California Secretary of State Approved
⭐ Trusted by thousands of notaries since 2005

Get Your Required California Notary Education — Fully Online

Simple, convenient, and affordable. Study at your own pace, 24/7. Receive your Certificate of Completion the same day you finish — no classroom, no mailing, no waiting.

6
6-Hour Course — New Notary For first-time applicants or expired commissions · Vendor #600042
3
3-Hour Course — Commission Renewal For notaries with an active commission · Vendor #302654
No classroom required
Same-day certificate
Study at your own pace
24/7 access
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 #302654
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 of Completion emailed the same day you finish
  • Keeps you sharp and up to date for renewal
$25
one-time · lifetime access
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
#600042
#302654
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 of Completion emailed to you the same day you finish the course.

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

Finish the course and receive your Certificate of Completion via email the same day. 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 study 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 assistant ready to help around the clock.

AI Study Tutor

Memorize the material faster with an AI tutor

Our built-in AI study 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 →
Study Tutor California Notary Law · AI-Powered
Online
Tutor
Hi! I'm your California Notary Study Tutor. Let's get exam-ready! 🎯

I can quiz you, explain laws, or walk through practice scenarios. What do you want to tackle?
Meet Notarina

Your California notary expert, available 24/7

Got a question about California notary law? Notarina answers instantly — whether you're studying, already commissioned, or just curious.

Notarina California Notary AI Assistant
● Online
Hi! I'm Notarina 👋 I'm your California Notary assistant. Ask me anything — from which course to take, to notary law questions, to what happens after you pass the exam!

You've used your 5 free questions! Enter your enrollment email to unlock unlimited access to Notarina.

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Expert Q&A Blog

California Notary Questions — Answered

View All Articles →
NOTARYPUBLIC📋CHECKLIST Getting Started
June 2024 · 6 min read

How to Become a Notary Public in California: Complete 2024 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
May 2024 · 4 min read

California Notary Fee Schedule 2024: 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
May 2024 · 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
April 2024 · 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 #600042→3-HOURRENEWALVendor #302654 Commission
April 2024 · 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
March 2024 · 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

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🏛️ 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 #600042). If you currently hold an active commission and are renewing before it expires, you need the 3-Hour Course (Vendor #302654). Still unsure? Ask Notarina above.
Yes. We are an approved education vendor with the California Secretary of State. Our vendor numbers — #600042 for the 6-hour course and #302654 for the 3-hour course — are accepted on official notary applications. You enter your vendor number when you apply through the SOS office.
Your Certificate of Completion is emailed to you the same day you finish the course — 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 emailed the same day you finish.

Enroll in 6-Hour Course — $25 → Enroll in 3-Hour Renewal — $25 →
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