CA Notary Prep / California notary exam schedule and locations (2026)
California notary exam schedule and locations (2026)
Updated October 2026 · Based on the 2026 California Notary Public Handbook
CPS HR Consulting runs the California notary exam for the Secretary of State, at about a dozen sites across the state, mostly on Saturdays. You register online; walking in is a gamble.
Test sites (September to December 2026 schedule)
| Humboldt | College of the Redwoods, Eureka |
|---|---|
| Shasta | Shasta Junior College, Redding |
| Butte | Oxford Inn and Suites |
| Sacramento | Sacramento City College |
| Sonoma | Best Western Plus, Santa Rosa |
| San Mateo | Hampton by Hilton, Daly City |
| Santa Clara | Hyatt House, San Jose |
| Fresno | DoubleTree, Fresno |
| Kern | Hilton Garden Inn, Bakersfield |
| Los Angeles | El Camino College, Torrance; College of the Canyons, Valencia |
| Orange | Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa |
| San Bernardino | Embassy Suites, Ontario |
| San Diego | Hampton Inn and Suites, Poway |
Sacramento, for example, ran on September 12, October 17, November 14 and December 5, 2026. Humboldt, Shasta, Butte, Fresno and Kern run about every two months. CPS adds sessions during the year, so always check the current schedule on cpshr.us before you plan.
How to register
- Finish your 6-hour approved course and keep the Proof of Completion.
- Create or sign in to your My Account with CPS HR and pick a date and site.
- Wait for the confirmation letter, sent by email or mail one to two weeks before the exam.
Phone registration is listed on some state pages, but CPS says it is not available because of call volume. Use the online system.
What to bring
- A photo ID that is current or issued within the last 5 years: California driver's license or DMV ID, a Canadian or Mexican driver's license, a US passport or passport card, a foreign passport, or a US military ID. No other photo ID is accepted.
- The completed application with a 2x2 color passport photo attached.
- Your Proof of Completion for the 6-hour (or qualifying 3-hour) course.
- A $40 check or money order payable to "Secretary of State" ($20 with your fail letter for a retake). No cash.
- Sharpened No. 2 pencils. An analog watch is allowed, and the room may have no clock.
Special arrangements
If you need accommodations for a disability, or cannot test on a Saturday for religious reasons, send CPS a written request with a supporting letter from a doctor or clergy on letterhead. Allow 3 to 4 weeks.