Enter your California notary commission number to check your expiration status, see renewal deadlines, find upcoming state exam dates near you, and get personalized course recommendations based on your timeline.
How Commission Renewal Works in California
California notary commissions are valid for four years. To renew, you must complete a state-approved education course and pass the state exam before your current commission expires. If your commission expires before you complete the process, you’ll need to take the full 6-hour course instead of the 3-hour refresher.
The Renewal Timeline
The tool above checks how much time you have left and looks at upcoming exam dates to recommend the right path:
- 12+ months remaining: You have plenty of time. Take the 3-hour refresher course when convenient, then schedule your exam.
- 3-12 months remaining: Start your course now. The tool shows the next exam near you so you can plan ahead.
- Less than 3 months: Act immediately. You may need the 6-hour course to avoid a commission lapse.
- Expired: If within the one-year grace period, you may still qualify for the 3-hour refresher. Otherwise, the 6-hour course is required.
3-Hour Refresher vs 6-Hour Course
Most renewing notaries take the 3-hour refresher course. It covers the essentials you need to pass the state exam and renew your commission. The 6-hour course is required for new notaries and for anyone whose commission has been expired beyond the grace period. Some renewing notaries choose the 6-hour course for extra exam preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my commission number?
Your commission number is on your notary commission certificate and on your notary stamp or seal. It’s also searchable in the California Secretary of State’s notary database.
How often is this data updated?
Notary commission data is updated nightly from the California Secretary of State’s active notary database. Exam schedules are updated quarterly from CPS HR Consulting, which administers the state notary exam.
What happens if I don’t renew before expiration?
If your commission expires, you cannot legally notarize documents. You have a one-year grace period during which you may still take the 3-hour refresher course. After that, you must complete the full 6-hour course to obtain a new commission.