Current ID
You will be required to present a proper form of identification at the class site. This can be a current DMV issued driver's license or identification card. You may also present a driver's license or identification card from any other state DMV as long as it is current or has been issued within the past 5 years. You may also use a military ID card, a current passport issued by the Department of State (USA) or any current foreign government passport that is stamped by the US.

#2 Pencil
Please bring a pencil with you to the class in the event that pencils are not available from the testing proctors.

Passport Photo
Our instructors will have a camera and printer capable of printing passport style photos at the class locations. You may either bring a passport style photo with you or purchase the photo on the day of the class. A photo will be taken upon class registration and will be available prior to your examination. Photos taken at the class location are $10.

All notary applicants must submit a passport style photo along with his or her notary application at the examination site. Passport style photos must meet the criteria as established by the US Government including white or solid light background and no hats or sunglasses may be included in the picture.

Application and testing fees
The Secretary of State requires a check or money order in the amount of $40 for the application and testing fee. The SOS will not accept cash or credit cards.

Background Checks (Live Scans)
All recomissioning or first-time commission applicants must complete a background check before a commission will be granted by the Secretary of State. The background check requires a live scan fingerprinting submission to both the Department of Justice and the FBI.

Whether or not an applicant has ever had live scans previously for any reason, new live scans must now be submitted in accordance with California notary law.

For your convenience, we have scheduled an approved Live-Scan fingerprinting company to be available at our Southern California seminar locations. The cost for fingerprinting is $80 which includes automatic submission to the Department of Justice and the FBI. You are not required to use this service. Please keep in mind that obtaining results for your background check from both the DOJ and FBI typically takes several weeks so completing this step as soon as possible is very important. This service is currently available in our Southern California locations only.