Every person appointed as a notary public shall: 

•  be 18 years of age or older (there is no maximum age set by statute);

•  be a legal California resident;

•  satisfactorily complete a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State's office;

•  clear a background check.

State law requires all applicants be fingerprinted as part of a background check prior to being granted an appointment as a notary public. 

The Secretary of State will recommend denial of an application for the following reasons:

•  Failure to disclose any arrest or conviction; or

•  Conviction of a felony; or

•  Conviction of a disqualifying misdemeanor where not more than 10 years have passed since the completion of probation.