How do you get your notary license in California?

To qualify for a California Notary Public appointment, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a legal resident of the State of California.
Be at least 18 years old.
Complete a training course approved by the Secretary of State.
Pass an exam prescribed by the Secretary of State.
Pass a background check.

Thereof, how do you get your notary license?

While procedures differ from state to state, the general steps to become a Notary are:

Make sure you meet all of your state's qualifications.
Complete and submit an application.
Pay the state's filing fee.
Get training from an approved education vendor (if applicable).
Pass a state-administered exam (if applicable).

One may also ask, how long does it take to become a notary signing agent? The Notary Signing Agent Course is given completely online, which means you can take it at your leisure and even spend extra time on those more important sections. You'll have up to 90 days to complete the course, and when you're done you'll receive your Notary Signing Agent certificate by mail.

Secondly, how hard is the notary exam in California?

The test, based on the state's Notary Public Handbook, is proctored, and applicants must score at least 70 percent in order to receive a California commission. Renewing Notaries must also take the exam again each time they wish to renew their commission.

Can you take the notary exam online?

Can I take the official notary public exam online? No. The official notary public exam is NOT offered online by the State of California. You must register with a testing service and attend an official test site to take the exam.

29 Related Question Answers Found

How hard is it to become a notary?

Usual requirements include being a state resident, clean criminal record, minimum age 18, submitting an application to the notary regulator, and taking an oath of office to know and follow the state notary laws and Constitution. Many states also require the notary to be bonded.

Can you make money being a notary?

For most people that become a notary, the answer is yes. Many make a very profitable living as a notary. If you decide to focus your efforts on becoming a loan signing notary agent, you can charge upwards of $100 for every notarization you complete. This can translate to an income of $6,500 a month or $78,000 a year!

How long does it take to become a notary in California?

How long does it take to become a Notary? After you take the exam, it can take anywhere from two weeks up to six months to receive your commission depending on the volume of applications currently being processed. The California Secretary of State's office publishes updates on their commission processing schedule.

What can you do with a notary license?

A handful of states allow officials who are certified as a notary public may work as wedding officiants.

The Work of a Notary Public.
Becoming a Notary Public.
Administrative and Professional Positions.
Mobile Notary.
Wedding Officiant.

How much does it cost to be a notary?

Excluding your commissioning costs and needed supplies, becoming a Signing Agent will typically cost a Notary between $140 and $200 depending on the vendor. Such NSA packages will include background screening, certification, and a possible training course.

Can you be a notary with a DUI?

In most cases a single DUI is not enough to disqualify a person from receiving a notary commission. However, without a thorough background check, the Secretary of State cannot make a determination one way or another.

How do I study for the notary public exam?

Complete Your Notary Public Education Course

Use the final exam to practice for the state exam.
Use the unit quizzes for targeted practice.
You'll see different questions each time you try a quiz or final exam, so you'll know you're prepared for the full range of possible state exam questions.

How many questions are on the California notary exam?

Need to pass notary exam administered by CPS proctors for the State of California. Out of 45 questions you must answer 33 correct achieving at least 70%. The exam is based on multiple choice questions.

What score do you need to pass the notary exam?

A scaled score of at least 70 is required to pass the exam.

What happens if you fail the notary exam?

If you fail the written exam, you will receive a notice in the mail. You may retake the written exam on another date and time of your choice. Examination results are only valid for a period of two years.

How much can a notary public make in California?

The average salary of a notary public in California is $59,055. Considering the average of the country is roughly $45,000, this is another great reason to become a notary in California. This is actually a living wage career, but doesn't require a degree or extensive training.

How much can a notary charge in California?

Maximum Fees Allowed

Considering that it costs upwards of $400 to become a notary in California, this is welcome news. For the most common services, the maximum allowable charge went from $10 to $15. For the services relating to a deposition the total went from $20 to $30 and the individual services from $5 to $7.

What is on a notary exam?

The Notary Public test is a 50-minute exam that has 30 multiple choice questions. A Notary Public is appointed by each state's Secretary of State, governor or lieutenant governor, and authorized to affirm contracts and documents for validity.