Notary Qualifications

The Requirements and Qualifications
of a Notary Public

The following are the requirements and qualifications of a California Notary Public according to Government Code section 8201. A Notary Public is required to:

  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Be a resident of the State of California;
  • Satisfactorily complete six-hour Secretary-of-State-approved course of study;
  • Satisfactorily complete a three-hour Secretary-of-State-approved course for renewal of commission prior to the expiration of the four-year commission term;
  • Pass the Secretary-of-State-prescribed Notary Public written examination;
  • Submit to a LiveScan or submit fingerprints;
  • Pass State, Federal and Department of Justice background checks;
  • Complete an application form and submit a photo;
  • Disclose all prior arrests or convictions (Reasons for the Denial of a Notary Public’s Application);
  • File an Oath of Office and a surety bond with the County Clerk’s Office within 30 days after commission term commences;
  • Have and use a notary seal and an active sequential journal to record all notarial acts. Both the seal and the journal must be kept in a locked and secured area under the direct and exclusive control of the Notary Public;
  • Be free from conflict of interest in each notarial act;