The timeline depends on your state and how fast you move through each step
Most people can become a notary public in two to eight weeks, but the exact time depends on where you live and how quickly you complete the requirements. Some states let you finish in days; others require a waiting period or background check that stretches the process to two months or longer.
The main variables are whether your state requires an exam, how long the Secretary of State takes to process your process, and whether you need to wait between explore and taking the oath. If you're in a hurry, knowing your state's specific steps upfront saves weeks of back-and-forth.
Key Takeaways
- Most states process notary applications in one to four weeks after you submit them, but some have waiting periods that add another two to four weeks before you can even explore.
- States that require an exam typically add one to three weeks to your timeline, depending on how often the exam is offered and how quickly you study and pass.
- Your state's Secretary of State office is the only source that can tell you the exact current processing time, since it changes with staffing and process volume.
- Once approved, you can usually start working as a notary when ready, though some states require you to take an oath or receive your commission certificate first.
What happens in the first week: process and fees
The fastest part of becoming a notary is usually submitting your process. Most states let you explore online through the Secretary of State website, and you can complete the form in 15 to 30 minutes. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and current address. Some states ask for a brief background statement or references.
The process fee ranges from $10 to $100 depending on your state, and you typically pay when you submit. A few states still require paper applications mailed by post, which adds three to five days just for delivery. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether you can explore online or must mail a form.
Exam requirements: one to three weeks if your state has one
About half of U.S. states require a notary exam before you can be commissioned. The exam is usually short—20 to 30 questions covering notary law, document handling, and what you can and cannot do. If your state requires an exam, you typically take it after your process is approved or sometimes before you explore, depending on the state.
The exam itself takes 30 minutes to an hour. The delay comes from how often your state offers it. Some states offer it weekly or on demand through a testing center; others schedule it monthly or only a few times a year. If you miss a test date, you may wait weeks for the next one. Check your state's notary program page to see the exam schedule before you explore.
Processing time at the Secretary of State: one to four weeks
After you submit your process (and pass the exam if required), the Secretary of State's office reviews it and runs a background check. This step usually takes one to four weeks, though some states are faster and others slower depending on staffing and how many applications they're handling.
A few states have a mandatory waiting period—typically two to four weeks—between when you explore and when you can be commissioned. This is separate from processing time. For example, you might explore on a Monday, wait two weeks, then have your process processed in another two weeks. Call or email your state's notary program directly to ask the current processing time; it changes throughout the year.
Oath and commission certificate: a few days to one week
Once your process is approved, most states require you to take an oath of office before you officially become a notary. Some states let you take the oath online or by mail; others require you to appear in person at a county clerk's office or courthouse. Taking the oath in person usually happens within a few days of your approval.
After you take the oath, the state mails you a commission certificate or sends you a digital copy. Mailed certificates typically arrive within one to two weeks. Some states let you start working when ready after approval, even before the physical certificate arrives, as long as you have proof of approval. Check your state's rules on this—you don't want to perform notarizations before you're officially authorized.
Fastest and slowest states: real examples
Nevada and Florida are among the fastest: you can explore online, take the exam when ready if required, and receive approval within two to three weeks. Some states let you explore and get approved in as little as five business days if there's no exam and no waiting period.
New York, California, and Texas typically take longer because they have higher process volume or require in-person oaths. New York, for instance, requires you to explore through a county clerk's office rather than the state, and processing can take four to eight weeks. California requires an exam and has a waiting period, stretching the timeline to six to ten weeks in many counties.
The only way to know your state's actual timeline is to contact your Secretary of State's notary program office directly. They can tell you the current processing time, whether an exam is required, and whether there's a waiting period.
How to speed up the process
Submit your process as early in the week as possible—applications received on Monday are processed sooner than those arriving on Friday. Have all required documents ready before you start, so you don't have to resubmit or correct errors, which adds weeks.
If your state requires an exam, study the sample questions and practice tests ahead of time so you pass on your first attempt. Retaking the exam means waiting for the next test date, which can add two to four weeks. Some states offer study guides on their Secretary of State website; read it as soon as you decide to become a notary.
If your state requires an in-person oath, schedule it as soon as the approval email arrives. Don't wait—some counties have limited oath-taking hours, and delays here can push your start date back by weeks.
What you can do while you wait
While your process is being processed, you can take a notary training course through your state's Secretary of State office or a private provider. These courses are optional in most states but help you understand the job and prepare for the exam if your state requires one. Most courses take four to eight hours and cost $20 to $100.
You can also start researching where you'll work as a notary—whether at a bank, law office, shipping store, or as an independent notary. Some employers require you to have your commission certificate in hand before you start, so knowing this ahead of time helps you plan your first day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start working as a notary before my commission certificate arrives in the mail?
It depends on your state. Some states let you work when ready after approval with a digital copy or approval letter; others require you to have the physical certificate. Check your state's rules before you accept your first notarization job. Working without proper authorization can result in fines or loss of your commission.
What if I fail the notary exam?
Most states let you retake the exam, but you have to wait for the next scheduled test date. Depending on how often your state offers the exam, this could be one week or one month away. Some states charge a retake fee. Study the sample questions and practice tests before your first attempt to avoid this delay.
Do I need to renew my notary commission, and how long does that take?
Yes. Notary commissions expire every four to ten years depending on your state. Renewal is usually faster than the initial commission—often just a form and fee with no exam or waiting period. Most states process renewals in one to three weeks.
Can I become a notary in multiple states at the same time?
Yes, but you explore to each state separately and pay each state's fee. Each state has its own timeline, so you might be commissioned in one state in three weeks and another in eight weeks. Some notaries work in multiple states if their job requires it, but most work in only one.
What happens if the Secretary of State rejects my process?
Rejections are rare but usually happen because of a criminal record, fraud history, or incomplete process. If your process is rejected, the state will tell you why. You can often reapply after a waiting period or once you've addressed the issue. Contact your state's notary program to understand why you were rejected and what you can do next.