Notary Public Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. California Notary Commission

   To become a notary in California, you must pass a state exam, complete a 6-hour training course (new applicants), pass a background check, and file an oath and bond with your county clerk. Commission lasts 4 years.

   Official government source

   $40 application fee (new or reappointment; includes exam registration; $20 re-take) + 6-hour course cost + $15,000 bond premium + county oath/bond filing fee·6–12 weeks

   $40 application fee (new or reappointment; includes exam registration; $20 re-take) + 6-hour course cost + $15,000 bond premium + county oath/bond filing fee

   6–12 weeks

2. California Notary Bond ($15,000)

   Required for all California notaries. Must be filed within 30 days of receiving your commission. Also requires an Errors & Omissions policy (not mandated by state, but strongly recommended).

   Official government source

   $40–$80 for 4 years·1–3 days

   $40–$80 for 4 years

   1–3 days

3. Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)

   While not required in California, E&O insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. Coverage of $25,000–$100,000 typically costs $40–$80/year. The National Notary Association offers bundled packages.

   $40–$80/year·Immediate

   $40–$80/year

   Immediate

1. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Office of the City Treasurer. It is a tax registration, not a regulatory license. The fee is based on employee count only: $34/year for businesses with 12 or fewer employees, or $125/year plus $5 per employee for 13 or more employees. Every application and renewal adds a $4 state-mandated SB-1186 fee, and beginning July 1, 2025 an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee also applies. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees·1–3 weeks

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• California — Notary Public Requirements
• California Secretary of State

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