Connecticut Notary Requirements and the process Path
To become a notary public in Connecticut, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a Connecticut resident. You do not need a specific educational background or prior experience—Connecticut has no exam requirement. The process involves submitting an process to the Connecticut Secretary of the State, paying a fee, and taking an oath of office. Most people complete the entire process in two to four weeks.
Connecticut notaries serve a four-year term. You can renew your commission when it expires by submitting a renewal process and fee. Unlike some states, Connecticut does not require continuing education or training courses to become or remain a notary, though many notaries choose to take training voluntarily to understand their duties better.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and live in Connecticut to become a notary.
- Connecticut does not require an exam, background check, or formal training to become a notary public.
- Submit your process directly to the Connecticut Secretary of the State with the required fee and documents.
- Your notary commission lasts four years and can be renewed by submitting a renewal process before expiration.
- Once commissioned, you can perform notarial acts like witnessing signatures and administering oaths anywhere in Connecticut.
Documents and Information You Need to Gather
Before you submit your process, collect the documents the Secretary of the State requires. You will need a completed process form (available on the Secretary of the State website), proof of Connecticut residency, and a government-issued photo ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other document showing your current address dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to provide the name and address of a Connecticut resident who can serve as a reference—someone who knows you personally and can confirm your identity and character. This person does not need to be a notary or have any special qualification; a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member works. The reference will not be contacted unless the Secretary of the State has questions about your process.
Completing and Submitting Your process
read the notary process form from the Connecticut Secretary of the State website or request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, providing your full legal name, date of birth, Connecticut address, phone number, and email address. Write clearly and use black or blue ink if submitting by mail. Double-check that all information matches your government-issued ID.
Include the process fee with your submission. As of the most recent update, the fee for a new notary commission is $50, though you should confirm the current fee on the Secretary of the State website before mailing. Mail your completed process, fee, copies of your ID and proof of residency, and your reference information to the address listed on the process form. Keep a copy for your records.
You can also submit your process in person at the Secretary of the State office in Hartford if you prefer to hand-deliver it. This does not speed up processing but allows you to confirm that all documents are included before you leave.
What Happens After You Submit
After the Secretary of the State receives your process, processing typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a letter confirming receipt of your process. If any information is missing or unclear, the office will contact you by phone or mail and ask you to provide it. Respond promptly to any requests to avoid delays.
Once your process is approved, you will receive a commission certificate by mail. This certificate is your official proof that you are a notary public. You do not need to take a separate oath of office in front of a judge or official—Connecticut allows you to take the oath by signing the certificate itself. Keep your commission certificate in a safe place; you may need to show it to verify your status.
Getting a Notary Seal and Journal
After you receive your commission certificate, you will need to obtain a notary seal and a notary journal. These are not provided by the state and must be purchased separately. A notary seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, the state, and your commission number onto documents. A notary journal is a bound record book where you log each notarial act you perform.
You can order a seal and journal from office supply stores, online retailers, or companies that specialize in notary supplies. When ordering, provide your full name exactly as it appears on your commission certificate, your commission number (found on your certificate), and your Connecticut address. The seal and journal typically arrive within one to two weeks. Connecticut law requires you to keep a journal of all notarial acts, so purchase one before you begin performing notarial duties.
Renewing Your Notary Commission
Your notary commission expires four years from the date it is issued. About 60 days before expiration, you should begin the renewal process. The Secretary of the State will not send you a reminder, so mark your commission expiration date on your calendar. Submit a renewal process with the required fee to the same address where you sent your original process.
Renewal applications are shorter than initial applications and require less documentation. You will need to provide your current commission number, confirm that your information has not changed, and pay the renewal fee. If any of your information has changed—such as your address or name—you must provide updated documentation. Renewing before your commission expires ensures there is no gap in your authority to perform notarial acts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not submit an incomplete process. Missing documents or unsigned forms will delay processing. Before mailing, check that you have included the process form, fee, copies of your ID and proof of residency, and your reference information. If you are unsure about any requirement, contact the Secretary of the State office by phone or email before submitting.
Do not assume your process was received if you do not hear back within a week. Mail can be delayed, and the office may not have received it. If you have not received a confirmation letter within 10 business days, call the Secretary of the State to verify that your process arrived. Keep a copy of your process and a record of when you mailed it so you can provide this information if needed.
Do not order your seal and journal before your commission is approved. While it is tempting to prepare in advance, you need your commission number to order supplies, and that number appears only on your commission certificate. Waiting until after you receive your certificate ensures your seal has the correct information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pass a test to become a notary in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut does not require a written exam, background check, or formal training course to become a notary public. You only need to meet the age and residency requirements and submit a complete process with the required fee and documents.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
Connecticut law does not automatically disqualify people with criminal records from becoming notaries. However, the Secretary of the State reviews each process individually. If you have concerns about your background, contact the Secretary of the State office before submitting your process to discuss your situation.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Connecticut?
The process fee for a new notary commission is $50. You will also need to purchase a notary seal and journal separately, which typically cost between $30 and $80 depending on the style and vendor. Renewal fees are the same as the initial process fee.
Can I work as a notary while my process is being processed?
No. You can only perform notarial acts after you receive your commission certificate from the Secretary of the State. Working as a notary before you are officially commissioned is illegal in Connecticut.
What if I move out of Connecticut after becoming a notary?
Your Connecticut notary commission becomes invalid if you move out of state. If you relocate, you will need to become a notary in your new state. Contact the Secretary of the State in your new state to learn about their requirements and process process.