A notary public is a person authorized by the government to authenticate the identity of signatories on legal documents. Notaries are most often used in real estate documents such as mortgages and real estate documents.
Although the recession that started in late 2007 has curbed the need for loan signing agents, notaries are still needed for loan refinancing while interest rates on mortgages remain near historic lows. As California's real estate market recovers, pent up demand from potential homeowners delaying purchases should result in brisk loan signing activity for notaries in the near future. At $10 per signature, a notary public can potentially make extra side income as the economy turns around.
Requirements to Become a California Notary Public
The Secretary of State, which regulates notaries in California, requires the following from applicants:
- Age 18 or older
- California residency
- Pass a background check
- Complete a course approved by the California Secretary of State
- Pass a written examination prescribed by the state
It is not possible to pass the background check if there is a felony conviction, or if 10 years have not passed since the misdemeanor conviction. If an applicant fails to disclose any arrest or conviction, it will result in automatic denial of the application. Candidates should consider their ability to pass a background check before spending time and money on becoming a notary public.
California Notary Public Training Class
The mandatory coursework as prescribed by the state is just six hours long. The notary public training school used for the education requirement must be approved by the Secretary of State. Once the course has been completed, each student receives a certificate of completion that is valid for two years. A valid completion certificate is needed for the next phase, which is to pass the state required exam.
California Notary Public Test
Applicants register for the exam online at the California Secretary of State website. The exam tests the knowledge gained from the required course. There are a number of items that need to be brought for the exam:
- Valid photo ID
- Original valid completion certificate from the notary public course
- Check, money order, or cashier's check for the test fee payable to the Secretary of State. As of September 2009, the fee is $40 for first time test takers.
- Two number 2 pencils
- Completed notary public application form, available from the exam website
- 2" x 2" passport sized color photograph of the applicant
After the notary public exam has been passed, the applicant undergoes a background check with LiveScan by submitting an application, paying the fees for the background check, and submitting fingerprints. The background check must be initiated within one year of passing the exam. Otherwise, the applicant will have to take the exam again.
Once the background check has been passed, the applicant needs to obtain required notary public supplies such as a journal and the stamp. Purchase of a California state required $15,000 bond from an insurance company is also required, but the cost of the insurance is usually very reasonable at around $50 which covers the entire four year commission.
There are companies that will sell a complete notary public package customized for California that includes the required course, test, background check, supplies, and bond. This means the entire process can be completed in a single day.
Those who complete the process to become a notary public in California will have the opportunity to make extra side income whenever needed. All it takes is following the state requirements, which can be done in as little as one day.
References:
California Secretary of State. "Notary Public Section."
California Secretary of State. "Notary Public Handbook 2009 Edition."
