New Notary
In order to become a Notary Public in California for the first time. You must take a 6-hour notary class. Once you have taken a 6-hour class you will only be required to take a 3-hour Renewing classes every 4 years, this is as long as you have not allowed your notary license/commission to expire.
For New Notary Applicants there are a few things you should know.
The following are requirements you must meet in order to become a notary.
Qualifications and Requirements for a California Notary Public appointment:
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Be a legal resident of the State of California.
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Complete a our training class approved by the Secretary of State.
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Pass an notary exam prescribed by the Secretary of State.
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Pass a background check.
It's really pretty basic, however if you are not aware of the steps to becoming a notary, it may delay the process
Renewing Notary
If you are a current California Notary with a valid notary commission and have completed an approved (6) six-hour course of study at least once, then you will be allowed to take the notary (3) three-hour approved refresher course for reappointment.
The process is still the same, you must take a 3-hour class, take the notary exam, pass a background check, order new stamp and new bond and file with the county.
Note:The (3) refresher course is acceptable only if the notary public takes the (3) hour approved course of study, submits an application, passes the notary exam prior to the expiration of the current notary public commission. Should the notary public commission expire before the course completion the notary must take another (6) Six-hour approved course.
To avoid a break in notary public commission terms, you should take the notary public exam at least six months prior to the expiration date of your current notary public commission. Test results are valid for one year from the date of the examination.
All notary public applicants, whether or not they have held a previous commission, must submit fingerprints to the California Department of Justice for the purpose of a background check. The Department of Justice will forward fingerprint images to the
Federal Bureau of Investigation requesting a federal summary of criminal information
that will be provided to the Secretary of State.