California Notary Address Requirements

• California law mandates that notaries public inform the Secretary of State of any address changes, ensuring they can be contacted regarding notarial acts.
• Notaries must notify the California Secretary of State of address changes via certified mail or physical delivery providing a receipt within 30 days of the change.
• Failure to notify the California Secretary of State of an address change can result in a fine of up to $500.

Address Requirements

• A Notary Public Application necessitates both a business and a residence address.
• A notary public applicant has the option to provide a mailing address distinct from their business and residence addresses.

Business Address

• A notary public must include the business name for which they perform the majority of notarial services as part of their business address.
• Notaries public performing services for an employer at the employer’s location should list the employer's name and address.
• If a notary public does not primarily work for an employer, they should enter "self" or "self-employed" for the business name on the application.
• If there is no single location where the notary public performs a majority of their notarial services, use the location where the greatest number of services are performed or where notary-related mail is received as the business address.

Residence Address

• A notary public cannot use a private commercial mailbox or post office box as a residence or principal business address unless they also provide the physical street address of their primary residence to the California Secretary of State.
• The California Secretary of State must maintain a record of a notary public’s actual residence street address.

Mailing Address

• A mailing address, different from the business and residence addresses, is optional and can be used if a notary public receives mail at a post office box or private commercial mailbox.

Address Change Procedures

• Any change to the addresses on the Notary Public Application or previous notifications must be reported to the California Secretary of State.
• Notaries public must notify the California Secretary of State of the new business address if their employment ends.
• Notaries public must notify the California Secretary of State of the new residence address if they move to a new home.
• Notaries public must notify the California Secretary of State of a new mailing address if they cancel a post office box contract.
• Notification can be submitted via letter or the address change form available on the California Secretary of State’s website.
• The notification should include the notary public's name (as it appears on the commission), commission number, and whether the changed address is a business, residence, or mailing address.
• Notifications for business address changes should include the new business name, or indicate self-employment status.
• Submitting an address change form or letter is free.
• If a notary public’s principal place of business changes counties, they may file a new oath of office and bond, or a new oath and a copy of the original bond, in the new county.
• If a new filing is made, a new official seal with the new county name must be obtained within 30 days.
• Upon obtaining a new seal, the old seal should be defaced or destroyed because it no longer complies with statutory requirements.