How to Become a Notary Public

The application process differs from state to state, but the general steps to become a Notary are:

1. Meet your state's qualifications.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Pay the state's filing fee.
4. Get training from an approved education provider (if applicable).
5. Pass a state-administered exam (if applicable).
6. Complete fingerprinting and background check (if applicable).
7. Receive your commission certificate from the state.
8. Get your surety bond (if applicable).
9. File your commission paperwork and bond with your Notary regulating official.
10. Buy your Notary supplies.

In This Guide: About Commissions | Eligibility | Training & Exam | Bond & Insurance | Supplies | FAQs

About Notary Public Commissions

Before we get started, here’s what you need to know about U.S. Notary Public commissions.

Regulating official

Notaries are commissioned and regulated at the state level. In many states, this is handled through the Secretary of State's Office. Notaries in some states are commissioned by their county clerk or other governing body.

Commission term

The length of a Notary Public commission is typically four years. However, some states have terms as short as two years and others as long as 10 years. Louisiana Notaries have lifetime commissions.

Jurisdiction

Notaries have statewide jurisdiction, meaning they may notarize for anyone requesting a legal notarization and who presents acceptable identification within their state’s borders.

A few states allow you to perform notarizations in a bordering or reciprocating state. Montana Notaries may notarize in Wyoming and North Dakota.

Some states have provisions allowing employers to limit staff Notaries to notarizing business-related documents during business hours.

Notary Public commission cost

The cost to become a Notary can range between $100 to $600, depending on your state's requirements. Generally, your expenses will include:

• Training course
• Exam fee
• Application fee
• Surety bond
• Notary stamp
• Notary journal

In some states, you may be required to pay for a background screening, county clerk fees, and a fee schedule.

Commission processing time

After meeting the requirements and submitting your application, it can take between four to 10 weeks to become appointed as a Notary Public.

Elections and renewal applications can factor into the time it takes to receive your commission.

Notary Public Eligibility Requirements

The exact qualifications for who can become a Notary differ from state to state. In general, you must be 18 years old and a legal resident of your state with no criminal record.

Some states require applicants to read and write English while others allow residents of neighboring states to become Notaries.

Background checks

Passing a background check is required to qualify for a Notary commission if you live in one of these states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Utah.

Some states may choose to run a background check if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in the past.

Notary Training & Exam

Not all states require Notary applicants to complete a training course or pass an exam. There are 19 states plus the District of Columbia that require applicants to complete a Notary training course and 26 states that require applicants to pass an exam.

• States that have an educational requirement: Alabama, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
• States that require Notary applicants to pass an exam: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Required training courses typically run from three to six hours and notary exams last roughly an hour. At the end of the exam, you may need to submit your fingerprints with your state Notary application.

Notary Bond & Insurance

A Notary surety bond is required in 29 states plus the District of Columbia. The bond amount typically ranges between $5,000 to $10,000, although it can be as low as $500 or as high as $50,000.

Errors and omissions (E&O) policy is not required, but it’s strongly recommended because it can protect you against claims.

Notary Supplies

The Notary seal is the most recognized tool of the trade, but there are other Notary supplies that may either be required in your state or best practice to use.

• Seal: Also known as a Notary stamp, the Notary seal leaves a wet ink impression on certificates and officially marks the documents as having been notarized.
• Journal: Required in 23 states plus the District of Columbia, recording every notarization in a paper journal is the best protection against lawsuits. The signer’s name, the type of notarization, and the form of ID presented are a few details that are recorded in Notary journals.
• Certificate: A certificate is what you need to complete and attach to the notarized document. There are several different types of notarizations, each requiring a unique notarial certificate.

Notary Public Commission FAQs