how to become a notary in california

How to Become a Mobile Notary in California

With the current in-surge in investments like real estate, entertainment, industrial and other businesses in California, the need for convenient notary services during after-work hours, on weekends and during holidays is ever expanding. This article explores various requirements to help you kick-start and excel in your career as a mobile notary in California.

Who is a Mobile Notary?

Also called a travelling notary, a mobile n otary is an official with legal approval to impartially administer oaths, authenticate documents, witness and attest to signatures and discharge other notary functions within his/her jurisdiction. Usually, a mobile notary will be required to travel to meet clients in person.

Becoming a mobile notary in California

Like other US states, California has specific guidelines and requirements for individuals aspiring to become travelling notaries. Below are the most important highlights for anyone aspiring to join the ranks of Rai's Mobile Notary and other successful providers of mobile notary services in California.

1. Age limit

California state law requires every person aiming to become a mobile notary in the state to be at least 18 years of age.

2. Residence

Under the provision of California state law, any person eyeing the position of a mobile notary in California must be exclusively a resident of California.

3. Training

It's also requisite that anyone aiming to become a travelling notary in California must pursue a comprehensive and approved 6 hour notary training course. Usually, this course is availed by various approved notary training providers online through websites or offline through instructional DVDs.

4. Examination

As a prerequisite for taking California's state notary exam, you will be required to provide a filled-out application and a color passport photo at the venue of the test. Additionally, you have to pay the requisite fee to the 'secretary of state', which is approximately $45. Then, you must take and pass a written exam after your notary training.

California's state notary exam consists of 30 multi-choice questions geared toward gauging your proficiency in notary law provisions and subsequent client attendance. You will be required to complete the written assessment within 50 minutes and attain a minimum of 70% to pass the test.

5. Criminal record

It's compulsory for any person intending to be a mobile notary in California to undergo a series of background checks that include comprehensive fingerprint photographing and analysis. Moreover, your record must be impeccable as any felony conviction will automatically disqualify you.

6. Approval and bonding

After successful completion of the state notary exam and legal clearance to prove your competence, a public notary commission will approve you. After approval, you will have a 30 day grace period to order and purchase all requirements for travelling notaries including rubber stamps and an embossing state seal. Furthermore, you will need to pay California's notary bond of $15,000 and file for an oath of office with California's county clerk's office. Taking the oath is the final milestone in your journey toward becoming a notable provider of mobile notary services in California.

Finally, it's important to note that successful approval as a mobile notary, CA is vital but only the beginning of a potentially rewarding career. You will therefore need to effectively market your mobile notary services to realize the full scope of its promises. However, this should be a relatively easy task given the various successful marketing channels like digital marketing available at your disposal today.