You must bring the following materials with you to the testing center:
1. Photo identification
One of the following Photo Identification:
Must be current or issued within the last 5 years: no other forms of photo identification are acceptable.
The name listed on your identification must exactly match the name you print on Section 1D of the application (Full Legal Name).
2. Notary Public application, certificate of completion, and passport photograph
A correctly completed current application.
Please carefully review the application instructions prior to completion; errors on the application will result in a delay to your commission. Only your official signature should be written, all other information should be typed (preferred) or printed legibly in blue or black ink.
Attach to this application a 2” x 2” color passport photograph of yourself on the required form, and the proof of completion certificate (3-hour or 6-hour) received from the notary public education course provider. The certificate must have your full name and be signed by the vendor to be valid.
3. Payment of fee
Candidates must have a separate check, money order, or cashier’s check, made payable to the Secretary of State.
New applicants and reappointments: $40.00
Applicants who failed the last exam they took: $20.00
For candidates who have previously failed the exam and are retaking it, please bring a copy of your printed fail letter to accompany the $20 fee.
The candidate’s name must be preprinted on the check; temporary checks are not accepted. Cash is not accepted. Receipts are available upon request at the test site.
Note: Fees are nonrefundable. One check per applicant required. No other check amounts will be accepted.
Checks must be current OR have a void date at least 90 days from the exam date.
4. Sharpened No. 2 lead pencils
Personal Belongings: During the exam personal belongings must be placed in the designated location. Neither CPS nor the Secretary of State is responsible for personal belongings at the test; therefore, CPS recommends bringing only your I.D., application materials, pencils, and a check or money order into the exam room.
Please note, the test site may not have a clock in the room; you may wear an analog watch (a watch with non-digital hands to show the time) to monitor your time.
CPS HR Consulting is the only organization contracted with the California Secretary of State to administer the Notary exam on behalf of the State of California.
If you are looking for education providers to prepare for the notary exam please click on the approved vendor list. If you have any questions regarding registering or taking the exam, please contact us. For questions regarding obtaining a notary commission, please contact the California Secretary of State.
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