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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the California Secretary of State using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
California’s Online Notarization Act (SB 696) is not yet in effect for remote online commissioning. The rest of the RON appointment and duties become operative when the Secretary of State completes the Notary Automation Project 2.0 or by January 1, 2030, whichever is earlier. Current law still requires the signer to appear physically before the notary.
Use this page as a checklist of the traditional commission process and a placeholder for RON. Follow the Secretary of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the California Secretary of State’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a California notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: California Secretary of State
California does not use an SOS notary self-service portal for commissioning. Follow the published checklist: education, exam, Live Scan, commission packet, supplies, then oath and bond with the county clerk.
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Read the official notary hub Open Notary Public, Become a Notary Public checklist, and Notary Public Handbook. |
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Use the forms and fees page Forms, Services, and Fees lists the $40 commission application fee paid at the exam site. |
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If you are already a California notary, keep that commission current RON commissioning is not open yet. Do not treat a private platform’s “online notarization” as a California RON appointment. |
Part 1: Traditional California Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired California notary public commission. A traditional commission is required now; a RON appointment is not yet available.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Become a Notary Public checklist and Notary Public Handbook. |
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Complete traditional notary education Complete an SOS-approved education course. Course fees are set by approved vendors, not listed as a single SOS amount on the fees page. |
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Obtain a $15,000 surety bond After the commission packet is issued, buy a $15,000 bond. File the oath and bond with the county clerk in the county of your principal place of business within 30 calendar days of the commission commencement date. |
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Submit the traditional application Register for and take the exam. The SOS lists $40 for a new or reappointing commission application, payable at the exam site by check or money order only. Exam retake is listed as $20. |
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Live Scan, commission packet, oath, and bond Submit fingerprints via Live Scan (site processing fees vary). Await the commission packet, buy supplies from authorized seal manufacturers, then file the oath and $15,000 bond with the county clerk within 30 days. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Not yet in effect. Keep this section and recheck the Secretary of State’s Customer Alerts. Do not perform webcam notarizations as if they were authorized California RON.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Not yet in effect. Recheck Customer Alerts and Notary Public. Operative date: SOS technology project complete or January 1, 2030, whichever is earlier. |
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Complete online notary education Not yet in effect. There is no SOS RON education course open for commissioning. |
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Start the online commission application Not yet in effect. There is no RON appointment application. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Not yet in effect. |
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Upload your electronic seal Not yet in effect. |
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Pay and submit Not yet in effect. No SOS RON filing fee is in effect. |
After You Are Commissioned
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There is no RON commission to renew until the SOS opens the program. Renew the traditional four-year commission through the current exam and application process.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
Amounts below are from Forms, Services, and Fees. Confirm them there before you pay. Education, Live Scan, county clerk, bond, and seal costs are set by those vendors or offices.
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| Approved notary education | Not listed as an SOS amount (paid to an approved vendor) |
| Online / RON education | Not yet in effect |
| New or reappointing commission application | $40 (payable at the exam site) |
| Online (RON) application | Not yet in effect |
| Surety bond | $15,000 coverage, filed with the county clerk (premium paid to the bonding company) |
Official California Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Notary Public hub | sos.ca.gov/notary |
| Become a Notary Public checklist | sos.ca.gov/notary/checklist |
| Forms, services, and fees | sos.ca.gov/notary/forms |
| Customer alerts (SB 696) | sos.ca.gov/notary/customer-alerts |
| Notary Public Handbook | Current handbook (PDF) |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. RON commissioning is not yet in effect. You can only apply for a traditional California notary public commission.
Q: Does California approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Not yet. Until the SOS program is operative, webcam “online notarization” is not authorized California RON. See the Customer Alerts page.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Forms, Services, and Fees, Become a Notary Public checklist, and Customer Alerts.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
