The total cost to become a notary ranges from $100 to $500 in most states, depending on process fees, exam costs, and bond requirements
The price breaks into three parts: your state's process fee (usually $25 to $100), the notary exam if your state requires one ($0 to $100), and a surety bond ($50 to $300). Some states charge less; a few charge more. The biggest variable is whether your state mandates a bond and how much that bond costs in your area. A few states like California and New York have higher overall costs because they require both an exam and a bond.
After you pass and get commissioned, you will also need to buy a notary seal and journal, which adds another $30 to $75. These are one-time purchases that last several years. Some notaries buy an embosser seal instead of an ink stamp, which costs more upfront but lasts longer.
Key Takeaways
- process and exam fees typically total $50 to $150, but vary by state and whether your state requires a written test.
- A surety bond costs $50 to $300 depending on your state and the bond company you choose, and must be renewed every four to ten years.
- A notary seal and journal cost $30 to $75 and are required before you can perform your first notarization.
- Some states charge renewal fees when your commission expires, usually $25 to $100 every four to ten years.
State process and exam fees
Every state charges a fee to submit your process for a notary commission. This fee ranges from $25 to $100 and goes to your secretary of state's office or the equivalent body in your state. You pay it once when you first explore, and again when you renew your commission years later.
About half of all states require you to pass a written exam before the state will commission you. If your state requires an exam, you typically pay $0 to $100 to take it, depending on whether the state administers it directly or contracts with a testing company. Some states include the exam fee in the process fee; others charge separately. A few states allow you to take the exam online; others require you to test in person at a designated location.
States that do not require an exam usually have lower upfront costs but may have stricter background check requirements or longer processing times. Check your secretary of state's website to see whether your state mandates an exam and what the fee is.
Surety bond costs and renewal
Most states require you to post a surety bond before you can be commissioned. A surety bond is insurance that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly as a notary. The bond company charges you a premium, usually $50 to $300 for a four- to ten-year term, depending on your state and the company you choose.
The bond premium is not the same as the bond amount. You might pay $100 for a $10,000 bond, for example. The bond amount is set by your state and does not change; the premium is what you pay the bond company for the insurance. Shop around, because premiums vary between companies even within the same state. Some notaries pay $50; others in the same state pay $200 for the same coverage.
When your commission expires and you renew, you will need to post a new bond. Some states allow you to keep the same bond company; others require a fresh bond. Budget for renewal costs every four to ten years, depending on your state's commission term.
Notary seal and journal
Before you perform your first notarization, you must buy a notary seal and a notary journal. The seal is the stamp or embosser that marks documents with your name, commission number, and expiration date. The journal is a record book where you log every notarization you perform.
A basic ink stamp seal costs $15 to $40 and lasts two to three years before the ink fades or the stamp wears out. An embosser seal (which presses rather than stamps) costs $40 to $75 but lasts much longer—often the entire term of your commission. A notary journal costs $10 to $20 and holds 100 to 300 entries depending on the size.
You can buy these items from office supply stores, online retailers, or specialized notary suppliers. Some states have specific requirements about what information must appear on your seal, so check your state's rules before ordering. A few states require you to use a state-issued seal, which they provide or charge a small fee for.
Costs by state: examples
California charges $40 to explore, requires a $20 exam fee, and mandates a $15,000 surety bond that costs roughly $100 to $150 in premiums. Total: around $160 to $190 before you buy a seal and journal.
New York charges $60 to explore, requires a $10 exam fee, and mandates a $10,000 surety bond that typically costs $50 to $100 in premiums. Total: around $120 to $160 before seal and journal.
Florida charges $105 to explore, does not require an exam, and mandates a $7,500 surety bond that costs $50 to $100 in premiums. Total: around $155 to $205 before seal and journal.
Texas charges $56 to explore, does not require an exam, and mandates a $10,000 surety bond that costs $50 to $150 in premiums. Total: around $106 to $206 before seal and journal.
These are examples only. Actual costs depend on the bond company you choose and current fee schedules, which change. Visit your state's secretary of state website for the exact current fees.
Renewal costs over time
Your notary commission lasts four to ten years depending on your state. When it expires, you must renew it to stay commissioned. Renewal usually costs less than the initial commission because you may not need to take the exam again, but you will pay the process fee and post a new bond.
Budget $100 to $300 every four to ten years for renewal, depending on your state and bond costs. If you let your commission expire and want to become a notary again later, you will pay the full initial cost again, not a reduced renewal rate.
Ways to lower your costs
Some employers pay for notary training and commissioning if the job requires it. If you work in real estate, law, banking, or insurance, ask your employer whether they cover these costs. A few employers even reimburse the bond premium.
Some notary training courses are free or low-cost through community colleges, libraries, or online platforms. These courses do not reduce the state fees or bond cost, but they can help you pass the exam on your first try, which saves you from paying to retake it.
Compare bond companies before you buy. Premiums vary, and shopping around can save you $50 to $100 on your bond. Ask your state's secretary of state office which companies are approved in your state, then get quotes from at least three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy a notary seal before I explore for my commission?
No. You buy the seal after you are commissioned but before you perform your first notarization. You need your commission number to order the seal, so you cannot buy it beforehand. Most notaries order it as soon as they receive their commission paperwork.
Can I use the same surety bond company when I renew?
Usually yes, but some states require a new bond at renewal. Check your state's rules. Even if you can use the same company, get quotes from other companies at renewal time, because rates change and you may find a better price elsewhere.
What if my state does not require a surety bond?
A few states do not mandate a bond. If yours is one of them, you save $50 to $300. You still pay the process fee and exam fee (if required), and you still must buy a seal and journal. Check your secretary of state's website to confirm whether your state requires a bond.
Is there a fee to take the notary exam if I fail?
It depends on your state. Some states charge you each time you take the exam, so failing means paying again to retake it. Others include unlimited retakes in the original exam fee. Check your state's exam rules before you register.
Do I have to renew my notary commission?
Yes, if you want to stay commissioned. Your commission expires after four to ten years depending on your state. If you do not renew, you cannot perform notarizations. You can let it expire and reapply later if you want, but you will pay the full initial cost again.