Understanding the California Notary Exam: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking to become a California notary, our state-approved online course covers everything including exam prep and your certificate. Learn about the course
Passing the notary exam is required to get your commission in California. Here is what the test covers and how to prepare so you pass the first time.
Who Needs to Take the Exam
Everyone. First-time applicants and renewing notaries both need to pass. There is no exemption for experience or prior commissions. You also need to complete a state-approved 6-hour course (3-hour for renewals) before sitting for the exam.
Eligibility
Before registering, make sure you meet the basic requirements. See our eligibility guide for details.
- 18 or older
- California resident
- Pass a background check (Live Scan)
- Not have a disqualifying conviction
- Read and write English
Disqualifying convictions include any felony and certain misdemeanors involving moral turpitude (fraud, dishonesty, violence). If you have a record, the SOS reviews it case by case. A conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose it on your application.
What Is on the Exam
The exam tests your knowledge of California notary law based on the Government Code. The questions are drawn from these topic areas:
| Topic | What It Covers | Rough Weight |
|---|---|---|
| ID Verification | Acceptable ID types, credible witnesses, identity by personal knowledge | High |
| Journal Requirements | What to record, retention period, public record entries | High |
| Fee Limits | $15 per signature, travel fees, what you can and cannot charge | High |
| Acknowledgments vs Jurats | When to use each, oath requirements, wording differences | High |
| Prohibited Acts | Legal advice, notarizing for family, conflicts of interest | Medium |
| Penalties | Misdemeanor charges, civil liability, commission revocation | Medium |
| Seal Requirements | What goes on the stamp, photographically reproducible, when to use | Medium |
| General Duties | Commission term, change of address, name changes | Low |
Most questions are scenario-based. Instead of asking “What is the maximum fee for a notarization?”, the exam asks something like: “A signer asks you to notarize a deed. Your fee is $15 per signature. The document has three signers, each signing once. What is the maximum you can charge?” (Answer: $45.)
Exam Day
The exam is administered by CPS HR Consulting at locations throughout the state.
- Format: 45 multiple-choice questions, closed-book
- Time: 1 hour
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $40 (covers both exam and application processing)
- Payment: Check or money order only, payable to “Secretary of State”
- What to bring: Photo ID, two No. 2 pencils, completed application, course completion certificate. See the full exam checklist.
Arrive early. CPS HR checks IDs at the door and assigns seats. No phones, no notes, no calculators. If you bring a phone, it stays off and in your bag.
How to Prepare
Most people who fail the exam did not prepare enough or tried to wing it based on general knowledge. Notary law is specific, and many answers are counterintuitive if you are guessing.
- Take a state-approved course. Our California notary course covers all tested material in about 6 hours. You need the certificate of completion to sit for the exam anyway.
- Read the California Notary Public Handbook. Free on the SOS website. This is the source material for exam questions.
- Take practice tests. Our practice test mirrors the exam format with scenario-based questions.
- Focus on the big three: fee amounts ($15 per signature, not per document), ID requirements (what counts as acceptable ID), and prohibited acts (what gets your commission revoked). These topics show up the most.
- Study the math. Know how to calculate fees for multiple signers, multiple documents, and travel fees. These questions trip people up.
Most candidates who complete an approved course and take at least one practice test pass on their first attempt.
Common Reasons People Fail
- Not taking a course. The exam tests specific California statutes. General notary knowledge is not enough.
- Confusing acknowledgments and jurats. They have different requirements (oath for jurats, personal appearance for both). Know the difference cold.
- Mixing up fee calculations. The fee is per signature, not per document. A deed with two signers = two signatures = $30 maximum.
- Guessing on ID rules. California has specific lists of acceptable ID. Memorize them.
- Running out of time. 45 questions in 60 minutes is about 80 seconds per question. Do not spend too long on any one question.
After the Exam
Results arrive in 15 to 25 business days. If you pass, the Secretary of State processes your application and sends your commission packet. Here is the timeline:
- Exam results (15–25 business days): Mailed to you by CPS HR
- Background check (2–4 weeks after results): Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
- Commission issued (4–6 weeks after background clears): SOS mails your commission
- File with county (within 30 days of commission date): Take your oath and file your $15,000 bond with the county clerk
- Order your seal and journal: You cannot notarize until you have these
Total time from exam to first notarization: roughly 8 to 12 weeks.
If you fail, you can retake for $20. You are limited to one attempt per calendar month. See our detailed guide on passing the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the California notary exam?
45 multiple-choice questions.
What is the passing score?
70% scaled score.
Can I take the exam online?
No. The exam is administered in person at CPS HR testing locations throughout California.
Do renewing notaries have to take the exam?
Yes. Both new and renewing notaries must pass the exam. Renewing notaries take a 3-hour refresher course instead of the 6-hour course.
How much does the exam cost?
$40 for the initial exam (covers exam + application). $20 for a retake.
How long does it take to get commissioned after passing?
About 8 to 12 weeks total: 15–25 business days for results, 2–4 weeks for the background check to clear, then 4–6 weeks for the SOS to issue your commission.
Ready to Become a Notary?
Our state-approved online course covers everything you need. Complete the training, pass the exam, get your commission.
