Notary requirements: how to get a notary license
Notary public requirements are set by each state. California requires you to be 18 or older, a legal California resident, complete an approved course, pass the exam, clear a background check and file a $15,000 bond. New York requires you to be 18 or older, a citizen or permanent resident, live or work in New York, and pass the state exam.
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Requirements to become a notary public in California
The California Secretary of State lists five qualifications. The requirements to be a notary there have no upper age limit; there is no maximum age set by statute.
After you pass, two more steps make the commission valid: you file your oath and a $15,000 bond with the county clerk within 30 calendar days of the start of your term. If you miss that window, the commission will not be valid.
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a legal California resident
- Complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State
- Pass the written examination
- Clear a background check, including fingerprinting
Source: California Secretary of State — Notary qualifications. Checked 19 October 2026.
Requirements for a notary public in New York
The requirements for a notary public in New York come from the Executive Law and the Department of State. New York attorneys and court clerks of the Unified Court System are exempt from the exam; everyone else must pass it.
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Be a New York resident or have an office or place of business in New York
- Have the equivalent of a common school education
- Pass the New York State notary public examination
Source: New York Department of State — Notary Public License Law (September 2026). Checked 19 October 2026.
Requirements for becoming a notary with a criminal record
Both states ask about convictions. California runs a background check and lists the most common disqualifying convictions, including embezzlement, forgery and many types of fraud. The Secretary of State recommends denial for a felony conviction where fewer than 10 years have passed since probation ended, and for a disqualifying misdemeanor where fewer than 5 years have passed.
New York’s application asks whether there has ever been a conviction of a crime or offense other than a minor traffic violation; if you answer yes, you must provide additional information or documents.
Source: California Secretary of State — Notary qualifications. Checked 19 October 2026.
Notary document requirements for the application
In California you bring everything to the exam site: a current photo ID (issued within the last 5 years), a correctly completed application with a 2 x 2 inch color passport photo attached, your 3-hour or 6-hour Proof of Completion, and a separate check or money order for $40 payable to the Secretary of State.
In New York you apply online with a personal NY.gov account and upload a copy, scan or photo of your passing exam slip and a scanned PDF of your completed oath of office, then pay $60 by credit or debit card. Exam results are valid for 2 years, so apply within that window.
Source: CPS HR Consulting — California notary exam: what to bring. Checked 19 October 2026.
How to become a certified notary public, step by step
How to get certified as a notary public, in short: there is no separate certification; the state commission is the credential. How to get a notary public license in California: take the 6-hour course, register for and pass the exam, clear the background check, receive your commission, then file the oath and bond. How to get a notary license in New York: pass the exam, then apply online with the pass slip and oath.
How to get a notary certificate of commission in other states follows the same logic, but the requirements for notary public applicants differ, so read your own state’s notary rules before you pay for anything.
Source: New York Department of State — Notary public application guidance. Checked 19 October 2026.
Notary requirements for identifying signers
Notary requirements do not end with the commission; the exam tests the rules you follow afterwards. In New York, acceptable evidence of identity includes the front and back of a government-issued ID card, or the notary’s attestation that the person is personally known to them. In California, a U.S. passport can be accepted as satisfactory evidence of identity.
Practise these rules before the exam with Certsqill’s expert-developed questions, which explain every answer option and give a readiness score per exam area.
Source: California Secretary of State — Notary Public Handbook (January 2026). Checked 19 October 2026.
Notary requirements: questions people ask
What are the requirements to be a notary in California?
18 or older, legal California resident, approved course, passing the exam and a background check; then a $15,000 bond and oath. Source: California SOS, checked 19 October 2026.
What are the requirements for notary public applicants in New York?
18 or older, citizen or permanent resident, New York residence or place of business, common school education, and passing the exam. Checked 19 October 2026.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to be a notary?
New York requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residence. California’s qualifications list legal California residency. Checked 19 October 2026.
Do attorneys need to take the New York notary exam?
No. New York attorneys and court clerks of the Unified Court System are exempt. Source: NY Department of State, checked 19 October 2026.
Is there a maximum age to become a notary in California?
No. The Secretary of State says there is no maximum age set by statute. Checked 19 October 2026.
How long do I have to apply after passing the exam?
California exam results are valid for one year; New York results for two years. Sources: CA handbook and NY DOS, checked 19 October 2026.
