What You Need to Do to Become a Notary
Becoming a notary requires you to meet your state's age and residency requirements, pass a written test, and pay a fee to receive your commission. The exact steps and costs vary by state — some states require a background check, others require you to take a course, and a few require both. Most states issue commissions that last four or six years, after which you renew 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 the state where you want to be commissioned, and able to read and write English. Some states add requirements like a clean criminal record or a minimum score on the notary exam.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's Secretary of State office or county clerk handles notary commissions, not a federal agency, and their website lists the exact requirements and fees for your state.
- Most states require you to pass a written test covering notary law and duties, though a few states allow you to skip the test if you complete an approved course instead.
- You will need to pay a commission fee (usually $50 to $200) and may need to purchase a notary seal and journal, which cost $20 to $100 combined.
- After you receive your commission, you can work as a notary part-time or full-time, either independently or through a bank, title company, or law firm.
Find Your State's Notary Requirements
Start by visiting your state's Secretary of State website and searching for "notary public" or "become a notary." The Secretary of State office oversees notary commissions in most states. A few states — including California, New York, and Florida — handle notary commissions through the county clerk's office instead, so if your state's Secretary of State site does not have notary information, search for your county clerk.
The state website will tell you the exact age requirement (usually 18), residency requirement (usually you must live in the state), whether you need to pass a test, whether a course is required or optional, what the fee is, and how long the commission lasts. Write down these details — they are the roadmap for your next steps.
Some states post sample tests online so you can see what topics the real exam covers. If your state offers this, read it and review it before you register for the test.
Complete Any Required Training or Course
Some states require you to complete a notary course before you take the test or submit your process. Other states make the course optional but allow you to skip the test if you complete an approved course instead. A few states require neither a course nor a test.
If your state requires a course, the Secretary of State website will list approved providers. These are usually online courses that take two to four hours and cost $20 to $50. If the course is optional, taking one can save you study time for the test, though it is not necessary.
Courses cover the duties of a notary (what you can and cannot do), the types of documents you will notarize, how to verify identity, how to complete a notarial certificate, and your state's specific notary laws. After you finish, you will receive a certificate of completion that you may need to submit with your process.
Register for and Pass the Notary Exam
If your state requires a test, you will register through the Secretary of State office or an approved testing vendor. The website will tell you where to register, what the test costs (usually $10 to $50), and when and where you can take it. Most states offer the test at multiple locations and dates throughout the year, and some states now allow you to take the test online.
The test is usually 30 to 50 multiple-choice questions covering notary law, your duties, how to identify signers, and how to complete notarial certificates. You typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can usually retake the test after paying the fee again.
Study the sample test if your state provides one, and review any course materials or study guides the state publishes. The test is designed to make sure you understand the basics of notary work, not to trick you.
Submit Your process and Pay the Commission Fee
After you pass the test (or complete the course, if your state allows that route), submit your process to the Secretary of State or county clerk. The process usually asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will need to provide proof that you passed the test or completed the course.
Include the commission fee with your process. Fees range from $50 to $200 depending on the state and how long the commission lasts. Some states accept checks or money orders; others accept credit cards or online payment. The website will tell you which payment methods are accepted.
Processing times vary. Some states issue your commission within two weeks; others take four to eight weeks. The website usually tells you the current processing time. You can often check the status of your process online using a reference number.
Purchase a Notary Seal and Journal
Once you receive your commission, you will need a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal. These are not optional — you must use them to perform notarial acts legally.
The notary seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that prints your name, state, and commission number onto documents. You can order one from an office supply store, an online retailer, or a company that specializes in notary supplies. Seals cost $15 to $50 depending on the type and where you order from. Your state may have specific requirements about what information the seal must contain — check your state's rules before you order.
The notary journal is a bound book where you record every notarial act you perform. You write down the date, the type of document, the signer's name and address, how you verified their identity, and your signature. Journals cost $10 to $30 and are available from office supply stores and online retailers. Some states require a specific journal format; others allow any bound book as long as you record the required information.
Renew Your Commission Before It Expires
Notary commissions expire after four or six years depending on your state. Before your commission expires, you will need to renew it to continue working as a notary. Your state will usually send you a notice a few months before the expiration date, but do not rely on receiving it — mark the expiration date on your calendar.
Renewal usually costs less than the initial commission and may require you to pass the test again, complete a refresher course, or straightforward pay the fee and submit a form. Check your state's website for the renewal process and important date. If you let your commission expire, you will have to start over with the full process process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a notary while I am waiting for my commission?
No. You can only perform notarial acts after you have received your official commission from the state. Working as a notary without a commission is illegal and can result in fines or criminal charges.
Do I need to work for a bank or law firm to be a notary?
No. You can be commissioned as an independent notary and work for yourself, or you can work for an employer like a bank, title company, or law firm. Some notaries do both — they maintain their own commission and also work part-time for an employer.
What happens if I move to a different state?
Your notary commission is only valid in the state that issued it. If you move, you will need to become commissioned in your new state. You can keep your old commission until it expires if you still live in the original state part-time, but you cannot use it to notarize documents in your new state.
How much can I charge for notarizing a document?
Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge. Fees typically range from $2 to $15 per signature. Check your state's rules to find out the maximum you can charge. Some notaries charge less than the maximum, and some employers set their own fees for notaries who work for them.
Do I need liability insurance as a notary?
Liability insurance is not required by law, but many notaries purchase it to protect themselves if a signer later claims the notarization was done incorrectly. Insurance costs $100 to $300 per year and is available through notary organizations and insurance companies.