Becoming a notary is straightforward if you meet your state's basic requirements

Becoming a notary public is not difficult, but it does require you to follow your state's specific steps. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state where you want to be commissioned, and have no felony convictions. You will need to pass a written exam in some states and take an oath. The whole process typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how quickly your state processes applications.

The main barrier is not the difficulty of the work itself—notaries perform straightforward tasks like witnessing signatures and verifying identity. The barrier is that every state sets its own rules. What you do in one state will not transfer to another, and the cost, exam requirements, and process process vary widely. If you live in a state with strict rules, the process takes longer. If you live in a state with minimal requirements, you could be commissioned in weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require you to be 18, a state resident, and free of felony convictions, but some states add additional background checks or character references.
  • About half of U.S. states require you to pass a written exam; the other half do not, so the difficulty depends entirely on where you live.
  • The process fee ranges from under $20 to over $100 depending on your state, and you will also need to buy a notary seal and journal, which cost $20 to $50 combined.
  • Once commissioned, you must renew your notary status every four to ten years depending on your state, and renewal usually costs less than the initial commission.

What your state actually requires before you explore

Every state requires you to be at least 18 years old and a resident of that state. Most states also require that you have no felony convictions on your record. Beyond that, requirements diverge. Some states ask for character references from people who know you. Some states run a background check. Some states require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; others do not. A few states require you to have a high school diploma or GED.

The best way to find out what your state requires is to visit your state's Secretary of State website and search for "notary public" or "notary commission." The Secretary of State office oversees notary commissions in most states. If your state has a different agency—some states use the county clerk or a state notary board—the Secretary of State website will direct you there. Write down every requirement listed, because missing even one can delay your process or get it rejected.

Whether you have to take an exam, and what it covers

About 24 states require notaries to pass a written exam before they can be commissioned. The other 26 states do not. If your state requires an exam, you will typically study a handbook provided by your state, then sit for a test that covers notary law, your duties and limitations, how to identify people, and how to complete notary documents correctly. The exam is usually multiple choice and takes 30 minutes to two hours. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the handbook.

States that require exams often allow you to take the test at a testing center, a library, or online, depending on the state. You typically pay a separate exam fee—usually $10 to $50—on top of your process fee. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may have to pay the fee again. States without exam requirements assume you will learn the job through experience or self-study after you are commissioned.

The process process and how long it takes

The process itself is short—usually two to four pages. You will provide your name, address, date of birth, and state ID number. You will declare that you meet the state's requirements and that you have no disqualifying criminal convictions. You will sign the process under oath. Some states require you to have your signature notarized by an existing notary before you submit your process, which creates a catch-22 if you do not know one; in that case, ask a bank, law office, or title company if they can notarize your process.

After you submit your process, processing time varies. Some states process applications in two to three weeks. Others take six to eight weeks. A few states are slower. You can usually check the status of your process online through your Secretary of State's website. Once approved, you will receive your commission certificate and be officially commissioned as a notary public.

The supplies you need to buy and their cost

Once you are commissioned, you must buy a notary seal and a notary journal. The seal is a stamp or embosser that imprints your name, commission number, and expiration date onto documents. A seal costs $15 to $40 depending on the type and where you buy it. The journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform—the date, the document type, the signer's name and ID, and your fee. A journal costs $10 to $30.

You must order your seal and journal from a vendor approved by your state, or from a general office supply company if your state does not restrict vendors. Some states require specific seal formats or journal layouts, so check your state's rules before ordering. You cannot perform notarizations until you have both the seal and the journal in hand.

What the job actually involves once you are commissioned

As a notary, you perform a few core tasks. You witness a person's signature on a document and verify that the person signed it willingly and without pressure. You check the person's government-issued ID to confirm their identity. You record the notarization in your journal. You affix your seal to the document. You charge a fee—usually $5 to $15 per notarization, depending on your state and what you charge.

You do not give legal information. You do not determine whether a document is valid or whether the signer should sign it. You do not notarize documents for people you know personally in some states, or documents where you have a financial interest. You do not notarize blank documents or documents you cannot read. If someone asks you to do something outside your authority, you say no and explain why. The job is straightforward, but it requires you to follow the rules precisely.

Renewal and how often you have to reapply

Notary commissions expire. The length of a commission varies by state—some states commission notaries for four years, others for six years, and some for ten years. Before your commission expires, you can renew it. Renewal is usually simpler than the initial commission: you fill out a shorter form, pay a renewal fee (usually $20 to $75), and submit it to your Secretary of State. Some states require you to retake the exam when you renew; most do not.

If you let your commission expire without renewing, you can no longer perform notarizations. You will have to reapply from the beginning, which means paying the full process fee and possibly taking the exam again. Set a reminder on your calendar three to six months before your commission expires so you do not miss the renewal important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a notary license to work as a notary?

No. A notary commission is not a license. You receive a commission certificate from your state, and that certificate is your proof that you are authorized to perform notarizations. You do not need a separate license to work as a notary, though if you work for a bank, law firm, or title company, your employer may have additional training requirements.

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

It depends on your state and the nature of the conviction. Most states disqualify people with felony convictions. Some states also disqualify people with certain misdemeanors. A few states disqualify only crimes involving dishonesty or fraud. Contact your Secretary of State office with details of your conviction to find out whether you can be commissioned in your state.

How much money can I make as a notary?

Notary fees are set by state law and typically range from $5 to $15 per notarization. Most notaries do not work full-time as notaries; they notarize documents as part of another job—bank teller, real estate agent, legal secretary. If you want to work full-time as a mobile notary, you can travel to clients and charge higher fees, but income varies widely depending on demand in your area.

What happens if I make a mistake as a notary?

Notary errors can create problems for the document signer and may expose you to liability. That is why most notaries carry errors and omissions insurance, which costs $100 to $300 per year. If you make a mistake—such as notarizing a document without checking ID—the signer may have to redo the notarization or face legal consequences. Always follow your state's rules exactly and keep detailed records in your journal.

Can I notarize documents for family members?

Rules vary by state. Some states prohibit notarizing documents for family members or people you have a personal relationship with. Other states allow it as long as you follow all other notary rules. Check your state's notary handbook to see whether family notarizations are permitted where you live.