Fingerprinting, Background Check and Commission Issue

Approximately a week or two after passing your exam, you will be notified of the results and provided with fingerprinting instructions. To assist the Secretary of State in determining the identity of an applicant and whether the applicant has been convicted of a disqualifying crime, state law requires all applicants to be fingerprinted as part of a thorough background check prior to being appointed a notary public. (Government Code section 8201.1)

Fingerprints and related information shall be submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the purpose of identifying any state or federal convictions, arrests or pre-trial diversions. The DOJ will request a federal summary of criminal information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Findings will be provided to the Secretary of State's office, who will also be notified by the DOJ of subsequent arrests.

If your background is clear and the Secretary of State is satisfied with your application, a notary commission will be issued, valid for a period of 4 years. That will be your term in office. You will receive a commission packet from the Secretary of State by mail which will contain everything you need to complete the process.