Eligibility

Can you become a California notary public?

Check age, residency, education, examination, and background-check requirements before paying for a course.

Current exam structure45 questions · 60 minutes
40scored5pilot70scaled pass

Scaled scoring is not a simple raw percentage.

Core eligibility

You must be at least 18, be a legal California resident, complete approved education, pass the prescribed written examination, and clear the background check.

Five requirements to confirm first

Age and residency

You must be 18 or older and a legal California resident.

Approved education

New applicants complete an approved six-hour course. A current notary who previously completed it may qualify for a three-hour refresher only when applying before expiration.

Written examination

The current test contains 45 items, allows 60 minutes, and uses a scaled passing score of 70.

Complete disclosure

Answer application questions fully and accurately. Background history is reviewed under current state standards.

Background check

After passing the exam, submit fingerprints for DOJ and FBI review.