California Secretary of State Approved
Trusted By Thousands Of California Notaries

Complete the Required
California
Notary Education
— Fully Online

6
6-Hour Course — New Notary $25 $25 Only - Learn More
For first-time applicants or expired commissions · Vendor #607292
3
3-Hour Course — Notary Renewal $25 $25 Only - Learn More
For notaries with an active commission · Vendor #307293
Simple, convenient & affordable
No classroom required
Study at your own pace
24/7 access
Same-day certificate
No mailing, no waiting
Choose Your Course

Two courses. One right fit for you.

California law requires different education depending on whether you're new to notarizing or renewing an active commission. Here's how to pick the right one.

Vendor #307293
$25 ONLY
3hr
Notary Renewal Course — 3 Hours
For Active Commission Holders Renewing
Take this course if you are: a notary public whose current commission is still active and you are renewing before it expires.
  • Streamlined 3-hour renewal curriculum
  • Law updates, ethics refresher, and procedural review
  • Every legal code section is clickable — view laws instantly
  • Study 24/7 at your own pace — come and go as you like
  • Nothing to download or mail in
  • Certificate issued within 24 hours of completion
  • Keeps you sharp and up to date for renewal
Enroll in 3-Hour Course →

Already registered? Log in here

Which Course Do I Take?

Active commission or starting fresh?

California requires different education hours based on your commission status. The table below makes it easy.

Your Situation
6-Hour Course
3-Hour Course
First-time notary applicant
✓ Required
✗ Not eligible
Commission expired before renewal
✓ Required
✗ Not eligible
Active commission, renewing on time
✗ Not needed
✓ Required
Vendor number for your application
#607292
#307293
Simple Process

From enrollment to commission in 5 steps

California's entire notary process, mapped out clearly.

Enroll in Your Course

Choose the 6-hour or 3-hour course and get instant access — no waiting.

Complete the Curriculum

Study at your own pace, 24/7. Come and go as you like. Nothing to download.

Receive Your Certificate

Certificate issued within 24 hours of completion.

Pass the State Exam

Register with the Secretary of State and pass the written notary exam.

Get Commissioned

Submit your application, file your oath, get bonded, and start notarizing.

View SOS Notary Checklist ↗
Why Our Course

Everything you need. Nothing you don't.

We built the most convenient, comprehensive online notary course for busy Californians.

Study Anywhere, Anytime

Mobile-optimized so you can study on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Perfect for working parents and busy professionals.

Same-Day Certificate

Certificate issued within 24 hours of completion. No mailing, no waiting, no delays.

Clickable Legal Code

Every California Government Code section in the curriculum is clickable so you can view the actual law instantly as you study.

AI Study Tutor

Stuck on a concept? Our AI Tutor explains any notary law topic in plain English, quizzes you, and tracks your weak spots.

SOS Approved

Fully approved by the California Secretary of State as an education vendor. Our vendor numbers are accepted on your SOS application.

Expert Q&A Support

Hundreds of answered California notary questions in our blog, plus Notarina our AI Tutor ready to answer your questions.

AI Study Tutor

Memorize the material faster with AI Tutor

Our built-in AI Tutor helps you master California notary law — not just read it. Quiz mode, flashcards, scenario questions, and instant answers.

Ask any notary law question and get a clear, plain-English answer
Quiz mode drills key statutes, duties, fees, and deadlines
Flashcard mode to memorize vocabulary and legal terms
Scenario practice: "What would you do if a signer has no ID?"
Available 24/7 — study whenever inspiration strikes
Get Started Free →
AI Tutor California Notary Law · AI Tutor
Online
Tutor
Hi! I'm your California Notary AI Tutor. Let's get exam-ready! 🎯

I can quiz you, explain laws, or walk through practice scenarios. What do you want to tackle?
Expert Q&A Blog

California Notary Questions — Answered

View All Articles →
NOTARYPUBLIC📋CHECKLIST Getting Started
July 2026 · 6 min read

How to Become a Notary Public in California: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Course, exam, application, bond, oath, and commission — every step explained with links to official Secretary of State resources.

NOTARY FEE SCHEDULEAcknowledgment (per sig.)$15Jurat (per signature)$15Oath or affirmation$15Gov. Code §8211 · Max fee per act⚖️ Law & Rules
July 2026 · 4 min read

California Notary Fee Schedule: What You Can Legally Charge

California sets maximum notary fees by law (Gov. Code §8211). Learn the exact amounts per act — and the consequences of overcharging.

CALIFORNIADRIVER LICENSEEXPIRES 01/2028🪪SIGNER IDPASSPORT · MILITARYDL · STATE ID Signer ID
July 2026 · 3 min read

Acceptable Signer Identification in California: What ID Is Valid for Notarization?

Driver's licenses, passports, military ID — what's acceptable and what's not under California Government Code §8220.

NOTARY JOURNAL📒SequentialRecord Journal
July 2026 · 5 min read

California Notary Journal Requirements: What Must Be Recorded for Every Act

Gov. Code §8206 requires a sequential journal for every notarial act. Here's exactly what goes in each entry — and what's optional.

6-HOURNEW NOTARYVendor #607292→3-HOURRENEWALVendor #307293 Commission
July 2026 · 4 min read

3-Hour vs 6-Hour: Which California Notary Course Do I Need?

Active commission? Expired commission? New applicant? We break down exactly which course the California Secretary of State requires for your situation.

NOTARIAL ETHICS✓Impartiality required⚖️ETHICS§8214.1 Ethics
July 2026 · 5 min read

When Can a California Notary Refuse to Notarize? Know Your Rights and Obligations

There are times you must refuse — and situations where refusal is discrimination. Understand your ethical and legal obligations.

What Students Say

20,000+ Californians certified and counting

Real reviews from real notary students — including working parents, small business owners, and longtime notaries refreshing their knowledge.

★★★★★

"This course was awesome!! Very convenient for a working mom who can study online when time allows. Very thorough and informative. I would highly recommend to my fellow co-workers!"

R.D.
Working Mom, California
★★★★★

"This was very ENJOYABLE! Clear, concise, and flexible to meet my needs as a small business owner. Your answers to my questions were timely and appreciated. I will GLADLY recommend you!"

L.B.
Small Business Owner, California
★★★★★

"I have been a notary for over 20 years and found this course really helpful. The online format is so convenient — you can study at your own pace without sitting in a classroom for hours."

T.H.
20+ Year Notary, California
FAQ

Common questions

Can't find your answer here? Ask Notarina — she's available 24/7.

🏛️ Official Resources
If you are applying for a notary commission for the first time, OR your commission has expired before you renewed, you need the 6-Hour Course (Vendor #607292). If you currently hold an active commission and are renewing before it expires, you need the 3-Hour Course (Vendor #307293). Still unsure? Ask Notarina above.
Yes. We are an approved education vendor with the California Secretary of State. Our vendor numbers — #607292 for the 6-hour course and #307293 for the 3-hour course — are accepted on official notary applications. You enter your vendor number when you apply through the SOS office.
Certificate issued within 24 hours of completion — no waiting, no mailing, nothing to send in. You simply print it and attach it to your Secretary of State notary application.
Not at all. You can come and go as you like, 24/7. Your progress is saved automatically. Many students complete the course in multiple sessions spread across several days — whatever fits your schedule.
After receiving your certificate, you'll register for and pass the California state notary exam, submit your application to the Secretary of State, get fingerprinted, file your oath of office with your county clerk, and obtain your notary bond and seal. Visit the SOS Notary Checklist for the complete list.
None at all. Our courses are designed for complete beginners and cover everything from the ground up in plain, straightforward language. The only California requirements are that you be 18 or older, a California resident, and able to read and write English.

Ready to become a California Notary Public?

Choose your course below and get instant access. Certificate issued within 24 hours of completion.

6
6-Hour Course — New Notary $25 $25 Only - Enroll Now
For first-time applicants or expired commissions · Vendor #607292
3
3-Hour Course — Notary Renewal $25 $25 Only - Enroll Now
For notaries with an active commission · Vendor #307293
Do you have questions?