Quick Reference: California Notary Costs 2025
Total Startup Cost:
- Statutory Fees: $40.00 (exam $20 + application $20) + County filing $20-$60
- Market Costs: $260-$410 (LiveScan $70-$90, education $25-$100, bond $38, seal $20-$30, journal $15-$30, photo $15)
- Total Investment: $300-$450 (one-time startup)
- Optional E&O Insurance: $40-$100 (4-year term, highly recommended)
Key Terms Defined:
- Statutory Fees: Fees fixed by law and paid directly to the California Secretary of State or County Clerk
- Market Costs: Variable costs paid to private vendors (education providers, bonding companies, seal manufacturers)
- Surety Bond: $15,000 bond required by law - protects the public, not the notary (costs ~$38 for 4 years)
- E&O Insurance: Errors & Omissions insurance - protects the notary from lawsuits (optional but recommended)
Passing the exam is only half the battle. The other half is navigating the bureaucracy of forms and understanding the real cost of doing business. Many candidates budget $40 for the state fees and are shocked when the total startup cost exceeds $300.
This guide breaks down every dollar you will spend to get commissioned, the exact forms you need to file, and the ongoing costs of running your notary business in 2025.
1. The "Price of Admission": Total Startup Costs
While the state fees are low, the third-party costs add up. Here is the realistic budget for a new notary in 2025.
Statutory Fees (Fixed by Law)
These are non-negotiable fees paid directly to the California Secretary of State or County Clerk.
Statutory Fees Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $20.00 | Secretary of State |
| Application Fee | $20.00 | Secretary of State |
| Combined Total | $40.00 | (Usually paid together at exam) |
| County Filing Fee | $20.00 - $60.00 | County Clerk (varies by county) |
Market Costs (Variable)
These are paid to private vendors. Prices fluctuate, but these are 2025 averages.
Market Costs Breakdown 2025
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LiveScan Fingerprinting | $70.00 - $90.00 | DOJ Fee ($32) + FBI Fee ($17) + Rolling Fee ($20-$40+) |
| Passport Photo | $15.00 | 2" x 2" color photo required |
| Education Course | $25.00 - $100.00 | 6-hour course (varies by vendor) |
| Surety Bond ($15k) | $38.00 | Average for 4-year term |
| Notary Seal (Stamp) | $20.00 - $30.00 | Must be authorized vendor |
| Journal | $15.00 - $30.00 | Hardcover recommended |
Total Estimated Startup Cost: ~$300 - $450
Coach's Tip: Don't buy your supplies (stamp/journal) until after you receive your commission packet. You need the exact commission name and expiration date to order your seal. The seal must match your commission certificate exactly.
2. Optional but Recommended: E&O Insurance
The mandatory $15,000 Surety Bond protects the public, not you. If you make a mistake and get sued, the bonding company pays the victim, and then sues you to get their money back.
To protect your own assets, you need Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance.
E&O Insurance Options
| Coverage Limit | Cost (4-Year Term) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $40 - $60 | Part-time notaries |
| $50,000 | $60 - $80 | Full-time mobile notaries |
| $100,000 | $80 - $100 | High-volume notaries |
Value: It covers legal defense costs and claims if you make an honest mistake. It is highly recommended for mobile notaries who travel to clients.
3. The Forms You Need to Know
Throughout your 4-year term, you will need to file specific forms with the California Secretary of State to stay compliant. Using the wrong form (or a letter when a form is required) can delay your updates.
The Application (Form: Notary Public Application)
When: Before the exam.
Cost: $20 application fee (usually paid with exam fee).
Key Detail: Must include your 2x2 passport photo stapled to the application.
Address Change (Form: Notary Public Address Change)
When: Within 30 days of any business or residence address change.
Cost: Free.
Method: Certified mail is recommended for proof of delivery.
Trap: Failure to file this is an infraction punishable by a $500 fine under Government Code § 8214.1.
Name Change (Form: Notary Public Name Change Application)
When: Upon legal name change (marriage, divorce).
Cost: Free to file the form, but costs money to replace bond/seal.
Process:
- File application with California Secretary of State.
- Receive amended commission.
- File new oath/bond amendment within 30 days.
- Buy a new seal with updated name.
Resignation (Form: Notary Resignation Form)
When: If you quit, move out of state, or choose not to renew.
Requirement: You must deliver all journals to the County Clerk within 30 days and destroy your seal.
LiveScan Request (Form: BCIA 8016)
When: After passing the exam.
Note: This form is specific to your application; it contains the codes ensuring the results go to the California Secretary of State. You cannot use a generic form.
4. Setting Your Fees: What Can You Charge?
Once you are commissioned, how do you make that $350 investment back?
The Statutory Maximums (Service Fees)
You cannot charge more than these limits per signature under Government Code § 8211:
Notary Fee Schedule 2025
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $15.00 (per signature) |
| Jurat | $15.00 (per signature, includes oath) |
| Deposition | $30.00 (plus $7 for oath, $7 for certificate) |
| Certified Copy (Power of Attorney) | $15.00 (per copy) |
| Journal Copy (Public Request) | $0.30 per page |
The "Mobile" Fees (Travel & Convenience)
This is where mobile notaries make their profit.
- Travel Fees: Unregulated. You can charge any reasonable amount for travel, time, and parking, IF the client agrees to it in advance.
- Coach's Tip: Always separate the "Notary Fee" ($15) from the "Travel Fee" on your receipt. The Notary Fee is statutory; the Travel Fee is a business service.
Important: You cannot charge for notarizing voting materials or veteran's benefit forms. These services must be provided free of charge. Charging for these is a $1,500 willful violation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I write off these costs on my taxes?
Generally, yes. If you are operating as a business (even a sole proprietorship), your education, exam fees, supplies, and insurance are typically deductible business expenses. Consult a tax professional for specific advice based on your situation.
Is the $15,000 bond expensive?
No. The bond itself costs only about $38 for the full 4 years. You do not pay $15,000; you pay a small premium to a surety company to "rent" that coverage. The $15,000 is the maximum amount the bonding company will pay out if you make a mistake.
Do I have to pay for a new LiveScan if I renew?
Yes. The DOJ does not keep your prints on "active file" for notary purposes between commissions. You must pay the ~$70-$90 LiveScan fee every 4 years when you renew your commission.
Can I buy my seal from Amazon?
You can, but the vendor must be authorized by the California Secretary of State. You cannot just order a custom stamp; you must mail them your original Certificate of Authorization (which you receive in your commission packet) before they can manufacture your seal. The seal must match your commission certificate exactly.
What happens if I don't file an address change within 30 days?
Failure to file an address change within 30 days is an infraction punishable by a $500 fine under Government Code § 8214.1. Always file address changes immediately using certified mail for proof of delivery.
Can I charge more than $15 for an acknowledgment if the client agrees?
No. $15 is the maximum statutory fee set by Government Code § 8211. You cannot charge more, even with client agreement. Overcharging is a $750 violation.
Do I need to buy a new journal every 4 years?
No. You can continue using your current journal until it is full. Government Code § 8206 requires you to keep "one active sequential journal." You do not need to start a new book just because you renewed your commission.
What is the difference between the bond and E&O insurance?
The Bond ($15,000): Protects the public from your mistakes. If a claim is paid, you must reimburse the bonding company. It's required by law.
E&O Insurance: Protects you from lawsuits. It covers legal defense costs and claims. It's optional but highly recommended, especially for mobile notaries.
Next Steps: Budget and Prepare
Now that you understand the costs:
- Budget $300-$450 for startup costs
- Consider E&O Insurance ($40-$100) for protection
- Wait for Commission Packet before buying seal/journal
- Keep Receipts for tax deductions
Start your notary journey with our complete guide.
Last updated: January 2025. Based on the Official 2025 California Notary Public Handbook, Government Code § 8211, and current market prices for notary supplies and services.