The seal of California.

This seal is used by the Secretary of the State of California as the official seal on a Notary Commission.

The Secretary of State is elected for four year terms, like the state’s other constitutional officers; the officeholder is restricted by term limits to two terms. The current Secretary of State, Alex Padilla, took office on January 5, 2015.

This seal on the commission letter represents a Notary passing an exam and the first of several background checks before the performing of a notary.

All Notaries must obtain this commission.