Question 1

Once you’ve completed your notary education course, you’ll need to register for the California notary exam.

Accepted Answer

Once you’ve completed your notary education course, you’ll need to register for the California notary exam. The exam is administered through CPS (Cooperative Personnel Services).
First, review the exam schedule to find a date and location that works for you. Review exam dates and times below. ⬇️
Second, register online at CPS HR or by calling CPS HR at (916) 263-3520, Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to register at least 15 business days prior to the exam date. Walk-in registration is allowed on a space-available, "first come, first served" basis. Walk-in candidates will be admitted into the test center after all pre-registered applicants have been admitted. Walk-in registration IS NOT guaranteed.

Question 2

Exam dates and locations

Accepted Answer

Please click the file to view all available exams. Be sure to and scroll and view the file in its entirety.

Question 3

You're ready to take the exam (what to take)

Accepted Answer

Notary Exam Instructions

Please arrive at the test location 45 minutes before your scheduled exam time. Bring the following items with you:

Required Identification (must be current or issued within the past 5 years)

Driver’s license or state DMV-issued ID card
U.S. Passport (or foreign government-issued passport)
U.S. Military ID card

Payment

Check, money order, or cashier’s check (no cash, no temporary checks)
Payable to: “The Secretary of State”
Amount:

$40 (exam + application processing fee), or
$20 (if retaking the exam after failing)
Candidate’s name must be pre-printed on the check, or written in the memo line of a company check.

Documents

Completed Notary Public application (include fail notification letter if retaking)
One 2” x 2” color passport photo
Proof of Completion certificate from your approved education course

Available to print upon course completion
If lost, request a new one at info@mynotaryclass.com

Supplies

Two sharpened No. 2 pencils

Exam Check-In & Rules

All items listed above will be collected during check-in.
Personal belongings must be placed in the designated storage area inside the testing room.
To avoid issues, bring only the required exam materials and leave all other belongings at home or in your car.

Good luck on your Notary Exam!

Question 4

Printable state application

Accepted Answer

Remember to be honest when disclosing convictions on your notary application. The California Secretary of State will be able to see all past convictions even those that are expunged. Since you are dealing with legal documents which you are the key witness to, your integrity is the most important aspect of being a notary. They compare your background results with what you wrote down and use this as a test of your honesty. From our experience the majority of misdemeanors and felonies are okay so as long as they are disclosed in the application. In order to qualify as a notary public with a previous felony conviction, it must be 10 years since you have successfully completed probation.

Question 5

Covid safety guidelines

Accepted Answer

For covid safety guidelines click here.

Question 6

Additional exam questions and answers

Accepted Answer

For additional exam questions and answers click here.