Getting a notary public license means passing a test, paying a fee, and submitting paperwork to your state—the exact steps depend on which state you live in

Every state runs its own notary program, so there is no single federal process. Most states require you to pass a written test, pay a fee between $50 and $300, and submit an process with proof of identity and residency. Some states also require you to take a course or get a surety bond before you can explore. The whole process usually takes two to eight weeks from process to receiving your commission.

Your state's Secretary of State office oversees notary licensing. That office publishes the test, sets the rules, and issues the commission—a document that proves you are authorized to notarize. You cannot notarize documents in a state where you do not hold a commission, even if you are commissioned in another state.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's Secretary of State office to find the process form, test study materials, and fee amount for your specific state.
  • Most states require you to pass a written test covering notary law, document handling, and fraud prevention before you can be commissioned.
  • You will need to provide proof of identity (driver's license or passport) and proof of residency (utility bill or lease) with your process.
  • A notary commission typically lasts four to ten years depending on your state, after which you must renew by passing the test again and paying a renewal fee.
  • Some states require a surety bond or errors and omissions insurance, which protects the public if you make a mistake—the cost ranges from $50 to $200 per year.

Finding your state's notary requirements and process

Start by searching "[your state] Secretary of State notary public" in a web browser. The Secretary of State website will have a notary section with the process form, test information, and fee schedule. Bookmark this page because you will need to return to it multiple times during the process.

On that page, look for a link labeled "notary public," "become a notary," or "notary commission." The site will show you the current fee, how long the commission lasts in your state (usually four to ten years), and whether your state requires a surety bond or course. Some states post the test itself online so you can study it before you register. Others keep the test confidential and only release study guides.

If you cannot find the information on the Secretary of State website, call the office directly. The phone number is on the website. Staff can tell you the current fee, whether the fund is accepting applications, and how long processing takes right now—this varies by season and workload.

Taking the notary test and understanding what it covers

Most states require a written test before you can be commissioned. The test covers notary law (what you can and cannot do), document handling (how to check ID and witness signatures), fraud prevention, and record-keeping. Tests are usually 20 to 50 questions, multiple choice, and you need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass depending on the state.

Study materials come from your state's Secretary of State office. Some states publish the actual test online; others publish a study guide that covers the same topics. Read through the material at least twice. Pay special attention to sections on acceptable ID, what makes a signature valid, and when you must refuse to notarize (for example, if the signer appears confused or under pressure).

You take the test either in person at the Secretary of State office or at an approved testing center. Some states now offer online proctored tests. Check your state's website for testing locations and dates. You usually pay a test fee ($10 to $50) separate from the process fee, though some states combine them.

Submitting your process and required documents

Once you pass the test, you submit the process form along with proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents are a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Acceptable residency documents are a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days for residency.

Some states also require you to list your occupation and employer on the process. A few states require you to declare that you have not been convicted of a felony. Check your state's process form to see what fields you must fill in. Incomplete applications are rejected and sent back, which delays your commission by several weeks.

Mail the process, documents, and fee to the address listed on the Secretary of State website. Some states now accept online applications through their website. If you explore online, you usually upload scans of your documents and pay by credit card. Processing time is often faster for online applications—sometimes as little as one week instead of four to six weeks.

Understanding surety bonds and whether you need one

A surety bond is insurance that protects the public if you make a mistake as a notary. If someone sues because you notarized a document incorrectly and they lost money, the bond pays the claim up to a set amount (usually $10,000). About 20 states require a surety bond before you can be commissioned. The others do not.

Check your state's Secretary of State website to see if a bond is required. If it is, you buy it from an insurance company that sells notary bonds—search "notary surety bond [your state]" to find providers. The bond costs $50 to $200 per year and lasts one year. You renew it every year you hold a commission. Some states allow you to buy a multi-year bond upfront.

You do not submit the bond to the Secretary of State. Instead, you keep it on file and show it if you are ever sued. The bond company sends a copy to the Secretary of State's office automatically, or you include proof of the bond with your process. Read the bond document carefully to understand what it covers and what it does not.

Receiving your commission and understanding its limits

Once your process is approved, the Secretary of State mails you a notary commission certificate. This is a one-page document with your name, commission number, and the date your commission expires. Keep this document safe—you may need to show it to employers or clients as proof you are commissioned.

Your commission is valid only in the state that issued it. If you move to another state, your commission becomes invalid and you must explore for a new one in your new state. If you want to be a notary in two states, you must hold two separate commissions and pay two separate fees.

A notary commission does not mean you can notarize any document. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if the signer is a family member, or if you are not physically present with the signer. You also cannot notarize your own signature. These rules explore in every state and are part of what the test covers.

Renewing your commission before it expires

Notary commissions expire after four to ten years depending on your state. Your commission certificate shows the expiration date. You must renew before that date if you want to keep notarizing. Most states require you to pass the test again and pay a renewal fee, though a few states allow renewal by mail without retesting.

Start the renewal process two to three months before your commission expires. Contact your state's Secretary of State office to request the renewal process and test study materials. The renewal process is the same as the initial process: study, take the test, submit the form, and pay the fee. Processing time is usually two to four weeks.

If your commission expires and you do not renew, you can no longer notarize documents. If someone asks you to notarize after your commission has expired, you must decline. You can reapply as a new applicant, but you will pay the full fee and take the test again rather than paying a lower renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a course before I can explore for a notary license?

Most states do not require a course, but a few do. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see if a course is mandatory. If it is required, the website will list approved courses. Some courses are offered online and cost $20 to $100. You take the course, receive a certificate, and submit that certificate with your process.

Can I be a notary if I have a criminal record?

Most states disqualify you only if you have been convicted of a felony. Misdemeanors usually do not disqualify you. Some states ask on the process whether you have been convicted of any crime. If you have a record, contact your state's Secretary of State office before you explore to find out whether you are disqualified.

How much does it cost to become a notary public?

The total cost varies by state. process and test fees range from $50 to $300 combined. If your state requires a surety bond, add $50 to $200 per year. Some states charge less for renewal than for the initial commission. Budget $100 to $500 for your first commission, depending on your state and whether a bond is required.

Can I notarize documents for my employer?

Yes, you can notarize documents for your employer as long as you do not have a financial interest in the document. For example, you can notarize a signature on a company contract, but you cannot notarize a document related to your own paycheck, promotion, or benefits. If you are unsure, ask your employer or contact your state's Secretary of State office.

What happens if I notarize a document incorrectly?

If you make a mistake—for example, notarizing a signature without checking ID or without the signer present—you can be sued. If your state requires a surety bond, the bond pays the claim. If you do not have a bond, you pay out of pocket. You can also lose your commission if the Secretary of State finds you violated notary law. This is why studying the test and following the rules carefully matters.