What Connecticut Requires to Become a Notary
To become a notary public in Connecticut, 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, a specific job, or prior experience. Connecticut does not require you to pass an exam before you receive your commission, though the Secretary of the State's office will review your process for completeness and accuracy.
The state issues notary commissions for a four-year term. You can renew your commission before it expires, and you can hold a commission while working in any profession — notary work is often a side responsibility rather than a full-time job. Connecticut allows you to notarize documents anywhere in the state once commissioned, not just in your home county.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut requires you to be at least 18, a state resident, and able to read and write English, but does not require an exam or specific education.
- You submit your process to the Connecticut Secretary of the State, pay a $50 fee, and receive your commission by mail within several weeks.
- Your commission lasts four years and allows you to notarize documents anywhere in Connecticut.
- You must obtain a notary seal and journal before you perform your first notarization, and you are responsible for keeping detailed records of every document you notarize.
How to Submit Your process to the Secretary of the State
You explore directly to the Connecticut Secretary of the State's office using the official Notary Public process form. The form asks for your full legal name, current address, date of birth, and signature. You must certify that you meet the age and residency requirements and that you can read and write English. The form also asks whether you have ever been convicted of a felony — Connecticut law does not automatically bar felons from becoming notaries, but the Secretary of the State reviews each case.
Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $50 to the Secretary of the State's office in Hartford. Include a copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to verify your identity. The office does not accept applications in person, by email, or by phone. Processing typically takes three to six weeks from the date the office receives your process.
You can find the process form on the Connecticut Secretary of the State website under the Notary Public section. The form is a single page and takes about five minutes to complete. Double-check that your signature on the form matches the signature you plan to use as a notary, because you will use that same signature on all notarizations.
Getting Your Notary Seal and Journal
Once you receive your commission certificate in the mail, you must obtain a notary seal and a notary journal before you notarize your first document. Connecticut law requires both. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, the words "Notary Public," and the state name onto documents. The journal is a bound book where you record details about every notarization you perform.
You can purchase a notary seal from office supply stores, online retailers, or companies that specialize in notary supplies. The seal typically costs between $15 and $40. When you order, you will provide your full name as it appears on your commission certificate, your commission number (printed on your certificate), and your commission expiration date. Some vendors print these details directly into the seal; others require you to specify them.
The journal is also available from office supply stores and online. A standard notary journal costs $10 to $25 and has numbered pages with columns for the date, the type of document, the signer's name and address, the signer's ID type, and your signature. You must keep the journal for at least five years after your commission expires, because Connecticut law allows the Secretary of the State to inspect your records at any time.
Understanding Your Duties and Restrictions as a Notary
As a notary, your job is to verify the identity of the person signing a document and to confirm that they are signing of their own free will. You do not interpret documents, give legal information, or decide whether a document is valid. You straightforward witness the signature and certify that you saw the person sign it.
Connecticut law prohibits you from notarizing a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction, if you are related to the signer by blood or marriage, or if the signer is not physically present in front of you. You cannot notarize a document for yourself. You must ask the signer to show you a government-issued photo ID before you notarize, and you must record the ID type and number in your journal. If the signer does not have an ID, Connecticut allows you to use a credible witness — someone who knows the signer and can vouch for their identity — but you must record this in your journal and the witness must sign the journal as well.
You are liable for notarizations you perform incorrectly or outside the law. Connecticut does not require notaries to carry errors and omissions insurance, but many notaries purchase it to protect themselves. The cost is typically $100 to $200 per year.
Renewing Your Commission Before It Expires
Your notary commission expires four years from the date it is issued. The Secretary of the State does not send renewal reminders, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date. You can renew your commission up to 90 days before it expires by submitting a renewal process and paying a $50 fee.
The renewal process is similar to the initial process. You complete the renewal form, certify that you still meet the requirements, and mail it with your fee to the Secretary of the State. Processing takes three to six weeks. If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot notarize documents until you receive a new commission. Notarizations performed after your commission has expired are invalid, and you may face penalties.
What Happens After Your Commission Arrives
When the Secretary of the State approves your process, you will receive a commission certificate by mail. The certificate shows your name, commission number, the date your commission was issued, and the date it expires. Keep this certificate in a safe place — you may need to show it to employers or clients as proof of your status.
You do not need to register your seal with the state or file it anywhere. However, some employers or organizations may ask to see your seal or a sample impression of it before they hire you or ask you to notarize documents. Once you have your seal and journal, you can begin notarizing documents when ready.
Connecticut requires you to maintain a record of every notarization in your journal, even if the document is never used or the transaction falls through. This record protects you if a question arises later about whether you notarized a particular document or how you performed the notarization. The journal is a legal document and may be subpoenaed in court.
Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Denied
The Secretary of the State may request additional information if your process is incomplete or unclear. Common issues include a missing signature, a signature that does not match your ID, an illegible address, or a missing fee. If the office needs more information, they will contact you by mail. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
Connecticut law does not automatically disqualify applicants with felony convictions, but the Secretary of the State reviews each case individually. If you have a felony conviction, include a brief written explanation with your process. The office will review your case and notify you of the decision. Misdemeanor convictions do not typically affect your process.
Applications are rarely denied outright. Most delays are caused by incomplete forms or missing documents. Before you mail your process, verify that you have signed the form, included a copy of your ID, and enclosed the $50 fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a class or pass a test to become a notary in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut does not require a class, exam, or training course. You only need to meet the age, residency, and English-language requirements and submit your process with the fee. Some notaries choose to take a class to learn best practices, but it is not required by law.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
Connecticut does not automatically disqualify applicants with criminal records. The Secretary of the State reviews each case individually. If you have a felony or misdemeanor conviction, include a written explanation with your process. The office will notify you of the decision.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Connecticut?
The process fee is $50. You will also need to purchase a notary seal ($15 to $40) and a notary journal ($10 to $25). Total startup cost is typically $75 to $115. Renewal every four years costs $50.
Can I notarize documents outside of Connecticut?
No. Your Connecticut notary commission is valid only in Connecticut. If you move out of state, your commission becomes invalid. If you move back to Connecticut, you can renew your commission if it has not expired, or explore for a new one if it has.
What should I charge for notarizations?
Connecticut law does not set a maximum fee for notary services. You can charge what you believe is fair, though many notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some employers hire notaries as employees and do not charge customers for notarizations. Check with your employer or local market rates to decide what to charge.