If you are applying to become a notary public in California, completing a notary background check is an important part of the application process. California requires notary public applicants to submit fingerprints so that a background check can be completed before a notary commission is issued.
A California notary background check is completed using Live Scan fingerprinting, which electronically submits an applicant’s fingerprints for a criminal history check. Understanding when to complete your fingerprints, what to bring, and what happens afterward can make the notary application process much easier.
If you’re just getting started, review our complete guide on becoming a Notary Public in California to understand the education, exam, Live Scan, and commissioning process.
What Is a Notary Background Check?
A notary background check is a review conducted as part of determining whether an applicant meets the requirements to receive a California notary commission.
California notary applicants are required to submit fingerprints through Live Scan. The fingerprints are used to conduct the required criminal history background check.
Because notaries may handle important documents, signatures, acknowledgments, jurats, and other sensitive transactions, California has requirements applicants must satisfy before becoming commissioned notaries.
Does California Require a Background Check for Notaries?
Applicants generally must complete the required notary education, pass the notary public exam, submit their application and fingerprints, and satisfy the other requirements established for receiving a commission.
Still need to complete your required notary education? Notary Public Class offers California-approved notary training for new and renewing notaries.
What Is Live Scan for a California Notary?
Live Scan is an electronic fingerprinting system used to capture and transmit fingerprints to the appropriate government agency for a background check.
Instead of fingerprints being manually rolled onto a traditional fingerprint card, a trained fingerprint roller captures your fingerprints electronically using a Live Scan device.
For a California notary background check, it is important that your fingerprints are submitted using the correct Live Scan request information associated with the notary application process.
Using incorrect information could potentially cause processing problems or require additional steps to correct the submission.
When Should You Complete Your Notary Live Scan?
Timing matters.
California notary applicants should follow the current instructions provided as part of the state’s notary public application and examination process. Do not assume that getting fingerprinted months in advance will satisfy a future application.
Your fingerprints need to be associated with the appropriate notary application process.
Applicants should carefully review the current instructions from the California Secretary of State and any documents provided during the application and examination process before completing Live Scan.
What Do You Need for Notary Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Before visiting a Live Scan location for your notary background check, make sure you have the required documentation and identification.
You may need:
- Your appropriate Request for Live Scan Service form or notary fingerprinting instructions
- A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver license or identification card
- Payment for applicable fingerprinting and government processing fees
- Any additional information provided with your notary application materials
Make sure the information on your Live Scan request is accurate before your fingerprints are submitted.
What Happens During a Notary Live Scan Appointment?
Live Scan fingerprinting is generally a straightforward process.
The fingerprint technician will review the information required for the transaction and verify your identification. Your fingerprints are then electronically captured using a Live Scan fingerprint scanner.
The fingerprint images are checked for quality before the transaction is submitted electronically.
You should retain your copy of the Live Scan form or transaction information for your records after fingerprinting is completed.
What Does the California Notary Background Check Review?
The fingerprints submitted through Live Scan are used to conduct the required criminal history check.
A criminal record does not necessarily mean that every applicant will automatically be denied a commission. Eligibility decisions are made by the appropriate government agency based on California’s requirements and the circumstances involved.
A Live Scan provider does not determine whether an applicant qualifies to become a notary public.
The fingerprinting provider’s role is to capture and electronically submit fingerprints. Questions regarding eligibility, disclosures, application status, or whether particular criminal history may affect a commission should be directed to the appropriate state agency.
What Happens After Your Notary Background Check?
Completing Live Scan is only one part of becoming a California notary.
Applicants must satisfy all applicable requirements for a commission, which can include education, the notary public exam, application requirements, fingerprinting, and other steps required by the Secretary of State.
After the required information has been reviewed and an applicant has satisfied the state’s requirements, the commissioning process can continue.
Once commissioned, California notaries must follow the laws and procedures governing each notarial service they perform.
Can You Check the Status of a Notary Live Scan?
Your Live Scan provider can provide information associated with your fingerprint transaction, but the fingerprinting location does not control the government’s background-check processing time or determine the outcome of your application.
Keep the copy of your Live Scan paperwork you receive after fingerprinting. It may contain transaction information that can be useful if you need to reference your submission later.
Questions about your actual notary public application or commission should be directed to the agency responsible for processing the application.
Do Commissioned Notaries Need Another Background Check for Renewal?
California notary commissions are issued for a specific term. Commissioned notaries seeking another commission should follow the current renewal and application requirements established by the California Secretary of State.
Do not assume that fingerprints submitted for a previous commission, employer, license, or other background check can automatically be reused for a new notary application.
Live Scan submissions are tied to a specific requesting agency and purpose.
Is a Notary Background Check the Same as a Notary Signing Agent Background Check?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction because the term notary background check can refer to different things.
A California notary applicant may be required to complete Live Scan fingerprinting as part of obtaining a state notary commission.
A notary signing agent, however, may also be asked by a private company, lender, title company, signing service, or industry organization to complete a separate background screening.
Completing one type of background check does not necessarily satisfy the requirements of another organization.
Where Can I Get a California Notary Background Check?
California notary applicants who need Live Scan fingerprinting can visit an authorized Live Scan fingerprinting provider.
Downtown Live Scan provides professional Live Scan fingerprinting services for individuals completing licensing, employment, certification, volunteer, and other authorized background-check requirements.
Our Los Angeles office can assist California notary applicants with the fingerprint-capture portion of the Live Scan process.
Before arriving, make sure you have the appropriate Live Scan request information and valid identification.
Complete Your Notary Live Scan at Downtown Live Scan
Preparing for your California notary commission does not have to make fingerprinting complicated.
If you need Live Scan fingerprinting for your California notary background check, Downtown Live Scan can professionally capture and electronically submit your fingerprints using the information provided for your application.
Remember to bring your required Live Scan information and valid government-issued identification to your appointment.
Ready to complete your notary Live Scan? Contact Downtown Live Scan or schedule your fingerprinting appointment today.
Final Thoughts
Completing your live scan fingerprint appointment is an important part of becoming a california notary. Because the state requires fingerprint-based background checks, applicants should make sure they visit a trusted Live Scan provider and bring the correct documents to their appointment.
Already commissioned and need a document notarized? Downtown Live Scan also provides professional notary services in Downtown Los Angeles for individuals and businesses.
Whether you are applying for your first commission or renewing your notary career, Downtown Live Scan is here to help make the fingerprinting process simple and convenient.