Summary
The California notary background check and commission process can take several months, with the main delay being the Secretary of State's backlog, not just the initial 8-10 week LiveScan check.
You must pass the notary exam before getting fingerprinted via LiveScan; keep your Applicant Tracking Identifier (ATI) number from the appointment to track your background check status online.
Understand that the background check (tracked via the DOJ portal) and commission issuance (tracked via the SOS processing times page) are two separate delays that create the full timeline.
Once commissioned, notaries often handle foreign language documents; a service like Bluente's Certified Document Translation can help you manage client requests for official translations required for legal or immigration purposes.
You've passed your notary exam in California, feeling accomplished and ready to start your new career. But now you're stuck in limbo, hearing that "the background check takes 8-10 weeks to clear." You're constantly checking the mail, "waiting on your commission packet," and wondering when you can finally start your notary work. The uncertainty makes planning difficult, especially if you're considering "how soon you can quit your current job and do notary work full time."
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. California's notary public background check process is notorious for its lengthy timelines, made worse by the fact that "processing applications is still slowed by COVID." This comprehensive guide will demystify the LiveScan background check process, set realistic expectations for wait times, and provide a clear roadmap from exam completion to commission receipt.
What is LiveScan and Why is It Mandatory?
LiveScan is a digital fingerprinting technology that captures fingerprints electronically and transmits them directly to law enforcement agencies for background checks. For California notary applicants, this process is not optional—it's required by law.
Under California Government Code section 8201.1, all notary public applicants must submit fingerprints via the Department of Justice's LiveScan Program. These fingerprints are forwarded to both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for comprehensive background checks.
The purpose is straightforward: to ensure that individuals entrusted with notarial powers have no disqualifying criminal history. A notary public commission will only be issued after the Secretary of State (SOS) receives satisfactory reports from both agencies. If your background check reveals a criminal history, it must be "reviewed, evaluated, and determined to be non-disqualifying" before your application can proceed.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to the LiveScan Process
Step 1: Pass the Notary Exam (The Prerequisite)
Before you can even think about getting fingerprinted, you must first take and pass the California notary public exam. This is a non-negotiable first step in the process. According to the California Secretary of State, your fingerprints must be taken within one year of your exam date. If you miss this window, you'll need to retake the exam—adding more time and expense to your journey.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents and Fees
Once you've passed your exam, you'll need to gather the following:
Required Form: A completed Request For Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016). This official document must be filled out correctly to avoid processing delays.
Identification: A current, valid photo ID. Expired identification will not be accepted, so check your driver's license or passport expiration date before your appointment.
Fees: Be prepared to pay three separate fees:
A State (DOJ) processing fee
A Federal (FBI) processing fee
A "rolling fee" charged by the LiveScan provider
These fees can vary, so it's wise to confirm the total cost with your chosen LiveScan location beforehand. For the most current fee information, consult the official fee schedule from the California Department of Justice.
Step 3: Find an Authorized LiveScan Location
LiveScan services are available at various locations throughout California, including:
Local law enforcement agencies
Private fingerprinting businesses
Some UPS stores and other retail locations
To find a location near you, use the official DOJ search tool. When reviewing the list, you might notice some locations marked "BNR" (Billing Number Required). These sites only serve applicants with agency billing numbers on their forms, so unless you have such a number, focus on the unrestricted locations.
Important Tip: Always call ahead to verify operating hours, confirm fees, and check if appointments are required. Many locations operate on limited schedules or require advance booking, especially post-COVID.
Step 4: Completing Your LiveScan Appointment
The actual fingerprinting process is quick and straightforward:
Arrive at your appointment with your completed form, valid ID, and payment.
The technician will verify your identity and review your paperwork.
Your fingerprints will be captured electronically—no ink required.
You'll receive a copy of your Request For Live Scan Service form with an Applicant Tracking Identifier (ATI) number.
Critical Instruction: Keep your copy of the Request For Live Scan Service form until you receive your notary commission. This document contains your ATI number, which you'll need to check your background check status. However, there is no need to mail this form to the Secretary of State—your information is transmitted electronically by the DOJ.
The Waiting Game: Understanding Processing Times and Delays
This is where most applicants experience frustration. While the official timeline suggests a relatively quick process, the reality is often quite different.
Official Timelines vs. Reality
Best-Case Scenario: In ideal circumstances, if your fingerprints have no database matches, the DOJ processing can take as little as 48 to 72 hours.
Common Scenario: If there are any matches—even partial ones based on similar names—the process requires manual review of your Record of Arrests and Prosecutions (RAP) sheet. This alone can extend the timeline to 4 weeks or more.
The SOS Backlog: This is where the real delay happens. The California Secretary of State's office processes applications in the order they were received, and there's often a significant backlog. For perspective, the SOS Processing Times page might show they're currently processing applications from exam dates that are 2-3 months prior.
To make matters more complicated, your exam results themselves aren't available until at least 21 days after you take the test, adding another three weeks to your timeline before the commission process can even begin.
The COVID-19 Impact
The pandemic has significantly exacerbated wait times across all government services, including notary application processing. As applicants have noted in online forums, "the current state of processing applications is still slowed by COVID," affecting both background checks and commission issuance.
Government offices faced reduced staffing, work-from-home transitions, and new safety protocols that slowed processing. While conditions have improved, the backlog created during the height of the pandemic continues to affect current processing times.
Crucial Distinction: Background Check vs. Commission Issuance Delays
Understanding this difference is key to managing your expectations:
Background Check Processing Delay: This is the time taken by the DOJ and FBI to process your fingerprints and send their reports to the Secretary of State.
Commission Issuance Delay: This is the administrative backlog at the Secretary of State's office after they've received your cleared background check.
As one applicant noted in an online forum, sometimes "processing speeds [are] still the same, but commission issuances slowed." This means your background check might clear relatively quickly, but you could still face a long wait for your commission packet to arrive.
After the Scan: Tracking Your Status and Next Steps
Once your fingerprints have been submitted, you might feel like you've entered a black hole of information. Here's how to stay informed during the wait:
Tracking Your Background Check
The California DOJ offers a way to check if your background check has been processed:
Visit the DOJ Applicant Background Check Status portal.
Enter your ATI number (found on your copy of the Request for Live Scan Service form).
Provide your date of birth for verification.
This tool will tell you if your background check has been completed and results transmitted to the Secretary of State—but it won't tell you about the status of your commission.
Tracking Your Commission Status
To check where the Secretary of State is in processing applications:
Visit the CA SOS Processing Times page.
Look for the date under "Applications being processed for exam dates of."
Compare this to your exam date to estimate when your application might be processed.
For example, if you took your exam on June 1st, and the SOS is processing applications for exam dates of April 15th, you still have approximately 6 weeks before they reach your application.
Issuance of Your Commission
A notary public commission is only issued after the Secretary of State receives satisfactory background check reports from the DOJ and FBI. For renewals, a commission may be issued 30 days prior to your current commission's expiration, if all requirements are met.
The final step is receiving your "commission packet" in the mail, which contains:
Your official notary public commission certificate
Instructions for obtaining your notary bond
Information on filing your oath of office with the county clerk
Only after completing these final steps—obtaining your bond, filing your oath, and purchasing your notary seal—can you officially begin performing notary work.
Expanding Your Notary Services: Handling Foreign Language Documents
Once you're a commissioned notary, you'll encounter a wide range of documents. A common challenge arises when clients present documents in a foreign language for notarization or require certified translations for official use, such as for immigration (USCIS), court filings, or international business.
While a notary's primary role is to verify identity and witness signatures, you can add significant value—and a new revenue stream—by being prepared for these situations. For documents that need to be officially translated for legal or government purposes, a professional certified translation is required.
This is where a specialized service like Bluente's Certified Document Translation becomes an essential tool. Bluente provides fast, official translations suitable for legal, immigration, and regulatory submissions, often delivered within 24 hours. By partnering with or recommending a trusted service, you can help your clients navigate complex requirements and position yourself as a more resourceful and full-service notary professional.
Conclusion: Navigating the Wait Successfully
Becoming a California notary public requires patience, but understanding the process makes the wait more manageable:
Be Prepared: Pass your exam, complete the correct form, bring valid ID to your LiveScan appointment, and keep your ATI number safe.
Set Realistic Expectations: While the background check itself can take 8-10 weeks under normal circumstances, current backlogs may extend the timeline. Use the SOS Processing Times page as your guide.
Stay Informed: Regularly check both the DOJ background check status and the SOS processing times page to track your progress.
Plan Ahead: If you're considering transitioning to full-time notary work, don't quit your current job until your commission is in hand and all final steps are completed.
Remember, the LiveScan background check is a critical security measure that helps maintain the integrity of the notary profession in California. While the wait can be frustrating, it ensures that individuals entrusted with notarial powers are properly vetted.
By understanding each step of the process and setting realistic timelines, you can navigate the LiveScan and commission issuance process with less stress and better planning, positioning yourself for success when your commission finally arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a California notary background check take?
The entire process, from passing your exam to receiving your commission, can realistically take several months. While the DOJ/FBI background check can clear in as little as 72 hours, the primary delay is the California Secretary of State's (SOS) processing backlog, which can add 8-10 weeks or more.
What is a LiveScan background check for a California notary?
LiveScan is a mandatory digital fingerprinting process required for all California notary applicants. Your electronic fingerprints are sent to both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI to conduct a comprehensive criminal history check, ensuring that applicants meet the state's eligibility requirements.
What do I need to bring to my LiveScan appointment?
You will need three items for your LiveScan appointment: a completed Request For Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016), a current and valid photo ID (like a driver's license or passport), and payment for the DOJ, FBI, and LiveScan provider's rolling fees.
How can I check the status of my California notary application?
You can track the two parts of the process separately. Use your ATI number on the DOJ Applicant Background Check Status portal to see if your background check is complete. To estimate when your commission will be issued, visit the CA SOS Processing Times page and compare your exam date to the dates they are currently processing.
Why is my California notary commission taking so long?
The delay is usually due to a two-part process. First, the DOJ and FBI must complete your background check. Second, and more significantly, the Secretary of State's office has an administrative backlog for issuing commission packets. Even if your background check clears quickly, you must wait for the SOS to process applications in the order they were received, a timeline often extended by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic's aftereffects.
Can a past criminal conviction prevent me from becoming a notary in California?
Yes, a past criminal conviction can prevent you from becoming a notary. The Secretary of State reviews all criminal histories to determine if they are disqualifying. Your application will only proceed after your record is "reviewed, evaluated, and determined to be non-disqualifying."
What should I do after I receive my notary commission packet?
Receiving your commission packet is not the final step. You must first obtain a notary bond, file your oath of office with your county clerk, and purchase your official notary seal. Only after completing all these steps can you legally begin performing notarial acts.