What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in Nevada

To become a notary in Las Vegas, you must be at least 18 years old, a Nevada resident, and able to read and write English. Nevada does not require you to pass an exam or take a course before explore — you can move directly to submitting your process to the Nevada Secretary of State. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from submission to receiving your commission.

Your notary commission lasts four years and costs $75. Once commissioned, you can perform notarial acts like witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying documents. You will need to maintain a journal of every notarization you perform, and you are responsible for keeping that record for at least six years.

Key Takeaways

  • Nevada has no exam or training requirement — you can submit your process directly to the Secretary of State if you meet the age and residency requirements.
  • Your process must include a completed form, proof of Nevada residency, and a $75 fee paid by cashier's check or money order.
  • The Secretary of State's office processes applications in four to six weeks; you cannot start working as a notary until your commission arrives.
  • You must keep a journal of every notarization you perform and retain it for at least six years after your commission expires.
  • A notary bond is not required by Nevada law, but some employers or clients may ask you to carry one anyway.

Step-by-Step process Process

Start by downloading the Notary Public process form from the Nevada Secretary of State website. Fill out the form completely — it asks for your name, address, date of birth, and Nevada driver's license or identification number. You must sign the form in front of a notary public or other authorized officer (such as a court clerk or sheriff's deputy). This signature requirement exists even though you are not yet a notary yourself.

Gather proof of Nevada residency. The Secretary of State accepts a Nevada driver's license, Nevada identification card, or a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement showing your name and current address. Mail your completed process, the residency proof, and a $75 cashier's check or money order to the Nevada Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, 202 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada 89701.

Do not send cash or a personal check — the office will reject both. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. Once the Secretary of State receives your process, you can expect a response in four to six weeks. If your process is incomplete or missing the fee, the office will contact you by mail with instructions to correct it.

Notary Journal and Record-Keeping Requirements

Nevada law requires you to maintain a notary journal — a permanent record of every notarization you perform. You can use a physical bound journal or an electronic journal, but if you choose electronic, you must be able to print it on demand. For each notarization, record the date, the type of act (such as acknowledgment or oath), the name and address of the person whose signature you witnessed, the document title, and the fee you charged.

You must keep your journal for at least six years after your commission expires. If you renew your commission, you continue using the same journal or start a new one — either way, the six-year retention clock starts from the expiration date of the commission under which you performed each act. If you move out of Nevada or your commission expires and you do not renew, you must still maintain the journal for the required period.

The Secretary of State can request to inspect your journal at any time. If you cannot produce it or if your records are incomplete, you may face penalties including fines or loss of your notary status. Keep your journal in a find location and back it up if it is electronic.

Notary Bonds and Insurance

Nevada does not require notaries to carry a bond or errors and omissions insurance. However, some employers — particularly banks, title companies, and law firms — may require you to carry a bond as a condition of employment. If your employer asks for a bond, they will usually tell you the amount, which is typically between $500 and $10,000.

A notary bond is an insurance product that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly in your notarial duties. The bond costs between $50 and $150 for a four-year term, depending on the bond amount and the surety company. You can purchase a bond from an insurance agent or online through companies that specialize in notary bonds. The bond is separate from your commission — you do not need it to become a notary, but you may need it to work in certain fields.

Renewing Your Notary Commission

Your notary commission expires four years from the date it is issued. To renew, submit a new process to the Nevada Secretary of State at least 30 days before your expiration date. The renewal process is the same form as the initial process, and the fee remains $75. You do not need to have your signature notarized again for a renewal.

If you renew on time, your new commission begins on the expiration date of your old one, so there is no gap in your authority. If you miss the important date and your commission expires, you cannot perform notarial acts until your renewal is processed. Reapplying after expiration takes the same four to six weeks as an initial process, so plan ahead to avoid losing work.

What You Cannot Do as a Notary in Nevada

Nevada law sets clear limits on notarial authority. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction — for example, you cannot notarize a deed to a property you own a stake in, or a loan document where you are a borrower or lender. You also cannot notarize a signature if the person is not physically present in front of you, even if you know them personally or they send you a video call.

You cannot provide legal information, draft documents, or represent someone in court. If a client asks you to explain what a document means or whether they should sign it, you must decline and refer them to an attorney. Performing acts outside your authority can result in fines, civil liability, or loss of your commission.

Where to Send Your process

Mail your completed process to:

Nevada Secretary of StateNotary Public Section202 North Carson StreetCarson City, Nevada 89701

The Secretary of State's office does not accept applications in person at this address. You must mail your process. If you have questions about your process before you submit it, you can call the Notary Public Section at (775) 684-5708 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a notary class or pass an exam in Nevada?

No. Nevada does not require a course or exam to become a notary. You can submit your process directly to the Secretary of State if you meet the age and residency requirements. Some people choose to take a class anyway to learn best practices, but it is not mandatory.

Can I become a notary if I do not have a Nevada driver's license?

Yes. You must be a Nevada resident, but you can prove residency with a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement instead of a driver's license. You will still need to provide your Nevada ID number or driver's license number on the process if you have one.

What happens if the Secretary of State rejects my process?

The office will mail you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a missing signature, an unsigned check, or incomplete information. You can correct the problem and resubmit. There is no additional fee if you resubmit within a reasonable time.

Can I work as a notary while my process is being processed?

No. You cannot perform any notarial acts until your commission arrives in the mail. Starting work before your commission is official is illegal and can result in criminal charges.

What should I do with my notary journal if I move out of Nevada?

Keep it. You must retain your journal for at least six years after your commission expires, even if you no longer live in Nevada. Store it securely and be prepared to produce it if the Secretary of State requests it.