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Every person appointed as a notary public shall:
- Be 18 years of age or older (there is no maximum age set by statute);
- Be a legal California resident;
- Complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State;
- Satisfactorily complete and pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State;
- Successfully clear a background check.
Child Support
- Applicants found to be non-compliant with child or family support orders will be issued temporary term notary public commissions.
- Notaries public found to be non-compliant after the notary public commission is issued may be subject to commission suspension or revocation. (Family Code section 17520.)
Background Check
- State law requires all applicants be fingerprinted as part of a background check prior to being granted an appointment as a notary public.
- Information concerning the fingerprinting requirement will be mailed to applicants who pass the examination.
Convictions
- All applicants are required to disclose on their application any arrests for which trial is pending and all convictions.
- Convictions dismissed under Penal Code section 1203.4 or 1203.4a must be disclosed.
- If you have any questions concerning the disclosure of convictions or arrests, contact the Secretary of State prior to signing the application.
- For specifics about your arrest(s) and or conviction(s), please contact the California Department of Justice at (916) 227-3849.

