Notary costs break down into process fees, exam fees, and bond requirements
The total cost to become a notary public ranges from $50 to $500, depending on your state and whether you need to take an exam. Most states charge an process fee between $10 and $100, an exam fee between $0 and $150, and require you to purchase a notary bond between $50 and $300. Some states have no exam at all, which lowers the cost significantly. A few states bundle fees together, so the breakdown varies widely.
The largest single expense is usually the notary bond, which is a form of insurance that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly. You buy this bond from an insurance company, not from the state. The bond cost depends on your state's requirements and the bonding company you choose — shopping around can save you $50 to $100.
After you are commissioned, you will also need to buy supplies: a notary seal (stamp), an ink pad, and a journal to record your notarizations. These supplies cost $20 to $80 total and are one-time purchases that last several years.
Key Takeaways
- State process and exam fees typically total $10 to $150, but some states charge nothing for the exam or waive it entirely.
- A notary bond, required in most states, costs $50 to $300 and must be purchased from a private bonding company.
- Your state's secretary of state office or notary division publishes the exact fees and bond amount required in your state.
- Notary supplies (seal, ink pad, journal) cost $20 to $80 and are purchased separately after you receive your commission.
- Renewal fees, due every four to ten years depending on your state, typically cost $25 to $100.
How state process and exam fees work
Every state charges an process fee to process your notary request. This fee goes to the state agency that issues notary commissions — usually the secretary of state or a county clerk's office. process fees range from $10 in some states to $100 or more in others. A few states charge nothing at all.
Exam fees are separate and explore only if your state requires a written test. About half of U.S. states require a notary exam; the other half do not. States that do require an exam typically charge $0 to $150 for it. Some states include the exam fee in the process fee, while others bill them separately. Check your state's notary division website to find out whether an exam is required and what it costs.
A handful of states offer reciprocal agreements with bonding companies, meaning the company may waive or reduce the exam fee if you purchase the bond through them. This is not common, but it is worth asking the bonding company when you get a quote.
Notary bond costs and what they cover
A notary bond is a financial may provide that you will perform your duties correctly and honestly. If someone sues because you notarized a document improperly or committed fraud, the bond pays the claim up to its face value — typically $10,000 to $25,000. You do not pay the bond amount itself; you pay a premium to an insurance company to issue the bond on your behalf.
Bond premiums usually cost $50 to $300 for a four-year commission period. The exact price depends on your state's required bond amount, the bonding company you choose, and sometimes your credit history. A $10,000 bond typically costs $50 to $100, while a $25,000 bond costs $150 to $300. You can get quotes from multiple bonding companies — prices vary, and shopping around often saves money.
Some bonding companies offer discounts if you renew your bond with them or if you purchase other types of insurance from them. A few states allow you to post cash instead of buying a bond, but this is rare and requires you to deposit the full bond amount with the state, which is impractical for most people.
Notary seal, journal, and other supplies
Once you receive your notary commission, you must purchase a notary seal (also called a stamp or embosser) and a journal to record your notarizations. These are required by law in most states. A notary seal costs $15 to $40 depending on the type — rubber stamps are cheaper than embossers, which press a raised impression into the paper. An ink pad costs $5 to $15. A notary journal costs $10 to $30.
You can order these supplies from office supply stores, online retailers, or specialized notary supply companies. Some bonding companies sell supplies as well. Buy supplies only after you receive your official commission letter, because the seal must include your name, commission number, and state exactly as they appear on your commission.
These supplies last several years. You will need to replace the ink pad occasionally and may need a new seal if it becomes worn or damaged, but these are minor expenses. When you renew your commission, you may need a new seal if your commission number or expiration date changes.
State-by-state cost variation
Costs vary significantly by state because each state sets its own fees and bond requirements. California charges a $40 process fee and requires a $15,000 bond, which costs roughly $100 to $150 in premiums. New York charges $60 for process and exam combined and requires a $10,000 bond, costing $50 to $100 in premiums. Texas charges $53 for process and exam and requires a $10,000 bond.
Some states are much cheaper. Florida charges $105 for process and exam combined. Louisiana has no exam requirement and charges lower fees overall. A few states, like Maine, charge very little for process but require higher bond amounts.
The best way to find your state's exact costs is to visit your state's secretary of state website or county clerk's office and search for "notary public fees" or "notary commission requirements." The page will list the process fee, exam fee (if any), required bond amount, and where to buy the bond.
Renewal costs and ongoing expenses
Notary commissions expire after a set period — usually four, five, or ten years depending on your state. When your commission expires, you must renew it to continue working as a notary. Renewal fees are typically lower than initial commission fees and range from $25 to $100.
You will also need to renew your notary bond when you renew your commission. The renewal bond premium costs about the same as the initial bond premium. Some bonding companies offer discounts for renewals, so ask about renewal rates when you first purchase your bond.
If your seal becomes worn or damaged before your commission expires, you will need to buy a replacement. This is a minor cost — usually $15 to $40 — but it is not required by law unless the seal is no longer legible.
Ways to reduce notary costs
Shop for bond quotes from at least two or three bonding companies before you buy. Prices vary, and you may find a company that charges $30 to $50 less than another for the same bond amount. Some companies offer online quotes when ready, while others require a phone call.
Buy notary supplies from office supply stores or online retailers rather than specialty notary companies. You will often pay less for the same quality seal and journal. Compare prices on Amazon, Staples, or local office supply stores before ordering.
A few states allow you to take the notary exam online rather than in person, which saves travel time and cost. Check whether your state offers this option on the secretary of state website.
If you are renewing your commission, ask your bonding company about renewal discounts. Some companies reduce the premium by 10 to 20 percent if you renew with them rather than switching to a new company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take an exam to become a notary?
About half of U.S. states require a notary exam, and half do not. Your state's secretary of state website will tell you whether an exam is required. If it is, you typically have multiple chances to pass, and retaking the exam costs the same as the first attempt.
Can I deduct notary costs on my taxes?
If you work as a notary as part of a business or self-employment, you may be able to deduct notary fees, bond costs, and supplies as business expenses. Speak with a tax professional or accountant about what you can deduct in your situation.
What happens if I lose my notary seal?
You must buy a replacement seal when ready — notarizing documents without a seal is illegal in most states. The replacement seal costs $15 to $40. Some states also require you to notify the secretary of state that your seal was lost.
Is the notary bond the same as liability insurance?
No. A notary bond protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly. Liability insurance protects you personally if someone sues you. Some notaries buy both, but only the bond is required by law.
How much does it cost to renew my notary commission?
Renewal costs vary by state but typically range from $25 to $100 for the process fee, plus the cost of renewing your bond, which is usually $50 to $300. Check your state's secretary of state website for the exact renewal fee.