Contact Information
Mailing Address
Notary Public Section
P.O. Box 942877
Sacramento, CA 94277–0001
Phone Number (916) 653-3595
Appointment and Commissioning
The Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing notary commissions within the State, as well as authenticating the signatures of California public officials and notaries public. The Secretary of State grants four-year notary public commissions to qualified persons, approves notary public education courses, authorizes notary seal manufacturers, investigates violations of notary public law and takes disciplinary action, and issues apostilles.
To become a notary public, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- be 18 years of age or older (there is no maximum age set by statute)
- be a legal California resident
- complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State
- satisfactorily complete and pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State
- clear a background check