The County Clerk's Office does not notarize documents but does maintain an index of notaries in Santa Cruz County. Notaries are also listed in the yellow pages of the phone book, some banks, 24 hour mail centers, etc.

Becoming a Notary Public. To become a California Notary Public, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Be a legal California resident

• Satisfactorily complete a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State

• Obtain a notary public bond

Call the Secretary of State Notary Public Division at 916-263-3520 for information and applications. You may also access recorded information at 707-565-3700 or click here for the Secretary of State Website.

Filing requirements:

• Must be completed within 30 days of commission issuance date.

• Notary bond for $15,000 must be provided.

• Bring Commission and 2 copies of Oath issued by Secretary of State.

• Cash, check, or money order for $20 payable to County Clerk.

• Check or money order to record bond payable to County Recorder for $7 for 1st page of bond and $3 for each additional page if more than 1 page.

• Names on commission, bond, and oath must be exactly the same.

Santa Cruz County Clerk

701 Ocean St. Room 210

Santa Cruz, California 95060