HOW TO BECOME A NOTARY IN CALIFORNIA

 Any person interested in an appointment as a California notary public must be:

• at least 18 years old
• a legal California resident

Successfully complete and pass a course of study approved by the Secretary of State

• Clear a background check
• Child Support

If you are in violation of a child or family support court order, you will be issued temporary notary commission.  However, if you remain non-compliant with the court order after the temporary commission is issued, you may be subject to suspension of revocation of your notary commission. 

All applicants must go through a background check prior to being granted an appointment as a notary public.  Applications must disclose any arrests and convictions on their application.  Failure to disclose any arrest or conviction will result in disqualification and the notary commission will be denied.

Some common disqualifying convictions are:

• Arson-related offenses
• Assault
• Auto theft
• Battery
• Burglary
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Carrying a loaded firearm in a public place
• Child molestation
• Child pornography
• Conspiracy
• Discharge of a firearm in a public place or into an inhabited dwelling
• Drugs, possession for sale and sale
• Embezzlement
• Forgery
• Failure to return to confinement
• False financial statements
• False imprisonment
• Escape without force
• Failure to pay child support
• Failure to comply with a court order
• Fraud involving, but not limited to bank & credit cards, insurance, insufficient funds/checks, mail, Medicare, real estate, tax, and welfare
• Fraudulent impersonation of a peace officer
• Hit and run
• Kidnapping-related offenses
• Manslaughter
• Pimping and pandering
• Possession of an unregistered firearm
• Practicing without a license when a license is required
• Prostitution
• Rape
• Receipt of stolen property
• Resisting or threatening a peace officer
• Robbery
• Solicitation
• Statutory rape
• Tax evasion
• Terrorist threats
• Theft, grand and petty, including burglary and robbery
• Threats to commit a crime involving death or great bodily injury
• Domestic Violence, Spousal Abuse.

Upon passing the background check, you will receive your Notary Commission Package which will include cover letter with instructions; filing instructions; a notary public commission certificate; two Notary Public Oath and Certificate of Filing forms; a Certificate of Authorization to Manufacture Notary Public Seals; and a list of Authorized Manufacturers of Notary Public Seals.

You are asked to purchase and file a surety bond with the county clerk's office in the county where your principal place of business is located within 30 days from the commencement date of the commission.

You will need to purchase Notary Public Supplies, such as Notary Public Journal, and Notary Public Seal, etc.  Finally, you are required to file your oath of office and bond with the county recorder’s office where your principal place of business is located.  Now you can begin performing your duties as a California Notary Public.

For More information on Power of Attorney, Wills, Probate, Trusts, and Estate Litigation; contact Law Office of Michael C. Maddux.