State Information for California
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California Notary Requirements and Information
California Notary Commission Qualifications
Notary applicants must:
be at least 18 years old;
be a resident of California;
complete a state-approved education course;
complete and pass a written exam;
clear a background check.
For information regarding other disqualifications please click here.
How to Apply to Become a California Notary
See detailed information on the website of the California Secretary of State: https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/checklist/
Secretary of State
Term of Office
4 Year Term
Notary Education and/or Exam Requirement
Education course and exam required; for a new commission, applicants must take a 6-hour course and renewing applicants must take a 3-hour refresher course. Eligibility for the 3-hour refresher course is contingent on timely filing of the renewal application, prior to commission expiration date.
Notary Bond Requirement
$15,00 Bond Required (4-year term)
Notary Recordbook (Journal) Requirement
Recordbook required, paper and electronic notarial acts. Only one active, sequential recordbook may be used and should be kept in a secure location under the direct control of the Notary. Thumbprint of the signer is required for any instrument affecting real property, and powers of attorney.
Notary Seal Requirement
Ink stamp or embossing seal required, paper notarial acts. Must be photographically reproducible.
Electronic notarization under the Electronic Recording Delivery Act: Notary seal requirement is satisfied if the Notarys electronic signature contains certain specified information.
Authorized Duties
Acknowledgments and proofs (not for documents affecting real property);
oaths and affirmations;
affidavits;
depositions;
certify copies of powers of attorney and notarial recordbook entries (requested by the Secretary of State or by a court) ONLY;
note protests. Only Notaries employed by a financial institution may perform a protest. This duty may only be performed if it is within the scope of the Notary's employment and only with regard to the specific financial documents as described in California Law.
Change of Name, Address or Eligibility Status
See detailed information on the website of the California Secretary of State: https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/forms/
Contact Information for the State of California
California State Notary Website
https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/qualifications/
State of California Online Notary Listing
https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/notary-public-listing/
State of California Notary Public Handbook
https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/handbook/
Phone Number
(916) 653-3595
Mailing Address
California Secretary of State
Notary Public Section
P.O. Box 942877
Sacramento, CA 94277-0001
Apostille Certification Information
Phone Number
(916) 653-3595
Further Information
https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/request-apostille/
Information on this page is provided with the understanding that the user is solely responsible for his/her knowledge of notarial law, procedures and practices. The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. All information is subject to change without notice and therefore is provided as is, free of warranty of any kind. Last updated August 2020.
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