What Kentucky requires to become a notary
To become a notary in Kentucky, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Kentucky, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or any prior experience. The state does require you to pass a written exam covering notary law and duties, and you must obtain a surety bond before you can officially start work.
Kentucky notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State's office. The commission lasts four years, and you can renew it by repeating the exam and bond process. Unlike some states, Kentucky does not require you to take a formal course before the exam, though many notaries study on their own or use study materials to prepare.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18, a Kentucky resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
- You will need to pass the Kentucky notary exam, which covers state law and notary duties.
- A surety bond is required before you receive your commission from the Secretary of State.
- The commission lasts four years and costs money to renew, along with another bond and exam.
- You can work as a notary while employed elsewhere, or build a notary business on your own.
Taking and passing the Kentucky notary exam
The Kentucky Secretary of State administers the notary exam through a testing vendor. You schedule your exam online through the Secretary of State's website and pay a testing fee at the time of registration. The exam covers Kentucky notary law, the duties and responsibilities of a notary, what documents can and cannot be notarized, and how to handle common situations like refusing a request or handling a signature.
The exam is multiple choice and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt, though you will pay the testing fee again. Most people study using the Kentucky Notary Public Handbook, which is available free on the Secretary of State's website and covers all the material on the exam.
After you pass the exam, the Secretary of State's office will send you a notice. You do not receive your commission until you have also obtained your surety bond and submitted the required paperwork, so do not plan to start work when ready after passing the test.
Obtaining a surety bond
A surety bond is an insurance product that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly as a notary. Kentucky law requires a bond of $5,000. You purchase the bond from an insurance company or bonding company, not from the state. The bond typically costs between $50 and $150 for a four-year term, depending on the company and your credit history.
To get a bond, contact bonding companies directly or ask your bank or insurance agent for a referral. You will need to provide your Social Security number and allow a background check. Once the bonding company issues the bond, they will send a copy to you and you will submit it to the Secretary of State as part of your commission process.
The bond must be in place before the Secretary of State will issue your commission. If your bond lapses or is cancelled during your four-year term, your notary commission becomes invalid, so you will need to renew the bond before it expires.
Submitting your process to the Secretary of State
After you pass the exam and obtain your surety bond, you submit an process to the Kentucky Secretary of State. The process form is available on the Secretary of State's website. You will need to provide your exam results, a copy of your surety bond, proof of Kentucky residency, and payment of the commission fee.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or driver's license with your current address. The commission fee varies and you should check the Secretary of State's website for the current amount. Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the Secretary of State receives your complete process.
Once approved, the Secretary of State will issue your notary commission certificate. This certificate is your official proof that you are a commissioned notary. You should keep it in a safe place and bring it with you when you perform notary work, as some clients may ask to see it.
What you need to do before you start working
Before you perform your first notary act, you need a notary seal and a notary journal. The seal is a stamp or embosser that marks documents with your name, commission number, and the date. You can order a seal from office supply companies or online vendors that specialize in notary supplies. The seal typically costs $15 to $40.
A notary journal is a record book where you write down every document you notarize. Kentucky law requires you to keep a journal and make an entry for each notary act, including the date, the type of document, the signer's name and identification, and any fees you charged. You can purchase a blank journal from office supply stores or use a pre-printed notary journal designed for Kentucky.
You should also understand Kentucky's rules about what you can and cannot do as a notary. You cannot give legal information, prepare documents, or decide whether someone should sign something. Your job is only to verify the signer's identity, confirm they are signing willingly, and place your seal on the document.
Renewing your notary commission
Your notary commission expires four years after the Secretary of State issues it. To renew, you must pass the exam again, obtain a new surety bond, and submit a renewal process to the Secretary of State. The renewal process is the same as the initial process, and you will pay the same fees.
You should begin the renewal process at least two months before your commission expires. If your commission lapses, you cannot perform notary acts until you renew it. Some notaries set a reminder on their calendar so they do not miss the renewal important date.
Building a notary business or working part-time
Many notaries work part-time while keeping another job, offering notary services to friends, family, and neighbors for a small fee. Others build a full-time notary business by advertising their services, partnering with title companies or real estate offices, or offering mobile notary services where they travel to clients. Kentucky law allows you to charge reasonable fees for notary services, though the state does not set a maximum fee.
If you plan to work as a mobile notary or advertise your services, you may want to get a business license from your city or county, open a business bank account, and carry liability insurance. These steps are not required by Kentucky law but can protect you and make your business look more professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
Kentucky does not automatically disqualify people with criminal records, but the Secretary of State reviews each process. Felonies related to fraud, forgery, or dishonesty may prevent you from becoming a notary. Contact the Secretary of State's office to ask about your specific situation before you pay for the exam.
Do I have to work for a company to be a notary?
No. You can be a notary while self-employed, working for another employer, or retired. Many notaries work independently and set their own hours. Some employers require their employees to become notaries as part of the job, but you are not required to work for anyone to hold a commission.
How much can I charge for notary services?
Kentucky law does not set a maximum fee for notary services. You can charge what you think is fair, though typical fees range from $5 to $25 per signature depending on the document type and whether you travel to the client. Check what other notaries in your area charge to stay competitive.
What happens if I make a mistake as a notary?
Your surety bond covers mistakes and protects the public. If someone is harmed because you made an error, they can file a claim against your bond. This is why the bond is required — it ensures there is money available to cover problems. You should also keep detailed records in your journal so you can show what you did and why.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
Yes, Kentucky allows notaries to notarize documents for family members. However, you still must follow all the rules — you must verify their identity, confirm they are signing willingly, and record the act in your journal. Some notaries avoid notarizing for family to prevent conflicts of interest, but it is not against the law.