What You Need to Do to Become a Notary

To become a notary public, you must complete an process through your state, pass a written test, and pay a fee. The exact steps depend on which state you live in — some states require you to work for a company first, others do not. Most states charge between $50 and $300 for the process and exam combined, and the credential lasts four to ten years before you renew.

The process typically takes two to eight weeks from start to finish. You will study a handbook provided by your state, take an exam at a testing center or online, submit your process with proof of identity and residency, and then wait for your commission to arrive by mail. Some states let you do this entirely online; others require you to appear in person at a county clerk's office.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's Secretary of State office or county clerk handles notary commissions, not a federal agency, and requirements vary significantly by state.
  • Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English, but some add work history or citizenship requirements.
  • You must study your state's notary handbook and pass a written exam before you can be commissioned, though a few states do not require an exam.
  • After you are commissioned, you will need to purchase a notary seal and journal, which cost $20 to $100 combined, and some states require a surety bond.

Check Your State's Specific Requirements

Each state sets its own rules for who can become a notary and what they must do. Start by visiting your state's Secretary of State website or your county clerk's office website and searching for "notary public" or "notary commission." The page will tell you the age requirement (usually 18), residency requirement (usually you must live in that state), and whether you need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Some states add extra requirements. Louisiana, for example, requires you to have a high school diploma or equivalent. A few states require you to work for a company or have a business address before you can be commissioned. Others require you to post a surety bond — a form of insurance that protects the public if you make a mistake — which costs $50 to $200. Your state's website will list all of these upfront, so read through the full requirements before you start.

Study the Notary Handbook and Register for the Exam

Your state provides a notary handbook that covers the laws you need to know: what a notary can and cannot do, how to identify someone, how to fill out notary documents, and what records you must keep. read it from your state's Secretary of State website or request a printed copy from your county clerk. You will need to study this before taking the exam.

Once you have the handbook, register for the notary exam through your state's website or at your county clerk's office. Some states offer the exam online through a testing company; others require you to take it in person at a specific location. The exam usually costs $20 to $100 and covers the material in the handbook. Most exams have 50 to 100 multiple-choice questions and you typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass. You can usually retake the exam if you do not pass the first time, though you may have to pay the fee again.

Complete Your process and Submit Required Documents

After you pass the exam, you will fill out an process form provided by your state. This form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will need to provide proof of identity (a driver's license or passport) and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days). Some states also ask for a background check or fingerprints.

Submit your completed process along with the required documents and the process fee to your county clerk's office or your state's Secretary of State office, depending on where your state directs you. Keep a copy of everything you submit. Processing times vary — some states commission you within two weeks, others take six to eight weeks. You can usually check the status of your process online or by calling the office where you submitted it.

Purchase Your Notary Seal and Journal

Once you receive your notary commission in the mail, you must buy a notary seal and a notary journal before you can perform any notarizations. The seal is a stamp or embosser that imprints your name, state, and commission number onto documents. The journal is a record book where you write down every notarization you perform — who you notarized for, what document it was, when it happened, and how much you charged.

You can order a seal and journal from office supply stores, online retailers, or companies that specialize in notary supplies. A seal costs $15 to $50 and a journal costs $10 to $30. Some states have specific requirements for what your seal must look like or what information it must contain, so check your state's handbook before you order. Once you have both items, you are ready to start notarizing documents.

Renew Your Commission Before It Expires

Your notary commission lasts a set number of years — usually four, five, or ten years depending on your state. Your commission letter will tell you the expiration date. You must renew before that date if you want to continue working as a notary. The renewal process is similar to the initial process: you study the updated handbook, take another exam (though some states waive the exam for renewals), and submit a renewal process with the fee.

Start the renewal process two to three months before your commission expires. If your commission lapses, you cannot notarize documents until you renew it. Some states let you renew online; others require you to renew in person. Check your state's website for the renewal important date and process.

Understand What a Notary Can and Cannot Do

A notary's job is to verify that a person's identity is real and that they are signing a document of their own free will. You do this by checking their ID, watching them sign the document, and then stamping it with your seal. You cannot give legal information, prepare legal documents, or tell someone what to sign. You also cannot notarize a document for yourself, a family member, or someone you have a financial interest in.

You can notarize signatures on affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, and many other papers. You cannot notarize something that is already signed, and you cannot notarize a blank document. If someone asks you to do something outside your authority, you must refuse. Your state's handbook will list exactly what you can and cannot do, and you are required to follow those rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to work for a company to become a notary?

Most states do not require you to work for a company. However, a few states — including Louisiana and some others — require you to have a business address or employer sponsorship. Check your state's requirements on the Secretary of State website to see if this applies to you.

How much can I charge for a notarization?

Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge per signature. Fees typically range from $2 to $15 per signature. Your state's handbook will tell you the exact amount. You cannot charge more than the state maximum, but you can charge less.

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

It depends on your state and the type of conviction. Some states deny notary commissions to people with felony convictions, while others only deny them for specific crimes like fraud or forgery. Contact your county clerk or state Secretary of State office to ask about your specific situation.

What happens if I make a mistake as a notary?

If you notarize a document incorrectly, the person who relied on that notarization can sue you. This is why many states require a surety bond — it covers damages up to a certain amount. You can also face fines or loss of your commission if you violate notary laws.

Can I notarize documents remotely or online?

Some states now allow remote notarization using video conferencing, but not all. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see if remote notarization is permitted where you live. If it is, you will need to follow specific procedures to verify the person's identity and may support the document is signed in your presence.