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How to Become a California Notary Public in 2025

Your complete roadmap to licensing, training, and launching a profitable notarial business in Los Angeles—and beyond.


1. Why Become a Notary Public?

  • High-demand skill: Real-estate closings, loan signings, estate documents, and immigration forms all require notarization.

  • Flexible income stream: Set your own hours, work part-time, or add mobile services for premium fees.

  • Low start-up cost: Compared with many side hustles, a Notary commission, errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance, and basic supplies run a few hundred dollars.

  • Gateway to specialization: Once commissioned you can expand into loan signing, apostille, or wedding officiant services—popular upsells in California.

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2. California Notary Public Requirements

  1. Age & residency – 18 +, legal U.S. resident.

  2. Criminal background – Pass both a Live Scan fingerprint check and a Department of Justice/FBI background review.

  3. Education – Complete a state-approved six-hour Notary Public education course (or a three-hour renewal classif you’re already commissioned).

  4. Exam – Score 70 % + on the California Secretary of State (SOS) written Notary Public exam.

  5. Surety bond – Purchase a $15,000 four-year bond before filing your oath.

  6. Filing – File your oath of office and bond with the county clerk within 30 days of your commission date.

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3. Training & Exam Preparation

Choose the right course

  • Live classroom in Los Angeles: Great for hands-on learners who want to ask real-time questions and take the exam on-site the same day.

  • Self-paced online Notary class: Ideal if you need schedule flexibility and want unlimited practice quizzes.

  • Hybrid options: Watch recorded lectures, then attend an in-person Notary seminar the morning of your test.

Study tips for a first-time pass

  • Review the latest 2025 California Notary Public Handbook—questions come straight from it.

  • Memorize acknowledgment vs. jurat wording—an easy group of points on the test.

  • Practice ID-checking scenarios—California allows just three forms of acceptable ID.

  • Complete at least three timed Notary Public exam practice tests to build speed and confidence.

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4. Application, Live Scan & Background Check

  1. Register for a Live Scan appointment—select “203” Notary fingerprinting on the Request for Live Scan Service form.

  2. Bring a valid photo ID and payment (fingerprint fee + rolling fee).

  3. Mail your Notary Public Application (Form SOS/NP-30), exam proof, and $40 check to the SOS.

  4. Track your application on the SOS website; commissions issue in 4–8 weeks.

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5. File Your Oath, Bond & Buy E&O Insurance

  • County filing: Take your commission packet, $15,000 bond, and photo ID to the county clerk (Los Angeles or your home county) within 30 days.

  • Supplies: Order a California-compliant Notary seal and a tamper-proof journal.

  • E&O coverage: Most signing services require at least $100,000 E&O insurance—affordable peace of mind that protects you, not the public.

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6. Market Your New Notary Business


How-To

SEO Angle

Google Business Profile

Verify your listing, add photos, enable “Appointments”

Mobile Notary near me, Notary open now

Ready, Set, Notarize class network

Teach or host state-approved Notary renewal workshops

Notary Public instructor Los Angeles

Loan-signing platforms

Upload credentials to Snapdocs, SigningOrder, and NotaryDash

Certified loan signing agent California

Niche SEO blog posts

Write localized guides (e.g., “How to notarize power of attorney in Malibu”)

Notary in [City], 24-hour Notary [City]

7. Next Steps

  1. Book a state-approved six-hour Notary class (online or live in LA).

  2. Schedule your exam—bring the SOS form and 2″ × 2″ passport photo.

  3. File your oath and bond, order supplies, and set up your marketing channels.

With less than one week of focused effort, you can become a California Notary Public and start serving clients throughout Los Angeles County. Ready to get started? Enroll in the next live Notary training near you and secure your seat today!


Los Angeles County Cities

Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Arcadia, Artesia, Avalon, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Burbank, Calabasas, Carson, Cerritos, Claremont, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Cudahy, Culver City, Diamond Bar, Downey, Duarte, El Monte, El Segundo, Gardena, Glendale, Glendora, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park, Industry, Inglewood, Irwindale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Puente, La Verne, Lakewood, Lancaster, Lawndale, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Palmdale, Palos Verdes Estates, Paramount, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre, Signal Hill, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City, Torrance, Vernon, Walnut, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, Whittier 


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