Notary Permits & Licenses in San Francisco, California

Required for all LLCs. Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) due within 90 days of formation ($20 fee), then biennially ($20).

Applies to all California LLCs.

Required for anyone performing notarial acts. Prerequisites: 18+, read/write/understand English, no felony conviction (unless pardoned), pass state exam ($40 fee), complete 6-hour notary education course (notary-specific providers approved by SOS). Journal ($20) and $15,000 bond required. Effective updates per AB 2409 (2024) include remote online notarization option.

$15,000 surety bond for 4 years, covering official misconduct. Purchased from authorized surety.

Required ink stamp/seal with specific format (name, CA, commission number, expiration). Must be purchased from approved vendor.

Filed with county clerk where principal place of business is located, not SOS. SOS page clarifies process. Publication in newspaper often required by county.

Notaries typically provide services (exempt), but required if selling notary supplies/equipment.

Must be a bound, tamper-evident journal (per Gov. Code § 8202). Retain for 4 years.

Notary public services are generally not subject to California sales tax. However, if the LLC sells tangible personal property (e.g., notary seals, journals), it must register for a seller’s permit. See CDTFA Rule 1502: 'Sale of Services' and 'Notary Services'.

All California LLCs must file Form 568 (Limited Liability Company Return of Income) annually, regardless of income. Single-member LLCs taxed as disregarded entities report income on Schedule C of personal return. Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships. See FTB Form 568 Instructions.

Employers must register via CDTFA’s online system and withhold state income tax from employee wages. Employers must also file Form DE 9 (Combined Quarterly Withholding Return) quarterly. See CDTFA Publication 1001, Section 3.1.

Employers must pay Unemployment Insurance (UI) taxes on first $7,000 of each employee’s wages annually. Rate varies by experience rating (typically 1.5%–6.2%). New employers start at 3.4%. See EDD Publication 102.

All LLCs doing business in California must pay an $800 annual franchise tax, even if inactive or unprofitable. First-year exemption applies only to newly formed LLCs (first taxable year only). See FTB Form 35222 and FTB Notice 2022-04.

Many California cities require a Business Tax Certificate (also called 'Business License' or 'Privilege Tax'). Notary services are subject to this if conducted within city limits. Examples: Los Angeles Business Tax Registration (LAMC § 19.00.1), San Francisco Business Registration Ordinance. Check local city clerk’s office.

Even if no sales tax or payroll tax applies, a notary conducting business in a city (e.g., providing mobile notary services) must typically obtain a local business license. Check with the city clerk or finance department. See LAMC § 19.00.1 (LA), San Diego Municipal Code § 11.04.010.

Notaries classified under activity code 0310-02; LLCs register under business name. See LAMC Sec. 21.03.

Required for businesses in unincorporated areas; notaries fall under professional services.

Notaries qualify as home occupation if <25% of home used, no client visits, no signage. LAMC Sec. 12.05 and 12.21.

Confirms property zoned for professional office use (e.g., C-2, RAS zones allow).

Required for permanent signs >6 sq ft; complies with LAMC Sec. 91.6205.

Group B occupancy (business/professional) typically requires annual inspection.

Required for all commercial alarms; annual renewal.

Required for interior alterations >$1,000 value (LAMC Sec. 91.106.2).

Confirms compliance with building/zoning codes post-construction.

California law requires all notaries public to obtain and file a $15,000 surety bond with the Secretary of State prior to receiving their commission. The bond protects the public against improper notarial acts. The bond must be issued by a surety company licensed in California. This requirement applies regardless of business structure (including LLCs).

While not mandated by California law, the California Secretary of State strongly recommends that notaries obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance to protect against claims of negligence or mistakes in notarial acts. This is particularly important for LLCs conducting notary services as a business. E&O insurance is distinct from the required surety bond and provides direct protection to the notary.

California Labor Code § 3700 requires all employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance, regardless of business structure. This includes LLCs operating as notary businesses. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt from this requirement. Coverage must be obtained through a licensed insurer or by qualifying for self-insurance (not typical for small businesses).

General liability insurance is not mandated by California law for notary publics. However, landlords, clients, or professional associations may require proof of coverage. It protects against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. While not a state legal requirement, it is considered a best practice for LLCs conducting in-person notarial services.

California Vehicle Code § 16020 requires all businesses operating motor vehicles for commercial use to carry commercial auto liability insurance. This applies if the notary LLC owns or leases a vehicle used for mobile notary services. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use, so a commercial policy is required. Coverage must meet minimum liability limits: $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage.

Professional liability insurance (also known as errors and omissions insurance) is not legally required in California but is strongly advised by the Secretary of State. It protects the notary and their LLC from claims of negligence, mistakes, or omissions in notarial duties. Unlike the surety bond, which protects the public, this insurance protects the notary directly.

California does not require product liability insurance unless mandated by a contract or third party. However, if the notary LLC sells physical goods (e.g., notary stamps, journals, or seals), it assumes liability for product defects. While not statutorily required, such coverage is recommended to mitigate risk. This does not apply to notaries who only provide services.

Liquor liability insurance is not required for notary businesses unless alcohol is served or sold. Since notary services do not involve alcohol, this requirement does not apply. It is included for completeness and would only be relevant if the business hosted events involving alcohol service.

While not all single-member LLCs without employees need an EIN, most notaries obtain one to open a business bank account or comply with financial institutions. A Notary public operating as an LLC should obtain an EIN regardless of employment status for tax administration. IRS states: "You need an EIN if you... have employees or... operate your business as a corporation or partnership.

A single-member LLC notary business is treated as a disregarded entity by default and reports income on the owner’s Form 1040 via Schedule C. Multi-member LLCs must file Form 1065 (Partnership Return). No federal income tax is paid at the entity level unless the LLC elects corporate taxation under IRS §301.7701-3.

Notary public income earned through an LLC is subject to self-employment tax. Owners must pay via Form 1040-ES estimated taxes quarterly if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes.

A Notary operating as an LLC with no employees is not subject to OSHA recordkeeping (Form 300) or routine inspections. However, OSHA’s General Duty Clause still applies to all workplaces. If the notary hires even one employee, they must comply with safety standards, provide a hazard-free workplace, and report fatalities or severe injuries within 8–24 hours.

A mobile or home-based Notary must ensure that clients with disabilities have equal access to services. This may include offering reasonable accommodations (e.g., accessible appointment scheduling, accessible documents, or virtual notarization). If the notary operates from a physical office, it must comply with ADA Title III accessibility standards. Websites used for business may also be subject to accessibility guidelines under recent DOJ interpretations.

The FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules. Notaries must not make false or misleading claims (e.g., implying affiliation with government agencies, guaranteeing document legality). While most notarial regulation is state-based, the FTC can take action under Section 5 of the FTC Act against deceptive practices in interstate commerce. This includes online advertising and social media.

All employers, including Notary LLCs, must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. Employers must retain completed forms for 3 years after hire date or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. Remote inspection rules may apply under USCIS guidelines.

FLSA sets federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), and recordkeeping requirements. California state law mandates higher minimum wages, so state law prevails. However, FLSA still applies as a baseline. Notaries with employees must comply with both federal and state rules, but the stricter standard applies.

FMLA requires covered employers to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical or family reasons. Most Notary LLCs in California will not meet the 50-employee threshold and are therefore exempt. However, if the business grows, this requirement may become applicable.

Notary public services do not involve hazardous materials, emissions, or regulated waste. Therefore, EPA regulations (e.g., RCRA, Clean Air Act) do not apply to this business type. No federal environmental permits or reporting are required.

There is no federal license required to operate as a Notary Public in the United States. Notaries are commissioned at the state level (in this case, California Secretary of State). Federal law does not issue or regulate notarial commissions. Therefore, no federal license (e.g., from FDA, ATF, FCC, DOT) is required for a Notary business.

Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), most LLCs must report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN. This includes the names, dates of birth, addresses, and ID numbers of individuals who own or control 25% or more of the entity. Notaries operating as LLCs in California are subject to this unless they qualify for an exemption (e.g., large operating companies, nonprofits). The reporting is done via the FinCEN BOI E-Filing system.

Required for all California LLCs. Form LLC-12 must be filed with the Secretary of State.

Due every 2 years after the initial filing. Failure to file may result in loss of good standing or administrative dissolution.

All notaries in California must renew their commission every 4 years. Renewal application must be submitted within 45 days prior to expiration. Requires updated fingerprinting and $15,000 bond.

A $15,000 surety bond must be filed with the county clerk within 30 days of commission issuance or renewal. Bond protects the public against improper notarial acts.

Required for all new and renewing notaries. Must file the oath and bond with the county clerk in the county of residence.

California law requires notaries to maintain a journal for certain notarial acts. Entries must be retained for at least 10 years after the last entry.

If a notary maintains a journal, it must be submitted to the county clerk within 30 days of commission ending.

Notaries must have their current commission certificate available for public inspection upon request.

Employers must display current labor law posters (e.g., minimum wage, workers’ comp, EEO). Posters must be visible to employees.

LLCs taxed as disregarded entities or partnerships must file Form 568. If the LLC elects corporate taxation, Form 100 applies. Sales tax filings depend on nexus and collection obligations.

California LLCs with multiple members are typically taxed as partnerships and must file Form 1065. Single-member LLCs may be disregarded or elect S-corp status.

Notary business owners may need to make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax on net earnings.

California requires estimated tax payments for individuals, including sole proprietors and partners in LLCs.

Most California cities require a general business license. Requirements and fees vary by jurisdiction. Check with local clerk.

Some jurisdictions require a home occupation permit. Zoning laws may restrict client visits or signage.

Mandatory for all employers in California, even with one employee. Independent contractors are not covered.

Requires 2 hours of training for supervisors and 1 hour for non-supervisory employees. Applies to employers with 5+ employees.

EIN does not expire, but Form 8822-B must be filed to update responsible party information.