What You Need to Do to Get Your Notary License

To become a licensed notary public, you must complete an process through your state, pass a written test, and pay a fee. The exact steps and requirements vary by state — some require you to take a course first, others do not. Most states issue notary commissions that last four to ten years, after which you renew by repeating some or all of the steps.

The process typically takes two to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly your state processes applications and whether you need to schedule a test appointment. You do not need a law degree or prior experience; the job is to verify that a person signing a document is who they claim to be and that they are signing of their own will.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's secretary of state office or county clerk handles notary licensing, not a federal agency, and their website lists the exact forms and fees you need.
  • Most states require you to pass a written test covering notary law and procedures, though a few allow you to skip the test if you meet other conditions.
  • You must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of your state, and able to read and write English; criminal history may disqualify you depending on the offense and when it occurred.
  • After you receive your commission, you typically must purchase a notary seal and journal (a record book of every document you notarize) before you can legally perform notary acts.

Find Your State's Notary Requirements

Each state sets its own notary rules, so your first step is to visit your state's secretary of state website or county clerk's office website and search for "notary public" or "notary commission." The page will list the process form, the test format, the fee amount, and whether you need to take a course beforehand.

Some states post sample test questions online so you can study in advance. Others require you to explore first and then schedule a test at a specific location or testing center. A few states allow you to take the test online; most require you to test in person at a county office or approved testing site.

If you cannot find the information on the secretary of state website, call the notary division directly — the phone number is usually listed on the same page. They can tell you whether your county has additional requirements beyond the state's.

Meet the Basic may be able to access Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state where you are explore (residency rules vary — some require you to live there for 30 days, others for a full year), and able to read, write, and understand English. You must also be of sound mind, meaning you are legally competent to hold office.

Most states will deny your process if you have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, particularly crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or forgery. Some states allow you to explore if your conviction was more than five or ten years ago; others have no time limit. If you have a criminal record, contact your state's notary office before you explore to ask whether you are disqualified.

You cannot hold a notary commission if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, though the exact citizenship requirement varies by state. Check your state's rules before you begin the process.

Complete the process and Pay the Fee

read the process form from your state's website or pick one up at your county clerk's office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will also declare that you meet the may be able to access requirements and that the information you provide is true.

Some states require you to have your process notarized by an existing notary before you submit it — a catch-22 that you can solve by asking a notary at a bank, law office, or title company to notarize your signature for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. Other states do not require this step.

The process fee ranges from $10 to $100 depending on the state and the length of the commission (four, five, or ten years). Submit the form and fee to the address listed on your state's website, usually your county clerk's office or secretary of state. Keep a copy for your records.

Study for and Pass the Notary Test

Most states require you to pass a written test covering notary law, your duties and limitations, how to handle documents, and how to identify people signing documents. The test is usually 20 to 50 multiple-choice questions and takes 30 to 90 minutes. You typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass.

Study materials are often available free on your state's website — look for a notary handbook or study guide. Some states offer practice tests online. If your state does not provide free materials, you can purchase study guides from notary supply companies or take a notary course through a community college or online provider (these courses cost $20 to $100 but are optional in most states unless your state requires them).

Schedule your test at the location and time specified by your state. If you fail, you can usually retake the test after a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks, and you may need to pay the test fee again.

Receive Your Commission and Get Your Seal and Journal

After you pass the test, your state will mail you a notary commission certificate, usually within two to four weeks. This certificate is your official proof that you are licensed. Some states also require you to take an oath of office in front of a judge or clerk before your commission is valid.

Before you can perform any notary acts, you must purchase a notary seal (a stamp or embosser that imprints your name, state, and commission number onto documents) and a notary journal (a bound book where you record the date, type of document, signer's name and ID, and your signature for every notarization you perform). These items cost $15 to $50 combined and are available from office supply stores, notary supply companies, or online retailers.

Some states have specific requirements for the seal design or journal format — check your state's rules before you buy. Once you have your seal and journal, you are ready to notarize documents.

Renew Your Notary Commission Before It Expires

Notary commissions expire after a set period — usually four, five, or ten years depending on your state. Your state will mail you a renewal notice a few months before your expiration date. To renew, you typically submit a renewal process and fee to your county clerk or secretary of state.

Some states require you to pass the test again to renew; others allow you to renew by mail without retesting. A few states require you to take a continuing education course every few years. Check your state's renewal rules when you receive your commission so you know what to expect.

If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot perform notary acts until your new commission arrives. Plan ahead so you do not miss the important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a notary course before I explore?

Most states do not require a course — you can study on your own using free materials from your state's website and take the test. However, a few states require a course, and some allow you to skip the test if you complete an approved course. Check your state's rules on its secretary of state website.

Can I work as a notary from home?

Yes, many notaries work independently and meet clients at home, coffee shops, or the client's office. However, some states require you to work under a sponsoring employer (such as a bank or law firm) or maintain a physical office. Check your state's rules before you plan your business.

How much money can I make as a notary?

Notary fees are set by state law and typically range from $2 to $15 per signature. Some states allow you to charge travel fees if you go to the client's location. Income depends on how many documents you notarize per week, which varies widely.

What happens if I make a mistake while notarizing a document?

Notary errors can create legal problems for the signer and expose you to liability. Most states require notaries to carry errors and omissions insurance (usually $200 to $400 per year). If you make a mistake, contact your insurance company and your state's notary office when ready.

Can I notarize a document for a family member or close friend?

Most states allow you to notarize for family members and friends, but some prohibit it or require you to disclose the relationship. A few states do not allow you to notarize if you have a financial interest in the document. Check your state's conflict-of-interest rules.