provider. Our state-approved course is $45 for the six-hour class, which includes the proof of completion certificate, practice exam questions, and all study materials.

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

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

Do I need to take a notary class to become a notary in California?

Yes. California requires all notary applicants to complete a state-approved education course before taking the state exam. This requirement cannot be waived.