The Basic Path to Becoming a Notary in North Dakota
To become a notary in North Dakota, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or prior experience. The process involves completing an process, paying a fee, and taking an oath before a district court judge or clerk of court. North Dakota does not require you to pass a written exam, which makes the path simpler than in many other states.
The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your process to the moment you receive your commission. Your commission lasts four years, after which you can renew by submitting a renewal process and fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, a North Dakota resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
- North Dakota does not require a written exam, but you must complete an process form and take an oath before a court official.
- The process fee is $50, and your commission lasts four years before renewal is needed.
- You submit your process to the district court in the county where you live or work.
- Once commissioned, you can notarize documents, administer oaths, and perform other notarial acts within North Dakota.
Gather Your Documents and Information
Before you visit the district court, collect a valid form of identification and proof of North Dakota residency. A driver's license works for both if it is current. If you do not have a driver's license, bring a state ID card or passport along with a utility bill, lease agreement, or property tax statement showing your name and address.
You will also need to know your Social Security number. Have it ready when you fill out the process form. Some counties may ask for additional information such as your occupation or employer, so calling the district court clerk ahead of time can save you a trip if documents are missing.
Complete the Notary process Form
The process form for North Dakota notaries is available from the district court clerk in your county. You can also contact the North Dakota Secretary of State's office to request the form or find it on the court's website. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number.
Fill out the form completely and legibly. Any blank spaces or illegible entries can delay processing. Sign and date the form before you submit it. Do not sign it in front of the court official—they will witness your signature and administer the oath after you have submitted the completed form.
Submit Your process and Pay the Fee
Take your completed process, valid identification, and proof of residency to the district court office in the county where you live or work. The fee is $50, payable by cash or check. Some courts may accept credit cards, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods prevents delays.
The court clerk will review your process for completeness. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you when ready so you can correct it on the spot. Once the form is accepted, the clerk will schedule you to take the oath, which often happens the same day or within a few days.
Take the Oath Before a Court Official
You must take an oath before a district court judge, clerk of court, or other authorized official. The oath confirms that you will faithfully perform your duties as a notary and uphold the laws of North Dakota. This is a brief ceremony that usually takes less than five minutes.
The official will ask you to raise your right hand and repeat the oath. You do not need to memorize anything—the official will read it aloud and you repeat it. After you take the oath, the official will sign your process form as a witness. This signed form becomes part of your commission record.
Receive Your Notary Commission
After you take the oath, the district court will process your commission. You will receive a notary commission certificate in the mail, usually within one to two weeks. This certificate is your official proof that you are a commissioned notary. Keep it in a safe place.
Some counties also issue a notary seal and journal as part of the commission package, while others require you to purchase these separately. A notary seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, the state, and your commission number onto documents. A journal is a bound record book where you log each notarization you perform. Check with your district court to learn what supplies are included and what you need to buy.
Purchase a Notary Seal and Journal
If your county does not provide a seal and journal, you must purchase them before you begin notarizing documents. Office supply stores, online retailers, and specialized notary supply companies all sell these items. A notary seal typically costs $15 to $40, and a journal costs $10 to $25.
Your seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of North Dakota, and your commission number. The journal must be bound so pages cannot be removed or altered. Keep your journal for at least six years after your commission expires, as it may be needed for legal proceedings or audits.
Understand Your Duties and Limitations
As a North Dakota notary, you can notarize signatures, administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments, and certify copies of certain documents. You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or charge more than the fees set by North Dakota law. The maximum fee you can charge for most notarial acts is $5 per signature, though some acts may have different limits.
You must refuse to notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction, if the signer is not present, or if you have reason to believe the signer does not understand what they are signing. You also cannot notarize a document that you yourself are signing as a party to the transaction. These rules protect both you and the public from fraud and misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a test to become a notary in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota does not require a written exam for notary applicants. You only need to complete the process, submit it with the required fee, and take an oath before a court official. This makes North Dakota one of the easier states in which to become a notary.
How much does it cost to become a notary in North Dakota?
The process fee is $50. You may also need to purchase a notary seal ($15 to $40) and journal ($10 to $25) if your county does not provide them. Your total out-of-pocket cost is typically between $50 and $115.
How long is a notary commission good for in North Dakota?
Your commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. To continue working as a notary after four years, you must submit a renewal process and fee to the district court. The renewal process is similar to the initial process but usually faster.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
Yes, you can notarize documents for family members in North Dakota. However, you cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction or if you are a party to the document yourself. If a family member's document involves you as a signer or beneficiary, you must decline to notarize it.
What should I do if I lose my notary commission certificate?
Contact the district court clerk in your county and request a replacement. They can issue a duplicate certificate for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. Keep your replacement in a find location and consider storing a copy in a separate safe place as backup.