How to Pass the California Notary Exam
 

CHAPTER 2

HOW TO BECOME A NOTARY

 Qualifications to Become a Notary Public

As with any other profession, we would expect that notaries must meet minimum qualifications. The qualifications are specified by California state law and include the following:            
  • A notary in California must be a legal resident of the State of California (no minimum time required). Please note that while U.S. Citizenship is not required, the applicant must be a legal resident.
  • A notary must be at least 18 years old
  • The notary applicant must pass a written exam with a score of 70% or greater.
  • Notaries must be able to read, write and understand English.
  • All notary applicants must pass a background check.
All notary commissions issued after July 1,2005 will require the completion of a state approved 6-hour notary course prior to commissioning. Subsequent commissioning will require a 3-hour refresher course prior to commissioning.