The cost of becoming a notary varies depending on the state in which you reside. In California, the fee is $40 for the four-year term. The cost of the surety bond, which is required to become a notary, is $15,000. fingerprinting services are also required and typically cost around $60. Once your application has been submitted and approved, it will take three to five business days before you receive your commission card. If you need your commission card quickly, be prepared to pay an additional expedite fee. Also, keep in mind that if you wish to apply for renewal before the expiration date, this process can take as little as two weeks.
To become a notary in the state of California, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Be a legal resident of California
3. Complete a six-hour course on notary public education
4. Pass an examination administered by the Secretary of State
5. Obtain a $15,000 surety bond and a $5,000 cash deposit from one or more sureties licensed to do business in this state
6. Fill out and submit an application form with personal information and biographical data about yourself, as well as current passport size photographs
7. Pay the $50 fee for taking the exam and purchasing your commission 8. Get fingerprinted and have a background check done (they will notify you if there are any issues)
9. Submit a copy of your identification card (e.g., driver’s license) along with an original sworn statement, signed under penalty of perjury that says that you are qualified to act as a notary public
10. Receive notification that your application has been approved
1. Gather the required documents.
2. Submit the completed application, including all required fees, to the county clerk’s office.
3. Take and pass the notary public examination.
4. Complete a six-hour course on notarial practices and procedures.
5. Obtain a $15,000 surety bond and file it with the county clerk’s office (or present an equivalent such as a savings account statement) before taking the exam. The exam is administered by the Secretary of State’s Office or designated testing agents at various locations around the state. To take the test, bring two forms of identification (such as a driver’s license and social security card), a pen or pencil, and an acceptable form of birth date verification (such as a U.S. passport).
To become a notary public in the state of California, you must first complete an approved six-hour course of study. After that, you’ll need to pass a written examination before being sworn in by a county notary commissioning officer. Once you’re officially sworn in, you’ll be able to start notarizing documents! You can get certified with the National Notary Association for $10 or take it on your own for free using this guide. If you plan on traveling with your notarial seal, make sure to download these two printable forms and keep them with your seal: A traveler’s affidavit and a traveler’s record. The travelers’ affidavit is filled out by you and any witnesses when you arrive at your destination. The travelers’ record is filled out by any witnesses when they return home from witnessing your signature(s). Both of these forms are designed to avoid any questions about whether or not your document was properly executed as well as avoid confusion about where it was executed. These records may help with border crossings if necessary and ensure that all parties are aware of what has happened without having to speak in person about their experiences
The process of becoming a notary in California is relatively simple, but there are a few steps you need to take. First, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record. Next, you’ll need to complete a six-hour training course and pass an exam. Finally, you’ll need to submit an application to the California Secretary of State’s office and pay the required fees. Once you’ve done all that, you’ll be ready to start notarizing documents! Make sure you keep up with your yearly renewal requirements as well. You can renew online or by mail each year, starting on January 1st. You can also apply for a new notary commission if you move or change your name. If you’re working outside of California, don’t forget to get permission from the state where you’re working before taking on any clients out of state. When it comes time to retire from being a notary public, just remember that it takes six months to give back your commission.
