Professional Photocopier

A professional photocopier is a person who is paid to get or copy documents that they are legally allowed to access. While doing this work, they may see private or sensitive information.

You must register as a professional photocopier with the county clerk in the county where you:

• Live, or
• Have your main place of business, and
• Have a branch office (if you have one).

According to California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 22451, the following people and groups do not need to register:

• Government employees acting as part of their job.
• Members of the State Bar, including their employees, agents, or contractors.
• People appointed by the court to get or copy records.
• Employees or agents of someone who is already registered.
• Custodians of records who make their own copies.
• Certified shorthand reporters, official court reporters, or stenotype operators who make their own copies.
• People licensed under Chapter 11.5 (starting at Section 7512) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, and their employees.
• The California Secretary of State's office.

Apply to register as a professional photocopier

To register as a professional photocopier in Marin County, you must:

• Complete the Marin County Professional Photocopier Application;
• Pay the required filing fee;
• Provide a valid notary public commission;
• Submit a $5,000 bond.

Filing fees

You must pay the fee when you submit your application:

• $182 for most applicants.
• $100 if you are already registered as a process server under Business and Professions Code 22350.

Notary public requirement

At least 1 person who helps manage the business must have an active notary public commission issued by the California Secretary of State.

Bond requirement

You must provide a $5,000 bond from a corporate surety authorized to do business in California. The bond must:

• Be submitted with your application;
• Promise to follow state laws about handling confidential documents;
• Have a total liability limited to $5,000;
• Be subject to termination under Code of Civil Procedure Sections 995.440 and 996.310.

Your Certificate of Registration is valid for 2 years.

To renew, you must:

• Submit a new certificate of registration;
• Pay the current fee (see Section 22453);
• Provide a new $5,000 bond.