What you need to do to become a notary
To become a notary, you complete an process through your state, pass a test on notary law, and pay a fee. The exact steps depend on which state you live in — some require you to take a course first, others do not. Most states issue a notary commission that lasts four or six years, then you renew it by repeating some or all of the process.
You do not need a law degree or prior experience. You do need to be at least 18 years old, a resident of your state (or work there full-time), and have a clean background — most states will deny you if you have a felony conviction or have been sued for fraud. The whole process usually takes two to six weeks from process to commission.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's Secretary of State office or county clerk handles notary registration, not a private company, and the fee ranges from $30 to $200 depending on your state.
- Most states require you to pass a written test on notary duties and state law, though a few states do not test at all.
- Some states require a course before you test; others let you study on your own using the state's official study guide.
- Once commissioned, you must buy a notary seal and journal (ledger) to record the documents you notarize, which are separate purchases from the state fee.
- Your commission expires after four or six years and must be renewed; renewal usually costs less than the initial fee but may require retesting.
Find your state's notary office and process process
Start by going to your state's Secretary of State website and searching for "notary public" or "notary commission." If your state does not handle it at the state level, the county clerk's office in your county will. The Secretary of State website will list the exact fee, whether a course is required, what the test covers, and how long the commission lasts.
Some states let you explore online; others require you to print a form, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a check. A few states require you to explore in person at the county clerk's office. The website will tell you which applies to you. Keep the process instructions and the official study guide — you will need both.
Take a course if your state requires one
About half of U.S. states require you to take a notary course before you test. The course is usually offered by community colleges, online education companies, or the county clerk's office itself. It covers what a notary can and cannot do, how to verify someone's identity, what documents you can notarize, and how to fill out your journal.
If your state requires a course, you cannot skip it — the process will ask for proof that you completed one. If your state does not require it, you can study on your own using the state's official study guide, which is free and available on the Secretary of State website. Either way, the course or guide is separate from the test.
Study for and pass the notary test
The test covers your state's notary law and your duties as a notary. It is usually multiple choice, 30 to 100 questions, and you need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass depending on your state. You have a set amount of time — usually one to three hours — to finish. Most states let you retake the test if you fail, though you may have to pay the fee again.
Study using the official study guide from your state's Secretary of State website. The test questions come directly from that material. Some states offer practice tests online; check your state's notary page. You do not need to memorize everything — the test is designed to make sure you understand the basics of the job, not to trick you.
Submit your process and wait for approval
Once you have passed the test (or completed the course if that is all your state requires), submit your process to the address or online portal listed on the Secretary of State website. Include the test score receipt, proof of residency if required, and the process fee. Some states ask for a character reference or a background check authorization form.
Processing takes two to six weeks. You will receive your notary commission by mail — it is a certificate or letter stating that you are now a commissioned notary public in your state. Keep this document; you will need it to buy your seal and to renew your commission later.
Buy a notary seal and journal
Once you have your commission, you must buy a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal (a bound ledger where you record every document you notarize). These are not sold by the state — you buy them from office supply stores, online retailers, or companies that specialize in notary supplies. The seal costs $15 to $50 and the journal costs $10 to $30.
Your seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," your state, and your commission expiration date. Some states have specific requirements about the seal's shape or size — check your state's notary rules before you order. You cannot notarize a document without your seal, so do not start work until you have both the seal and the journal in hand.
Renew your commission before it expires
Your notary commission lasts four or six years depending on your state. Before it expires, you will need to renew it. Renewal usually costs less than the initial fee — often $30 to $100 — and the process is shorter. Some states require you to retake the test; others just require you to submit a renewal process and pay the fee.
Check your state's Secretary of State website about 60 days before your commission expires to see what renewal requires. If you let your commission lapse, you cannot notarize documents until you renew it. You can renew early in most states, so if you are unsure of your expiration date, contact your Secretary of State office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to work for a bank or law office to become a notary?
No. You can become a notary as an independent person and notarize documents for anyone. Some notaries work for banks or law offices, but many are self-employed or work part-time. Your employer does not need to sponsor you or sign off on your process.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
Rules vary by state. Some states prohibit notarizing for close relatives; others allow it. Check your state's notary law before you do. Even if it is allowed, it is often a bad idea because it can create legal problems later — the document may be challenged because of the relationship.
What if I fail the notary test?
You can retake it. Most states let you retake the test when ready or after a waiting period of a few days. You may have to pay the test fee again, depending on your state. Check your state's rules on retakes before you schedule your first attempt.
Can I notarize documents from other states?
Your notary commission is valid only in the state that issued it. If you move to another state, you must become a notary in that state. Some people hold commissions in multiple states if they work across state lines, but each requires a separate process and fee.
How much can I charge to notarize a document?
Your state sets a maximum fee — usually $2 to $15 per signature. You cannot charge more than the state allows. Some notaries charge less or do it for free for friends and family, but you cannot exceed the legal limit. Check your state's fee schedule on the Secretary of State website.