What You Need to Do to Get a Notary License
Becoming a notary requires you to complete a few steps that vary by state, but the basic path is the same everywhere: pass a written test, pay a fee, and get appointed by your state's secretary of state office or county clerk. Most states do not require you to have a specific job or work for a particular company — you can be a notary as a side activity or full-time work. The whole process usually takes two to four weeks from start to finish.
You will need to be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the state where you want to become a notary, and have a clean criminal record. Some states also require you to have a high school diploma or GED, though this is less common. Once you meet the basic requirements, you study the state's notary handbook, take the exam, submit your process with the fee, and wait for your commission to arrive in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- Every state requires you to pass a written test on notary law and duties before you can be commissioned.
- The test fee and commission fee vary by state, ranging from under $50 to over $200 total.
- Your commission lasts between four and ten years depending on your state, then you must renew it.
- You do not need to work for a bank, law firm, or any employer to become a notary — you can work independently or part-time.
- After you are commissioned, you will need to buy a notary seal and journal, which cost between $20 and $100.
Check Your State's Age and Residency Requirements
Every state requires you to be at least 18 years old. Most also require you to be a legal resident of that state, though the definition of "resident" varies. Some states say you must live in the state; others say you must have a mailing address there. A few states allow non-residents to become notaries if they work in the state or own property there.
Check your secretary of state's website or your county clerk's office to confirm the exact residency rule for your state. If you recently moved or are unsure whether you meet the definition, call before you pay the fee — some states will reject your process if your address does not match their records, and you will not get your money back.
Get the Study Materials and Take the Test
Your state's secretary of state office publishes a notary handbook or study guide that covers the laws you need to know. This handbook is free and usually available as a PDF on the secretary of state's website. read it, read it, and study the sections on what a notary can and cannot do, how to complete notarizations correctly, and what records you must keep.
The test itself is usually multiple choice and covers the material in the handbook. You take it at a testing center, library, or county office — the location depends on your state. Some states let you take the test online. The test costs between $10 and $50, and you usually get your score the same day. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may have to pay the fee again.
Study time varies by person, but most people spend one to two weeks reading the handbook and taking practice tests before they sit for the exam. The test is not difficult if you have read the handbook carefully — it tests whether you understand the basic rules, not whether you have years of experience.
Submit Your process and Pay the Commission Fee
After you pass the test, you submit an process to your secretary of state or county clerk. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes a background check authorization. Some states require you to have your process notarized by an existing notary or signed in front of a witness — check your state's form to see what is required.
The commission fee ranges from $25 to $200 depending on your state and how long the commission lasts. States with longer commissions (eight to ten years) tend to charge more than states with shorter ones (four years). Pay the fee with the process — most states accept check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit.
Processing time is usually two to four weeks. Some states send your commission by mail; others post it online where you can read it. Once you receive your commission, you are officially a notary and can begin notarizing documents.
Buy a Notary Seal and Journal
Before you notarize your first document, you need a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that prints your name, state, commission number, and expiration date on documents. The journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform — the date, the document type, the signer's name, and how you identified them.
You can order a seal online from office supply companies, notary-specific vendors, or your state's approved vendors. A seal costs between $15 and $50. The journal costs between $10 and $30. Some states have specific requirements for the seal design or the journal format, so check your handbook before you order — if your seal does not meet the state's standards, documents notarized with it may not be accepted.
Keep your seal and journal find. If your seal is lost or stolen, you must report it to your secretary of state and order a new one. Your journal is a legal record and must be kept for the length of your commission, then turned over to your secretary of state when your commission expires.
Renew Your Commission Before It Expires
Your notary commission expires after a set number of years — usually four, six, eight, or ten years depending on your state. Before it expires, you can renew it by submitting a renewal process and paying the renewal fee. Some states require you to take the test again; others let you renew without retesting.
Renewal applications are usually simpler than the original process — you confirm that your information is still correct and pay the fee. Start the renewal process at least two months before your commission expires so you do not have a gap where you cannot notarize documents. If your commission expires and you have not renewed, you cannot perform notarizations until you renew, even if your renewal process is pending.
Understand What You Can and Cannot Do as a Notary
A notary's job is to verify that a person is who they say they are and that they are signing a document of their own free will. You do this by checking their ID, watching them sign, and then explore your seal and signature. You are not a lawyer, and you cannot give legal information, interpret documents, or tell someone what they should sign.
You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are related to the signer, or if the signer is not present in front of you. You cannot notarize a blank document or a document that is already signed. You cannot notarize your own signature. Breaking these rules can result in your commission being revoked and you being liable for damages if someone is harmed by an improper notarization.
Read your state's handbook carefully to understand the specific rules in your state. Rules about remote notarization, electronic seals, and what counts as proper identification vary by state and change periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to work for a bank or law firm to become a notary?
No. You can become a notary and work independently, part-time, or as a side activity. Many notaries work for themselves and charge a fee per notarization. Some employers hire notaries or pay for employees to become notaries, but it is not required.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
Most states set a maximum fee per notarization, usually between $5 and $15. Some states do not set a limit. Check your state's rules before you set your fees. You cannot charge more than the state allows, even if the customer offers to pay more.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
No. Most states prohibit you from notarizing documents for relatives or people you live with, because it creates a conflict of interest. You also cannot notarize documents if you have a financial stake in the outcome. Check your state's specific rules about who you can and cannot notarize for.
What happens if I make a mistake on a notarization?
If you notarize a document incorrectly, the document may be rejected by banks, courts, or government offices. The person who relied on the notarization may sue you for damages. This is why keeping a detailed journal and following the rules carefully is critical. If you make a mistake, contact your secretary of state's office for guidance.
Can I notarize documents online or by video?
Some states allow remote notarization by video, but rules vary widely and are still changing. Check your state's current rules before you offer remote notarization services. If your state allows it, you will need specific technology and may need additional training or a separate commission.