If you would like to become an Arkansas Notary, you must complete the following steps:
- Meet your state's requirements.
- Buy a $7,500 surety bond for your county.
- Take the exam on the Arkansas Secretary of State website.
- Complete the application form.
- If approved, receive two oath of commission certificates.
- Visit the Recorder of Deeds to take your oath of office and have your certificates completed.
- Return one copy to the SOS to receive your certificate of commission and Notary Public ID card.
- Buy your Notary seal.
About the Arkansas Notary Process
The term of an Arkansas Notary commission is 10 years. Here is some more information on applying for an AR Notary Public commission.
Cost to Become an AR Notary
The cost to become an Arkansas Notary Public is $120, but the total cost may vary depending on where you get your Notary supplies and bring your documents to be completed.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application filing fee |
$20 |
| $7,500 surety bond |
$50 |
| Notary fee |
Varies |
| Recorder of Deeds fees |
$20 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Total Cost |
$120 |
Commission Processing Time
It can take two to four weeks for the Secretary of State to process your Notary application.
Your oath of commission certificates will be delivered by the United States Postal Service, which can take seven to 10 business days. After that, you'll need to allow time to complete the rest of the application process.
Arkansas Notary Public Requirements
Wondering if you qualify to become a Notary in the Land of Opportunity? Read on below.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in Arkansas must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
- Be a legal resident of Arkansas, or a resident of a bordering state and working in Arkansas, or a nonresident spouse of a U.S. military service member employed or operating a business in Arkansas
- Be able to read and write English
- Not have had a Notary commission revoked in the past 10 years
- Never have been convicted of a felony
Permanent resident aliens must file a recorded Declaration of Domicile with their application.
Surety Bond
Arkansas Notaries are required to purchase a $7,500 10-year surety bond for their county to protect signers against financial damages resulting from the Notary's negligence or misconduct.
Exam
Passing an exam is a requirement for all Notary applicants. To take the exam, create an account on the Arkansas Secretary of State's website.
The exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass the exam and access the Notary Public application.
Application
The application form is immediately available after you pass the exam. To access the form at a later time, you'll have to retake the exam.
Submit the application, a copy of your bond and the $20 fee to the Secretary of State's office.
Commission Certificates
If your application is approved, the Secretary will issue two oath of commission certificates.
Take both to the Recorder of Deeds along with your surety bond. They will administer your oath of office and complete both certificates.
Return one copy to the Secretary of State so they can issue your certificate of commission and Notary Public identification card.
Notary Supplies
Arkansas Notaries must have an official seal of office, which may be in the form of an inked rubber stamp or embosser that is in either blue or black ink. Your seal must contain the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The county in which your bond was filed
- The words "Notary Public"
- The word "Arkansas"
- Your commission expiration date
- Your commission number issued by the Secretary of State, if any
Notary seals must not include the Seal of the State of Arkansas or an outline of the state.
Arkansas Notary Public FAQs
Below are answers to the most common questions about being a Notary in Arkansas.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Arkansas Office of the Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services Division, located in Little Rock, AR, issues Notary Public commissions.
Victory Building
1401 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 250
Little Rock, AR 72201
May I become an Arkansas Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, but you must be a permanent legal resident and meet all other state requirements. In addition, you must file a recorded Declaration of Domicile with your application.
What kind of training will I need?
Do Arkansas Notaries need insurance?
Where will I be able to notarize?
An Arkansas Notary can perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. You're prohibited from notarizing your own signature or any document in which you would gain direct or indirect financial benefit.
How much can Arkansas Notaries charge per notarial act?
Arkansas does not set a maximum fee Notaries can charge per notarization, but they allow Notaries to charge a reasonable fee. Any fees you charge must be agreed upon by the signer in advance.
Remember to keep your fees reasonable as overcharging for your services can be punishable by a fine of no less than $100 per offense (ACA 21-6-309[b]) and may also be a cause for the revocation or denial of your commission (ACA 21-14-112[a][6]).
What happens if I move or change my name?
Any changes to your address, name or contact information must be reported to the Secretary of State within 30 days of the change.
If you move, you'll need to update your information in your online account where you'll be able to print the completed amendment form. Submit this form to the Secretary.
If you move to a different county, or if you're an out-of-state resident whose place of employment moves to a different county, the Secretary will issue you a certificate that must be presented to the circuit clerk in your original county of commission.
The circuit clerk will return your original bond, which must be filed with the circuit clerk in your new county of commission. A certified copy of the original bond is also acceptable. The Secretary will issue you a new identification card reflecting the change in county of commission, which you'll use to get a new seal.
For name changes, you'll need to complete the amendment form and submit it with a certified copy of the documentation evidencing the name change to the Secretary. You'll also need to get a new seal with your new name after the Secretary issues you a new identification card.
What is the process to renew my commission as an Arkansas Notary?
The renewal process for your Arkansas Notary commission is the same as the application process above. The earliest you can begin the renewal process is 60 days before your current commission expires.
How do I become an electronic Notary in Arkansas?
Arkansas Notaries with an active commission and are in good standing as a traditional Notary Public may register to become an electronic Notary.
To register, you must complete the online application for Electronic Notary Commission and pay the $20 filing fee. You'll receive a notification of acceptance at which point you'll need to complete an approved training course provided by the Secretary of State and pass an exam. After you pass the exam, you'll need to register with an approved solution provider of your choice.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Arkansas?
Back to Top
Last updated: Apr 21, 2025