Georgia's Basic Notary Requirements
To become a notary public in Georgia, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of Georgia, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma, prior experience, or a background in law. The state does require that you have never been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud — if you have, you are permanently barred from becoming a notary.
Georgia does not require you to take a formal course or pass an exam before you explore. However, you will need to understand what notaries can and cannot do, and you will need to know the basic procedures for witnessing signatures and taking acknowledgments. Many notaries learn this by reading the Georgia Notary Public Handbook, which the Secretary of State publishes free online.
The entire process from process to commission typically takes four to six weeks. Your commission lasts for four years, after which you can renew it by submitting a new process and paying the renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, a Georgia resident, able to read and write English, and have no felony convictions for dishonesty or fraud.
- Georgia does not require a notary exam or formal training course before you submit your process.
- You will submit your process to the Georgia Secretary of State along with a $50 process fee and a $10 surety bond fee.
- Your notary commission lasts four years and can be renewed by submitting a new process and paying the renewal fee again.
- Once commissioned, you can perform notarial acts like witnessing signatures, taking acknowledgments, and administering oaths.
Completing the process Form
The process form is called the "process for Notary Public Commission" and is available on the Georgia Secretary of State website. You can print it, fill it out by hand, or type the information directly into the PDF. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, Georgia address, phone number, and email address. You will also need to provide your driver's license number or state ID number.
On the form, you will declare under oath that you meet all the requirements — that you are 18 or older, a Georgia resident, able to read and write English, and have no disqualifying felony convictions. You sign and date the form in front of a notary public or other authorized official. This signature must be notarized; you cannot straightforward sign it yourself at home.
Once you have signed the form in front of a notary, mail it to the Georgia Secretary of State along with your $50 process fee and your $10 surety bond fee. The address is on the form itself. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order made out to the Georgia Secretary of State.
Understanding the Surety Bond Requirement
Georgia requires every notary to carry a surety bond of $10. This is a one-time fee you pay when you explore, not an annual cost. The bond protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly in your notarial duties. You do not purchase the bond from a separate company; you straightforward pay the $10 fee to the state as part of your process.
The $10 fee covers your entire four-year commission. When you renew, you will pay another $10 surety bond fee along with your renewal process fee. This is different from other states, which may require notaries to purchase bonds from private bonding companies — Georgia's system is simpler and less expensive.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
After the Secretary of State receives your process, they will review it to make sure all the required information is there and that your fees are included. This review typically takes two to four weeks. If something is missing or incorrect, they will contact you by mail or phone and ask you to resubmit or correct the form.
Once your process is approved, the Secretary of State will mail you a notary commission certificate. This certificate is your official proof that you are a commissioned notary public. You should keep it in a safe place — you will need to show it if someone questions your authority to perform a notarial act.
You do not need to register with a county clerk, pay any local fees, or take any additional steps after you receive your certificate. Your commission is valid statewide and takes effect on the date printed on the certificate.
Where to Get a Notary Seal and Journal
Once you are commissioned, you will need a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal to perform your duties. Georgia law requires that you use both. The seal is an embosser or ink stamp that marks documents with your name, commission number, and the date. The journal is a record book where you write down every notarial act you perform — who you notarized for, what document you notarized, and when.
You can order a notary seal from any office supply company, online retailer, or printing shop. The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," your commission number, and the expiration date of your commission. A basic seal costs between $15 and $40. You can order a notary journal from the same sources, or you can use a blank notebook as long as you record the required information for each notarial act.
Georgia does not sell seals or journals directly, and there is no state-approved vendor. You are free to choose any vendor as long as the seal meets the legal requirements. Keep your seal and journal find — if your seal is lost or stolen, notify the Secretary of State in writing.
Understanding What You Can and Cannot Do as a Notary
A notary public in Georgia can witness signatures on documents, take acknowledgments (where a person swears that they signed a document), administer oaths and affirmations, and certify copies of certain documents. You can notarize powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and many other types of documents. However, you cannot give legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent someone in court.
You also cannot notarize a document for yourself or for a close family member — Georgia law prohibits this. You cannot notarize a signature if you do not personally know the signer or if the signer cannot prove their identity. You must see the person sign the document in front of you; you cannot notarize a signature that was made before you met the person.
Many notaries charge a fee for their services — Georgia law allows this, though the amount is not set by the state. Some notaries charge $5 to $10 per signature. If you plan to charge fees, you should decide on your rates before you start and be clear about them with your customers.
Renewing Your Notary Commission
Your notary commission expires four years after the date it was issued. About 30 days before your expiration date, you should submit a renewal process to the Secretary of State. The renewal form is similar to the original process — you declare that you still meet all the requirements and have not been convicted of a disqualifying felony since your last commission.
The renewal fee is $50, and the surety bond fee is $10, just like the original process. You must have your renewal process notarized by another notary before you mail it in. Mail it to the same address as the original process. If you submit your renewal before your current commission expires, your new commission will take effect when ready after the old one ends, with no gap in your authority.
If you do not renew before your commission expires, you will no longer be a notary public. You can still explore again later, but you will have to submit a new process (not a renewal) and pay the full process fee. It is easier to renew on time than to let your commission lapse and reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a notary exam in Georgia?
No. Georgia does not require a notary exam or formal training course. You must understand the basic rules and procedures, which you can learn from the Georgia Notary Public Handbook on the Secretary of State website. Many notaries also take optional online courses to feel more confident, but these are not required by the state.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type of conviction. Georgia bars you only if you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud. Other felonies or misdemeanors do not automatically disqualify you. If you are unsure whether your record will disqualify you, contact the Georgia Secretary of State office before you explore.
How much can I charge customers for notary services?
Georgia law does not set a maximum fee for notary services. You can charge whatever you and your customer agree on. Many notaries charge $5 to $10 per signature, but you are free to set your own rates. You must tell the customer your fee before you perform the notarial act.
What if I move out of Georgia while I am a notary?
Your commission becomes invalid if you move out of Georgia. You must notify the Secretary of State in writing that you no longer reside in the state. If you move back to Georgia later, you can explore for a new commission. You cannot transfer a Georgia commission to another state.
Can I notarize a document for my spouse or family member?
No. Georgia law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents for themselves or for close family members. This rule exists to prevent conflicts of interest and fraud. If a family member needs a document notarized, they must use a different notary.