Exam results
California Notary Exam Results: How to Check and What Happens Next
Your California notary examination result is one part of the commissioning process. Follow the result instructions issued by CPS HR and the Secretary of State, and remember that passing the exam does not by itself authorize you to notarize.
Reviewed August 2026. Always confirm current instructions with the official agencies linked below.
Passing score
70%
Result source
Official testing contractor
After passing
Application review continues
Authority to notarize
Only after commission
How California exam results work
Follow the retrieval or delivery instructions provided in your examination confirmation. Use the official testing channel for status questions; third-party practice sites cannot access or change official results.
A passing result means you satisfied the examination requirement. The Secretary of State must still complete the application, background-check, and commissioning process.
What to do after you pass
Monitor communications from the Secretary of State and complete any remaining application or fingerprinting requirements promptly. When approved, you will receive commissioning instructions.
- Do not purchase or use a seal as proof of authority before commissioning.
- After approval, obtain the required $15,000 surety bond.
- File the oath and bond with the county clerk within the deadline stated in your commission packet.
- Obtain a compliant seal and journal before performing notarial acts.
What to do if you did not pass
Review the official retake instructions and schedule another authorized examination. Use the handbook to identify weak areas and practice applying rules to scenarios rather than memorizing isolated definitions.
Pay particular attention to exceptions, deadlines, prohibited conduct, and questions where two answers appear plausible but only one satisfies every statutory requirement.
How to read a pass or fail result
Use the result notice exactly as issued. Do not compare unofficial percentages, social-media screenshots, or practice-test scores with an official California notary public exam result.
If the notice identifies a passing result, keep it with your application records. If it identifies a failing result, it does not permanently disqualify you; follow the current retake and registration rules.
Why a result may not mean your commission is ready
Exam processing and commission processing are separate. A passing score does not show whether the application, Live Scan fingerprints, background review, or county filing has been completed.
When checking California notary exam results online or contacting the contractor, use the identifiers provided with your registration. Direct commission-status questions to the Secretary of State through its official channels.
Frequently asked questions
Does passing mean I am immediately a California notary?
No. You may act only after the state issues the commission and you complete the required oath-and-bond filing.
What score is required to pass?
The California notary examination requires a score of at least 70 percent.
Who should I contact about a missing result?
Use the contact instructions supplied by the official testing contractor for your examination.
Can this website look up my California notary test result?
No. Only the official testing and commissioning channels can provide an official result or application status.
Can I retake the California notary exam?
Yes. Follow the current contractor instructions to register and pay for another authorized examination.
Official sources
Continue preparing
Practice the rules in exam-style scenarios and explore the rest of the California commissioning process.
Start the California practice test