Notary Public

NOTICE: CLERK SERVICES AT 1450 COURT ST, SUITE 108 ARE UNAVAILABLE EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 9AM TO 11AM FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. 
 
CREDIT/DEBIT PROCESSING FEES ARE INCREASING JUNE 1ST, 2024. ALL CREDIT/DEBIT PAYMENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO A 2.6% PROCESSING FEE, WITH A $1.95 MINIMUM.

If you would like to become a Notary Public, please contact the Secretary of State:

Secretary of State
Notary Division

P.O. Box 942877
Sacramento, CA 94277-0001

(916) 653-3595

The Secretary of State is the appointing authority for Notaries. To qualify as a Notary Public one must:

  • Be a legal resident of California;
  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Satisfactorily complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State;
  • Pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State; and
  • Pass a background check.

If your principal place of business is in Shasta County, your oath of office must be taken either in the Shasta County Clerk's Office or before another Notary Public in Shasta County.

Filing at the Shasta County Clerk's Office:

Please provide:

  • Notary Commission Certificate issued from the Secretary of State.*
    • Commission certificate is black and white, with the Secretary of State seal.
  • Two (2) original unsigned oaths of office forms issued by the Secretary of State.*
  • Original bond in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) indicating the term of four (4) years.*
  • Valid photo identification.  

 *Name appearing on commission, oaths, and bond must be exactly the same.

Filing before a Notary Public

Please provide:

  • Photocopy of Notary Commission Certificate issued from the Secretary of State.*
  • Two (2) original completed oaths of office forms issued by the Secretary of State.*
    • Must be signed by applicant and completed by the Notary Public who administered the oath.
  • Original bond in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) indicating the term of four (4) years.*
  • Copy of bond for confirmation of filing.
  • Self-addressed, stamped envelope.
  • Filing fees.

*Name appearing on commission, oaths, and bond must be exactly the same.

Fees are acceptable in the form of cash, pre-printed check or money order, and debit or credit card with additional convenience fee.

The Shasta County Clerk will certify oath to the Secretary of State and deliver the bond to the Shasta County Recorder for recording.

Government Code 8200