What you need to do to become a notary public

To become a notary public, you must meet your state's age and residency requirements, pass a written exam, and submit an process to your state's secretary of state office or equivalent body. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state where you are explore, and of good moral character. The process takes between two and eight weeks from process to receiving your commission, depending on your state and how quickly you submit materials.

The specific steps and costs vary significantly by state. Some states charge $50 to $200 for the commission itself, while others charge more. A few states require you to take a course before the exam; most do not. Some states allow you to renew by mail; others require you to reapply in person. The best first step is to visit your state's secretary of state website and search for "notary public" to find the exact requirements and forms for your state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a state resident, and of good moral character to become a notary public in any state.
  • Most states require you to pass a written exam covering notary law and procedures, though a few states allow you to skip the exam if you complete an approved course.
  • Your state's secretary of state office is the official body that issues notary commissions and publishes the exact requirements and exam dates for your state.
  • The entire process from process to receiving your commission typically takes two to eight weeks, depending on your state and how quickly you submit your materials.
  • Notary commissions usually last four or six years and must be renewed through your state's secretary of state office when they expire.

Check your state's specific requirements before you start

Each state sets its own notary rules, and they differ enough that you cannot assume what works in one state works in another. Some states require a background check; others do not. Some states require you to live in the state for a certain period before explore; others do not. Some states require you to post a surety bond (a financial may provide that you will perform your duties correctly); others do not.

The fastest way to find your state's exact requirements is to go to your state's secretary of state website and search for "notary public" or "become a notary." The page will list the age requirement, residency requirement, exam details, process forms, fees, and the address where you submit your process. If your state has a notary hotline or email, use it to ask about anything the website does not clarify.

Understand the exam and what it covers

Most states require you to pass a written exam before you receive your commission. The exam typically covers your state's notary laws, the duties and responsibilities of a notary, how to handle different types of documents, and what you can and cannot do as a notary. The exam is usually 30 to 50 questions and takes one to two hours. You typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass, depending on your state.

You can prepare for the exam by reading your state's notary handbook, which your secretary of state office publishes and usually makes available for free on its website. Some states offer practice exams online. A few states require you to take a course before you can sit for the exam; if your state is one of them, the secretary of state website will list approved course providers. If your state does not require a course, you can study on your own using the handbook and practice materials.

Complete the process and submit required documents

Once you have passed the exam (or completed a course if your state requires one), you will submit an process form to your state's secretary of state office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will also need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, and sometimes a background check authorization form.

Some states require you to have your process notarized by an existing notary public before you submit it, which creates a catch-22 if you do not know anyone who is a notary. If your state has this requirement, you can ask a bank, law office, or title company if they have a notary on staff who can notarize your process for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. Check your state's website to see whether this requirement applies to you.

Pay the commission fee and wait for approval

Your state will charge a fee to issue your notary commission. This fee varies widely: some states charge $50, others charge $150 or more. A few states charge different fees depending on how long you want your commission to last (four years versus six years, for example). The fee is usually non-refundable, even if your process is denied.

After you submit your process and fee, your state's office will review your materials. This typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if the office is backlogged or if your process is missing information. Once approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate and, in some states, an official seal or stamp. Some states mail these to you; others require you to pick them up in person or from a designated location.

Obtain your notary seal and journal

Once you receive your commission, you will need to purchase a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal. Your state's secretary of state office will specify what information must appear on your seal—usually your name, the words "Notary Public," your state, and your commission expiration date. You can order a seal from office supply stores, online retailers, or companies that specialize in notary supplies. A seal typically costs $15 to $50.

A notary journal is a record book where you document every notarization you perform. Your state may require you to keep a journal, or it may be optional but strongly recommended. The journal should include the date, the type of document, the names of the people involved, and your signature. You can purchase a notary journal from the same suppliers that sell seals, usually for $10 to $30. Some states specify the exact format the journal must follow; check your state's requirements before you buy one.

Renew your commission before it expires

Notary commissions expire after a set period, usually four or six years depending on your state. Your state will send you a notice before your commission expires, telling you how to renew. Most states allow you to renew by mail or online by submitting a renewal form and paying a renewal fee, which is usually the same as or slightly less than the original commission fee.

Some states require you to pass the exam again to renew; most do not. A few states require you to take a continuing education course to renew. Check your state's requirements well before your commission expires so you have time to complete any required steps. If your commission expires and you do not renew it, you cannot perform notarizations until you reapply and receive a new commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a course to become a notary public?

Most states do not require a course, but a few do. Check your state's secretary of state website to see whether a course is required in your state. If it is required, the website will list approved course providers. If it is not required, you can study for the exam on your own using your state's notary handbook and practice materials.

How much does it cost to become a notary public?

The cost varies by state. The commission fee typically ranges from $50 to $200, and you will also need to buy a notary seal ($15 to $50) and a notary journal ($10 to $30). Some states charge additional fees for background checks or other processing. Your state's secretary of state website will list all fees.

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

Most states require you to be of "good moral character," which usually means you cannot have certain felony convictions. The specific crimes that disqualify you vary by state. Contact your state's secretary of state office to ask whether your record would disqualify you before you explore.

How long does it take to become a notary public?

The process typically takes two to eight weeks from the time you submit your process to the time you receive your commission. This depends on how quickly your state processes applications and how quickly you submit all required materials. Some states are faster than others.

What can I do as a notary public?

A notary public can witness signatures on documents, verify the identity of signers, administer oaths, and certify copies of certain documents. You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or notarize your own signature. Your state's notary handbook will list exactly what you can and cannot do.