California Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in California?

Yes. California law requires every notary public to file a $15,000 surety bond. The bond is filed together with the notary’s oath of office at the county clerk’s office in the county where the notary’s principal place of business is located. A critical detail: the notary has 30 calendar days from the beginning of the term prescribed in the commission to file the oath and bond, and this period cannot be extended. The commission does not take effect until both are filed.

The bond protects members of the public who are financially harmed by a notary’s misconduct or negligence. If the surety pays a claim, it can recover that amount from the notary, so the notary remains personally responsible. Because California’s filing rules are strict — the county processes documents in chronological order and the deadline is firm — the Secretary of State recommends submitting the oath and bond in person to guarantee timely filing, even though mail filing is permitted.

California appoints notaries through the Secretary of State, but the oath and bond are filed and retained at the county level. The county clerk retains the oath of office for one year following the expiration of the commission term.

How to become a notary in California

1. Confirm eligibility and complete a state-approved course of study. All appointees must take the required course regardless of how many prior terms they have held.
2. Pass the written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State, and pass a background check.
3. Submit a completed application with a passport-style photograph as required.
4. Once your commission is issued, obtain your $15,000 surety bond.
5. File your oath of office and bond with the county clerk in the county of your principal place of business within 30 calendar days of the commission’s start date.
6. Obtain your notary seal and journal. When the commission is no longer valid, the seal must be destroyed to protect against fraudulent use.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in California

The $15,000 bond is mandatory and protects the public, not the notary. If a claim is paid, the surety can seek reimbursement from the notary. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and protects the notary instead, helping to cover legal defense and losses from unintentional mistakes. California does not require E&O insurance, so whether to carry it is up to each notary. The two are separate: a bond satisfies the state’s requirement, while E&O is personal financial protection.

Renewing your California commission

California commissions run four years, and renewal is not automatic — you must complete the required course, pass the exam, and reapply. When your new commission is issued, you must again file a current oath of office and $15,000 bond with the county clerk within the 30-day window. Treat renewal like a fresh appointment and give yourself enough lead time to complete the course and exam before your current term ends.

Remote online notarization in California

California enacted an Online Notarization Act, portions of which became operative on January 1, 2024, with security requirements for remote notarizations (Government Code section 8231.18) operative January 1, 2025. The Act addresses appointment, grounds for disciplinary action, and the duties tied to online notarization. Because implementation is phased and technology and registration requirements apply, review the current Notary Public Handbook and Secretary of State guidance before performing remote online notarizations.