Bond only · Mail delivery

California Mail-Delivery Notary Bond

Yes. California requires a $15,000 surety bond. You file your oath of office and bond with the county clerk in the county of your principal place of business within 30 days of the commission's start date. The Secretary of State appoints notaries for a four-year term.

What you're buying

  • A $15,000 California notary surety bond — the guarantee that backs your commission.
  • Delivered by mail where original documents are required for filing.

Purchase, application, and issuance are completed through The Southern Agency's secure checkout — the licensed insurance agency behind Notary.Bond.

California requirement at a glance

Commissioning authority
California Secretary of State
Surety bond required
Yes — $15,000
Filing deadline
Within 30 days of the commission start date (cannot be extended)
Bond filed with
County clerk (county of principal place of business)
Commission term
4 years
Training & exam
Required (state-approved course and written exam)
E&O insurance
Optional

State requirements can change. Reviewed on July 29, 2026 — confirm with the California Secretary of State. Full details on the California requirements page.

Other California options