Be at the time of appointment a legal resident of this state, except as otherwise provided in Section 8203.1. (Military and Naval Reservations)

Be not less than 18 years of age.

Have satisfactorily completed a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State to determine the fitness of the person to exercise the functions of the office of Notary. All questions on the examination shall be based on the law of this state as set forth in the booklet of the laws of California relating to notaries distributed by the Secretary of State.

• Must not have been convicted of a felony or a lesser offense involving moral turpitude or of a nature incompatible with duties of a Notary.
• To determine if an applicant has been convicted of a disqualifying crime, the Secretary of State requires that applicants have be fingerprinted.