Quick Reference: California Notary Timeline 2025
Complete Timeline:
- Phase 1 (Preparation): 1-4 weeks - Complete 6-hour education course
- Phase 2 (Examination): 2-4 weeks - Take exam and wait for results (15 business days)
- Phase 3 (Background Check): 4-12 weeks - LiveScan fingerprinting and DOJ/FBI processing (varies widely)
- Phase 4 (Commissioning): 2-4 weeks - Secretary of State issues commission packet
- Critical Deadline: 30 calendar days from commission date to file oath & bond
- Total Time: 3-6 months from start to finish
Key Terms Defined:
- Commission Date: The date printed on your commission certificate - Day 0 of your 30-day filing deadline
- 30-Day Filing Rule: You must file your oath and $15,000 bond within 30 calendar days of the commission date (NO exceptions)
- ATI Number: Automated Transaction Identifier from LiveScan receipt - used to track background check status
- Pass Notice: Official notification from CPS HR Consulting that you passed the exam - required before LiveScan
One of the most common questions new candidates ask is, "Can I become a notary in a week?" The honest answer is no. The process typically takes 3 to 6 months from your first class to your first stamp.
This timeline is dictated by three separate government agencies: the California Secretary of State (SOS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and CPS HR Consulting (the exam administrators). While you cannot speed them up, you can slow yourself down by missing deadlines.
Here is the realistic 2025 timeline breakdown.
Phase 1: Preparation (1 – 4 Weeks)
Your Speed: Fast
This phase is entirely up to you.
The Education Course (6 Hours)
Time: You must complete a state-approved 6-hour course. You can do this in a single day (live class) or over several days (online).
The Certificate: You receive your "Proof of Completion" immediately or within a few days of finishing the course. You must have this paper in hand before you can take the exam.
Validity: Your certificate is valid for 2 years, so you can retake the exam multiple times within that window if needed.
Phase 2: Examination & Results (2 – 4 Weeks)
Your Speed: Moderate
This depends on exam date availability and grading speed.
Taking the Exam
Exams are held periodically at physical locations. You must register in advance or attempt a walk-in.
Note: You cannot take the exam online. The exam is administered in person by CPS HR Consulting.
Exam Fee: $20.00 (payable by check or money order to "Secretary of State").
Waiting for Results
After the exam, CPS HR Consulting grades the tests. Results are typically mailed or emailed within 15 business days (approx. 3 weeks).
Pass: You receive a "Pass Notice" with instructions for LiveScan and the Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) form.
Fail: You receive a "Fail Notice" and must re-register ($20 fee). You can re-take the exam once per calendar month.
Coach's Tip: Do not schedule your LiveScan appointment until you receive your Pass Notice. If you spend money on fingerprints and then fail the exam, those fingerprints are wasted. The report must be connected to a successful application.
Phase 3: The Background Check (4 – 12 Weeks)
Your Speed: Slow (The "Black Hole")
This is the most variable part of the process.
LiveScan Fingerprinting
You take your "Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016)" form to a vendor.
DOJ & FBI Processing: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI run your criminal history.
Clean Record: Can clear in 3–5 business days.
Review Required: If you have any arrests (even old ones) or a common name that triggers a manual review, this can take weeks or months. The California Secretary of State cannot issue your commission until the DOJ sends the "All Clear" signal.
Tracking: Use your ATI Number (from LiveScan receipt) to check status on the DOJ Applicant Status website.
Phase 4: Commissioning (Strict 30-Day Deadline)
Your Speed: CRITICAL
Once you are approved, the clock starts ticking immediately.
Receive Commission Packet
The California Secretary of State mails your commission packet to the mailing address you listed on your application.
The Clock Starts: The "Commission Date" printed on your certificate is Day 0. This is when your 30-day filing deadline begins.
File Oath & Bond (30 Days)
You have exactly 30 calendar days from the date on your commission to file your oath and $15,000 bond with the County Clerk.
Warning: This is not 30 days from when you opened the mail. It is 30 days from the date printed on the paper. If the mail was slow, you might only have 10 days left by the time you see it.
The "Void" Trap: If you file on Day 31, your commission is void. You are not a notary. You must start the entire application process over, including new fees and new fingerprints. There are NO exceptions to the 30-day filing rule.
Summary Timeline Table
Complete California Notary Timeline 2025
| Phase | Action | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prep | Take 6-Hour Course | 1 Day - 1 Week |
| 2. Exam | Register & Take Exam | 1 Day (on test date) |
| 3. Results | Wait for Exam Score | 15 Business Days |
| 4. Background | DOJ/FBI Check (LiveScan) | 1 Week - 3 Months (Varies widely) |
| 5. Processing | SOS Issues Commission | 2 - 4 Weeks |
| 6. Filing | File Oath & Bond | Must be within 30 Days |
| TOTAL | Start to Finish | ~3 to 6 Months |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I pay a rush fee to speed up the background check?
No. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI do not offer expedited services for notary applicants. You must wait for the standard process. The timeline depends on your record and whether manual review is required.
What if my commission expires while I'm waiting for my new one?
You must stop notarizing immediately. There is no "grace period" for expired notaries. If your commission expires on Tuesday and your new oath isn't filed until Thursday, you cannot notarize on Wednesday. Acting as a notary without a valid commission is a misdemeanor.
Why is my background check taking so long?
Delays often happen if:
- You have a criminal record (even dismissed charges).
- Your fingerprints were rejected due to low quality (you may need to reprint).
- You have a common name similar to someone with a criminal record.
You can check your status on the DOJ Applicant Status website using your ATI number and date of birth.
Does the 30-day filing deadline include weekends?
Yes. The requirement is 30 calendar days, not business days. If the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline usually extends to the next business day, but it is risky to wait that long. File as early as possible to avoid any issues.
Can I start notarizing before I file my oath and bond?
No. You cannot notarize any documents until your oath and bond are filed with the County Clerk. Your commission is not active until the filing is complete.
How long is my "Proof of Completion" certificate valid?
Your certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of completion. You can retake the exam multiple times within that 2-year window without retaking the course.
What happens if I miss the 30-day filing deadline?
If you file on Day 31 or later, your commission is void. You must start the entire application process over, including:
- New exam (if your results expired)
- New LiveScan fingerprints
- New application fees
- New education course (if your certificate expired)
There are NO exceptions to the 30-day rule.
Can I check the status of my commission packet?
The California Secretary of State does not provide real-time tracking for commission packets. You will receive it in the mail at the address you provided on your application. If you haven't received it within 6-8 weeks of your background check clearing, contact the Secretary of State.
How long does it take to receive exam results?
CPS HR Consulting typically mails or emails exam results within 15 business days (approximately 3 weeks) of your exam date. If you haven't received results after 3 weeks, contact CPS HR Consulting.
Next Steps: Start Your Journey
Now that you understand the timeline:
- Plan Ahead: Allow 3-6 months for the complete process
- Don't Rush: Wait for your Pass Notice before scheduling LiveScan
- Track Everything: Keep your ATI number, exam results, and commission packet safe
- Meet Deadlines: The 30-day filing rule has NO exceptions
Start preparing for the exam to ensure you pass on your first attempt.
Last updated: January 2025. Based on the Official 2025 California Notary Public Handbook and current processing times from the California Secretary of State, Department of Justice, and CPS HR Consulting.