Key Takeaways
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a legal resident of California
- Must complete a 6-hour approved education course (new applicants)
- Must pass the written examination administered by the Secretary of State
- Must submit to fingerprinting and pass a background check
Basic Qualifications
Every California notary public serves as an impartial witness to some of life's most important moments—from buying a first home to executing a power of attorney for an aging parent. The state takes this responsibility seriously, which is why becoming a notary requires meeting strict qualifications designed to ensure integrity and competence.
Understanding these qualifications isn't just about passing the exam—it's about understanding why the public can trust notaries to perform their duties honestly and competently.
Who Can Become a California Notary?
California Government Code Section 8201 establishes the basic qualifications every notary applicant must meet. These requirements balance accessibility with the need to protect the public.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. There is no maximum age limit for becoming or remaining a notary public. This means you can serve as a notary well into retirement if you choose—many notaries find it a rewarding way to serve their communities while earning supplemental income.
Residency Requirement
You must be a legal resident of California. This means:
- You must physically reside in California
- You must have a California address for your principal place of business
- U.S. citizenship is NOT required—legal residency status is sufficient
- You cannot be a notary in California if you live in another state
Real-World Example: An immigrant who has legal residency status (green card holder) can become a California notary. However, someone living in Nevada who works in California cannot become a California notary, even if they spend most of their working hours in the state.
Education Requirement
Education requirements differ based on whether you're a new or renewing applicant:
| Applicant Type | Course Hours | Course Content |
|---|---|---|
| New Applicant | 6 hours | Full curriculum covering all notary duties |
| Renewal Applicant | 3 hours | Refresher course on updates and key topics |
New Applicants must complete a 6-hour approved education course that covers:
- Duties and responsibilities of a notary
- Laws governing notarial acts
- Procedures for performing notarizations
- Record keeping requirements
- Ethical considerations and liability avoidance
Renewal Applicants must complete a 3-hour refresher course before their commission expires. The refresher covers recent law changes and reinforces critical procedures.
The course must be taken from a provider approved by the Secretary of State. Both in-person and online courses are available, giving you flexibility in how you complete this requirement.
Examination Requirement
All applicants—both new and renewal—must pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State. The exam tests your knowledge of California notary law and procedures.
Exam Details:
- Total Questions: 45 multiple-choice questions
- Scored Questions: 30 (15 are pretest questions that don't count)
- Passing Score: 70% (21 of 30 scored questions correct)
- Time Limit: 1 hour
- Location: Approved testing sites throughout California
The exam covers everything in the Notary Public Handbook, from basic qualifications to the specifics of performing acknowledgments and jurats.
Background Check Requirement
California takes public protection seriously. All notary applicants must:
- Submit fingerprints via Live Scan at an authorized location
- Pass a background check conducted by both the California Department of Justice and the FBI
- Disclose any prior criminal convictions on the application
Disqualifying Offenses:
Certain criminal convictions may prevent you from becoming a notary. The Secretary of State has discretion to deny applications based on criminal history.
| Offense Type | Impact on Application |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Likely disqualification |
| Crimes involving dishonesty (fraud, forgery, theft) | Strong grounds for denial |
| Crimes of moral turpitude | May disqualify |
| Perjury or false statements | Likely disqualification |
| Minor traffic violations | Generally not disqualifying |
Important: Failure to disclose a conviction is itself grounds for denial and can result in criminal charges for perjury. Always be truthful on your application, even if you're unsure whether an offense disqualifies you. The Secretary of State considers each case individually and may approve applicants who demonstrate rehabilitation.
On the Exam
Expect 2-4 questions on basic qualifications. Key points frequently tested:
- Age requirement: 18 years old (no maximum age)
- Citizenship: NOT required—legal California residency is sufficient
- Education hours: 6 hours for new applicants, 3 hours for renewals
- Passing score: 70% on the exam
- Background check: Required for ALL applicants, including renewals
What is the minimum age to become a California notary public?
Must a notary public applicant be a U.S. citizen?
How many hours of education must a NEW notary applicant complete?