Becoming a California notary public is a rewarding experience that can take your professional career to the next level. But, even with all of the perks, it’s important for you to know what being a notary entails and what steps you need to take in order to become a sworn officer in California. This comprehensive article will guide you through every step of the notary process so that you can ensure that you become a bona fide representative in your state.
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Becoming a California notary public is a fairly straightforward process. You will need to submit an application, pass the state’s course requirements, and pass an exam.
To apply for notary public status in California, you must submit Form JN-111 to the Secretary of State’s office. The application requires you to provide your name, address and phone number; proof of identity; and a description of your experience as a notary public or other position of trust (if any). You may also include other information about yourself that you feel is relevant to your application—for example, if you have been convicted of a crime in the past five years (the California Secretary of State will not be able to grant your application if this is true).
Once the Secretary of State receives Form JN-111, they will review it and notify you by mail whether or not they have accepted your application. If accepted, they will send you two letters: one letter acknowledging their acceptance of your application and another letter with instructions for completing the next step in becoming a California notary public.
The next step in becoming a California notary public is completing one hour
how to become a california notary public
Determine if you meet the requirements.
Before you can be appointed, you will have to determine if you meet the following requirements:
- You must be a resident of California.
- You must be at least 18 years of age (but not more than 50).
- You must have a clean record and no felony convictions. This includes misdemeanors in other states if they are on your criminal record as they will also show up on theirs. If there is some type of arrest record, it cannot be older than 10 years from the date of application or appointment.
- You must be able to read and write English proficiently so that you can perform your duties without error or confusion for both yourself and others who may need the services that only an official notary public can provide them with when it comes time for them to file legal documents such as affidavits or declarations under penalty of perjury with local government agencies such as courts and district attorney’s offices throughout California
Submit an application to become a notary public with the California Secretary of State.
- Complete the application, available on the California Secretary of State’s website.
- Sign and print your name in blue or black ink at the bottom of the form.
- Pay with a check or money order made out to “Secretary of State.” The fee is $30 if you’re 18 years old or older; it’s $15 if you are 17 years old or younger as of Jan. 1, 2019 (or born after Jan. 1, 2000). You can also pay online by credit card through a third-party service provider—it costs an additional $9 per transaction fee for this service, however (and there are other fees associated with credit card processing). If paying by check or money order by mail: send it along with your application to: Office of Notaries Public Commission P O Box 942850 Sacramento CA 94248-2940 If paying electronically: submit your payment along with all required documents through an electronic notary public application service provider that processes eNotary applications on behalf of applicants
Complete a six-hour training course.
It is important to note that California notary publics must complete a six-hour training course approved by the California Secretary of State, which may be taken in person or online. While you can take your training course any time before applying for your commission, it must be completed prior to submitting your application with the county clerk’s office.
Acquire your surety bond.
A surety bond is a type of insurance that protects the public against fraud by notaries. The surety bond protects consumers and businesses if you do something dishonest as a notary such as forge a signature or commit any other kind of fraud. The bond also ensures that you will follow all laws related to your duties as a notary public, such as checking identification documents of people seeking signatures and having an official seal on display at all times.
There are two types of surety bonds: personal and corporate. Your local state agency will determine which type to use based on whether or not you run your own business. If you have no employees, then most states require only the personal form; however this depends on where in California you live and what type of business structure you have chosen for yourself (LLC vs corporation).
The cost varies depending on many factors but averages between $750-$1200 per year depending on where in CA
Take your oath and pay the required fees.
Now that you’ve passed the exam, it’s time to take your oath and pay the required fees. Here are some tips:
- Take your oath of office before a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths. In California, this must be done in person at an approved location.
- Pay any fees required by state law and local ordinances (these vary). These can be paid online, by mail or in person at any bank or credit union branch office.
- Get a stamp. Your new credentials come with a free seal that allows you to stamp official documents as part of your duties as a notary public—but since it’s free, why not upgrade? You can pick up an embossed stamp for about $10 from office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot which will make your job look more professional when stamping documents for customers who need them certified by someone who looks official!
- Buy journal books for business transactions — these include blank pages where you can record all sorts of information related to people who need their signatures witnessed/notarized!
Receive your official commission certificate.
After you pass the exam and receive your temporary commission, the county clerk will send you an official commission certificate. This is an important document that bears your notary public seal and signature. You must keep this document with you at all times—you may be asked by a judge to show it during official business in court.
A certified copy of your commission certificate can be used as proof that you are indeed a California Notary Public. However, if you lose or misplace your original certificate, simply contact the county clerk’s office where it was issued and request another copy or replacement paper (a fee will be required). Make sure that someone has witnessed your signature on this form before mailing it off!
If for some reason you move away from Napa County after becoming a Notary Public there (or anywhere else), please notify our office so we can update our records accordingly.
To become a California notary public, you need to complete a 6-hour training course and pass a background check
To become a California notary public, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
- Register for and complete a 6-hour training course. The course will be offered by the Secretary of State’s Office (SOS), and it’s free. You can register online or by calling 1-800-345-2855 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. A $17 fee is required for registration services. Once you’ve completed the course, your certificate will be mailed to you within five business days.
- Pass a background check and provide surety bond coverage of $5,000 or more (this amount may change). Both are required before your commission certificate can be issued; they cost between $25 and $50 each (the exact amount depends on how much backing your bond has).
