Notary Oath & Filing

The Clerk-Recorder’s Office is open for all services between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Except County Holidays.

Documents to be recorded, Clerk filings, copy order requests, and vital records certificate requests can still be submitted by any of the following:

  • Drop box located outside the Clerk Recorder’s Office door.  Self service forms are available on our forms page and next to the drop box.

  • US Mail or Express mail

  • VitalChek online service (vital record copies only)

If you have any questions or to schedule an in-person appointment, please contact us directly by phone at:

 (707) 445-7593

 or send email to:

 clerkrecordergeneral@co.humboldt.ca.us 

Notary Oath and Bond Fees:

Notary Public Filing$35.00
Record the bond (1st page)$13.00
Record the bond (each subsequent page after 1st page)$ 3.00
Conformed Copy Fee (Include copy & self-addressed stamped envelope, if mailing)$ 2.00

Note: We accept cash, money orders or checks, made payable to the Humboldt County Recorder.  Credit or debit cards now accepted as a form of payment for in-office transactions.  A 2.95% service provider fee ($2 minimum) will be charged per card transaction.  This is not a county fee. we accept visa mastercard discover logo

Registering to Become a Notary Public

For information on becoming a notary public, contact the California Secretary of State Notary Public Information Desk at (916) 263-3520,or go to the Notary Division Secretary of State web page. 

Requirements and Time Limit for Filing after Certification by the California Secretary of State

  • Once the commission has been issued, a person has 30 calendar days from the beginning of the term prescribed in the commission to take, subscribe, and file an oath of office and file a $15,000 surety bond with the county clerk’s office. The commission does not take effect until the oath and bond are filed with the county clerk’s office. If the oath and bond are not filed within the 30-calendar day time period, the commission will not be valid, and the person commissioned may not act as a notary public until a new appointment is obtained and the person has properly qualified within the 30-calendar-day time limit.
  • The filing must take place in the county where the notary public maintains a principal place of business as shown in the application on file with the Secretary of State. If your commission indicates a county other than Humboldt, contact that county for further information regarding their filing and fee requirements.
  • Government Code section 8213(a) permits the filing of completed oaths and bonds by the applicable county clerk by certified mail. Exceptions are not made to the 30-day filing requirement due to mail service delays, county clerk mail processing delays, or for any other reason. If mailing an oath and bond to the county clerk, sufficient time must be allowed by the newly appointed notary public to ensure timely filing. (Government Code sections 8212 and 8213).

Filing in Person:

  1. Original notary commission certificate issued from the Secretary of State
  2. Two (2) unsigned oaths of office issued by the Secretary of State
  3. Original bond in the amount of $15,000 indicating the same dates referenced on the oaths of office for a term of four (4) years
  4. Copy of bond to be conformed (optional)
  5. The bond must be signed and the return address printed in the top left hand corner for the return of the original.  Alternatively, if adequate space is not provided, a document cover-sheet may be added to the bond before submitting completed with the return mailing address and document title of “Notary Public Bond”.
  6. Valid photo identification
  7. Correct "fees" (fee summary below)
  8. Filing in person is available in the office without an appointment between the hours of 8:30 and 4:30 Monday - Friday (excluding Holidays)  If you have questions please contact the County Recorder-Clerk at (707) 445-7593  or (888)HUMB-REC.

Filing by Certified Mail:

  1. Copy of notary commission certificate issued from the California Secretary of State
  2. Two (2) completed oaths of office, signed and subscribed before another notary public located in the same county where the filing is to take place
  3. Original bond in the amount of $15,000 indicating the same dates referenced on the oaths of office for a term of four (4) years
  4. Copy of bond to be conformed (optional) and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.  Add $2 fee for conformed copy.
  5. The bond must be signed and the return address printed in the top let hand corner for the return of the original.  Alternatively, if adequate space is not provided, a document Cover-sheet may be added to the bond before submitting completed with the return mailing address and document title of "Notary Public Bond".
  6. Your check or money order for fees (see summary below) made payable to Humboldt County Recorder
  7. Your daytime phone number including area code

Duration of Appointment:

The term of office of a notary public is for four years commencing with the date specified in the commission.

Location and Mailing Address:

Humboldt County Recorder-Clerk
825 Fifth Street, 5th Floor
Eureka CA 85501


The above information is subject to change.