Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$15,000
Application Fee
$40
Issuing Authority
California Secretary of State
Journal
Required
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes California distinctive
- California permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- California requires a notary journal for every official act — only 17 of 50 states do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
California authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- California is the 44th state to authorize RON (SB 696, September 2023)
- RON not yet operational for CA notaries - expected by 2030
- CA residents can use RON from out-of-state notaries
- Personal knowledge PROHIBITED for identity verification (unique to California)
- Thumbprint required for real estate documents and powers of attorney
Regulatory Authority
California Secretary of State - Notary Public Section
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
CA Gov Code § 8200-8230
Notaries Public - General Provisions
Primary statutory authority for California notaries
CA Gov Code § 8202
Jurat Certificate Form
Statutory form and requirements for jurat certificates
CA Gov Code § 8205
Powers of Notaries Public
Defines scope of authority including protests, copy certifications, electronic records
CA Gov Code § 8206
Journal Requirements
Mandatory journal requirements including thumbprint for real estate documents
CA Civ Code § 1189
Acknowledgment Certificate Form
Statutory form for acknowledgment certificates with mandatory disclaimer
CA Civ Code § 1181.1
Remote Online Notarization
RON authorization and framework (not yet operational)
SB 696
Online Notarization Act
Legislation authorizing remote online notarization (signed 2023)
AB 1102
Marriage Solemnization Course Requirement
Requires 6-hour course for notaries seeking marriage solemnization approval
CA Prob Code § 4307
Power of Attorney Copy Certification
Authority for notaries to certify copies of powers of attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in California?
A California notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the California Secretary of State - Notary Public Section before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in California?
California charges $40 as the application fee to the California Secretary of State - Notary Public Section. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does California require a notary bond?
Yes. California requires a notary surety bond of $15,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in California?
Yes. California requires a notary journal for every official act. The journal is a permanent record subject to inspection by the California Secretary of State - Notary Public Section and must be retained for the period specified in state law.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in California?
Yes. California notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the California Secretary of State - Notary Public Section.
Can California notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. California authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can California notaries use?
California notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Government-Issued ID and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does California cap notary fees?
Yes. California sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Statutory maximum fees apply; charging more than prescribed fees is prohibited
Who regulates notaries in California?
California notaries are commissioned and regulated by the California Secretary of State - Notary Public Section. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Can California notaries solemnize marriages?
Yes. California is one of a small number of states that authorize notaries public to solemnize marriages. The exact ceremony format and recordkeeping requirements are governed by both notary law and family law in the state — consult both before officiating.
Does California authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. California authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can California notaries perform?
California notaries are authorized to perform 12 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in California?
Start your application through the California Secretary of State - Notary Public Section.
Related Articles
Remote Online Notarization (RON): State Guide 2026
State-by-state breakdown of which jurisdictions permit RON, the technology requirements, and the additional registration steps for notaries who want to offer it.
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Journal Requirements by State
When a journal is legally required versus advisory, what must be recorded, retention periods, and how to handle subpoenas of journal entries.
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