CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by CA Board of Business

Notary Public Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Notary Public in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    To obtain information about Public Health Microbiologist training and certification, please email LFSphmicrobiologist@cdph.ca.gov.

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification, please email LFSphmicrobiologist@cdph

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $57,020 median (18% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #2 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Notary Public licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (To obtain information about Public Health Microbiologist training and certification, please email LFSphmicrobiologist@cdph.ca.gov.).
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Laboratory Field Services~Personnel Licensing Section and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $57,020, Notary Publics in California earn 18% above the national median of $48,360. California ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$57,020

Hourly estimate

$27.41
18% above national median

Difference: +$8,660

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$40,120
  • P2525th percentile$47,300
  • P50Median$57,020
  • P7575th percentile$67,000
  • P9090th percentile$78,680

State vs National Median

State: $57,020
National: $48,360

Total employment: 20,630 | Annual openings: N/A

Notary Public Salary Ranking

#2 of 50 statesfor Notary Public median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Maryland$60,470
#2California$57,020
#3Rhode Island$55,370
#4Hawaii$54,260
#5New Jersey$53,940

Nearby States Comparison

Notary Public licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$57,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$48,270Varies by state boardState-approved exam4 years
Nevada$37,190Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-2 years
Arizona$45,590Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section

850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 1st Floor, Richmond, CA, 94804-6403

Phone: 5106203800

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$105,840Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$62,240Varies by state board1-17 years
Certified Public Accountant$96,360Varies by state boardVaries by board
Civil Engineer$118,450Varies by state board1-17 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Notary Public in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Notary Public salary in California?

The median annual salary for Notary Publics in California is $57,020. Salaries range from $40,120 (10th percentile) to $78,680 (90th percentile).

How does the Notary Public salary in California compare to the national average?

Notary Publics in California earn 18% above the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $57,020.

How many Notary Publics work in California?

California employs approximately 20,630 Notary Publics according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Notary Public license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Notary Publics in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Laboratory Field Services / Personnel Licensing Section. Review agency details at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Notary Public license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.