How To Become A Notary In California
Qualifications
In order to become a California notary public, you must make sure you meet the following requirements to qualify:
For more detailed information on these qualifications, please visit the Secretary of State’s website below.
New Notaries
6 Hour
Online Notary Course
Choose this course if you are applying to be a first time notary.
Renewing Notaries
3 Hour
Online Notary Course
Choose this course if you need to renew your current notary commission.
Checklist
Here are the steps you must follow to become a CA notary public.
For more information on these steps, please visit the Secretary of State’s website below.
Renewing Notaries
Renewing notaries must apply and take the state administered exam before the expiration of their proof of completion certificate and before expiration of their notary public commission.
It is recommended that renewing notaries start the application process at least 6 months prior to the expiration date of their current commission.
FAQ’s
Is your course approved by the state?
Yes. Our courses have been approved by the California State Department. They fulfill the mandatory notary public educational requirement.
How long will it take me to complete the course?
For the six-hour course, you must spend at least six hours taking the course and studying the material.
For the three-hour course, you must spend at least three hours taking the course.
How does the “pass the test guarantee” work?
For the online courses, if you take the State Exam and do not pass, you may take our course again at no charge. You would need to send an email to support@onlinenotaryinstitute.com to inform us of the situation, and attach a copy of your test results.
Do you accept any other payment besides credit cards?
Yes, you may pay us by cash, check or money order. You can send the payment to the address listed on our Contact Us page. Just send us an email with the following information:
Course you would like to take
Desired User Name
Full Name
Date payment was sent
Once we receive your payment we will register you for the course and email you your account information.
Can I take the State Exam online?
No. The state-administered notary public exam is not offered online by the State of California. You must take the exam at an official testing site.
Is my credit card transaction secure?
Yes. All payments, whether you pay with your account or by credit card, are processed through our secure merchant services providers, PayPal and Stripe. Our company does not keep any payment info on file.
Once I finish the course, how long will it take before I can start my career as a notary?
In California, it takes approximately 6 weeks to receive your new commission starting from the date you take the exam. Your exam results are sent out within 7-10 working days after your exam. After you receive the exam results indicating a passing grade, you must submit your fingerprints as part of a background check. Once the results are received by the Secretary of State’s office, they will process your application and mail your commission to you.
What is the course cancellation/refund policy?
Effective Dec. 3, 2009: A refund will be issued under the following circumstances:
Student must submit a request, in writing, within 2 days of registering for the course.
Once the Proof of Completion certificate has been downloaded, refunds will no longer be issued.
For the home study course, the DVD course and the Audio/CD course, class materials must be returned prior to the issuance of the refund.
How much does it cost to become a notary public?
The cost to become a notary public can vary, depending on the vendors you choose. The State Exam and fingerprint fees are set fees. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:
Approved Education Course: Our online course is $49.99
Application Fee: $20
Exam Fee: $20 for first time applicants or renewing notaries
Passport Photos: Approximately $10-15
Fingerprint Fees (effective 1/1/08): $32 to the DOJ and $17 to the FBI, plus $30 “Rolling Fee”
Notary Supplies: Approximately $75 or more, depending on the vendor and what supplies you order
New Notaries
6 Hour
Online Notary Course
Renewing Notaries
3 Hour
Online Notary Course
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info@onlinenotary.com
support@onlinenotaryinstitute.com
support@onlinenotaryinstitute.com