How do I get an apostille?
Send your notarized document or certified copy from the county clerk,
$20.00 fee per certification, cover letter telling us for what country the
document is to be used in and a self-address stamped envelope. Please allow
10-14 days for processing.
Back to the Table of Contents
How do I obtain a Notary Public commission?
You must take and pass an examination about notary law. You may register for the exam online at www.cps.ca.gov/TakeATest/Notary or call
CPS at (916) 263-3520 to receive an exam registration packet.
Back to the Table of Contents
Does the notary’s signature have to match the printed name on the notary's oath?
No. The notary must sign the oath the same way the notary signed the application and must use this signature for all official acts. The signature does not have to match the printed name.
Back to the Table of Contents
I have changed my business or home address, what do I do?
Send our office a letter or a change of address form by certified mail
within 30 days of the change. (Government Code Section 8213.5)
Back to the Table of Contents
I lost my stamp or journal, what do I do?
Send our office a letter by certified mail explaining what happened and, if
applicable, a photocopy of a police report. If you have had your stamp lost
or stolen we will send an authorization so you can have a new stamp made.
(Government Code Section 8206)
Back to the Table of Contents
I changed my business from one county to another, what do I do?
Your commission allows you to notarize throughout the State of California. If
the location of your business has changed, you are not required to transfer
your oath of office and bond to that new county. You are, however, required
to send our office an address change via certified mail. If you do choose
to transfer your county, you will need to take and file an oath of office
and take the original or copy of the bond and file it with the new county. Once
you have done so, you need to send our office a letter and request a certificate
of authorization to manufacture a notary public seal for the new county. Your
stamp must reflect the county where your oath and bond are filed. (Government
Code Sections 8213 and 8213.5)
Back to the Table of Contents
I did not file my oath and bond on time, what do I do?
If you failed to file your oath and bond within the prescribed time, your commission
is void. If you wish to reapply, you must complete a
new application, attach an original Proof of Completion certificate for mandatory notary education, a 2"x2" color passport photo of yourself, a check for $20.00, and send to our office.
Back to the Table of Contents
How do I resign my commission?
If you want to resign your commission, send a letter to our office and deliver all of
your notarial records and papers to the county clerk in which your current oath
of office is on file within 30 days. (Government Code Section 8209)
Back to the Table of Contents
I need to request a new certificate of authorization to have a new stamp
made. Is there a fee?
No, however, you must send our office a written request for a certificate of
authorization. [Government Code Section 8207.3(e)]
Back to the Table of Contents
I have a prior conviction. May I still be commissioned as a California notary public?
Please review the Secretary of State's Disciplinary Guidelines for information regarding convictions.
Back to the Table of Contents
