What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in Iowa
To become a notary public in Iowa, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Iowa, and able to read and write English. You then complete a notary process through the Iowa Secretary of State's office, pay a fee, take an oath before a district court clerk or another authorized official, and receive your commission. The whole process typically takes a few weeks once you submit your paperwork.
Iowa does not require you to pass an exam or complete formal training before becoming a notary. However, you are responsible for understanding notary law and your duties once you receive your commission. Many notaries read the Secretary of State's notary handbook or take optional online courses to learn the rules, but these are not mandatory.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, an Iowa resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
- Submit a notary process to the Iowa Secretary of State along with the required fee and supporting documents.
- Take an oath before a district court clerk or other authorized official before your commission becomes valid.
- Your notary commission lasts four years and can be renewed by submitting a new process and fee.
- Iowa does not require an exam, but you are responsible for learning notary laws and keeping current on rule changes.
Meet the Basic Requirements
Iowa's requirements to become a notary are straightforward. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Iowa, and able to read and write English. You cannot have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud. If you meet these conditions, you are may be able to access to explore.
Residency means you live in Iowa, not that you were born there or have family there. If you move out of state, your commission ends. If you move to Iowa from another state where you were already a notary, you still must explore through Iowa's process — your previous commission does not transfer.
Complete and Submit the process
The Iowa Secretary of State's office provides a notary process form on its website. You fill in your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. You will also declare that you meet the may be able to access requirements and that you understand your duties as a notary.
Mail or deliver the completed process to the Iowa Secretary of State, along with the process fee. As of the most recent update, the fee is $50 for a four-year commission, but you should confirm the current amount on the Secretary of State's website before submitting. Include a check or money order made payable to the Iowa Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State's office will review your process. If everything is in order, they will send you a notice telling you where and when to take your oath. This usually happens within two to three weeks, though processing times can vary.
Take Your Oath Before an Authorized Official
Before your commission becomes official, you must take an oath. In Iowa, you can take this oath before a district court clerk, a judge, a notary public, or certain other officials. The oath confirms that you understand your responsibilities and will perform your duties honestly and lawfully.
Contact your local district court clerk's office to find out when and where you can take the oath. Many clerks' offices have set times for oath-taking, or they may accommodate you by appointment. Bring the notice from the Secretary of State's office that tells you to take the oath. The clerk will administer the oath, sign and date the document, and return it to you or send it to the Secretary of State.
Once the Secretary of State receives proof that you took the oath, your commission is official. You will receive your notary commission certificate in the mail. This certificate is your proof that you are a commissioned notary public in Iowa.
Understand Your Duties and Limitations
As a notary public, your main job is to witness signatures and verify that the person signing a document is who they claim to be. You check their government-issued photo ID, watch them sign the document in front of you, and then sign and stamp the document yourself. You may also administer oaths and take affidavits.
Iowa law sets strict limits on what you can do. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are a party to the transaction, or if you are related to anyone involved. You cannot notarize a signature that you did not personally witness. You cannot give legal information or help someone fill out legal documents — that is the job of a lawyer.
You are required to keep a notary journal or record book. In this book, you write down details about each document you notarize: the date, the type of document, the name and ID of the person who signed it, and the fee you charged. This record protects you if a question ever comes up about a notarization you performed.
Renew Your Commission Every Four Years
Your notary commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. Before it expires, you can renew it by submitting a new process and fee to the Iowa Secretary of State. The renewal process is the same as the initial process — you fill out the form, pay the fee, and take a new oath.
The Secretary of State's office will send you a reminder before your commission expires, but it is your responsibility to keep track of the expiration date. If your commission expires and you do not renew it, you can no longer notarize documents. If someone asks you to notarize something after your commission has ended, you must decline.
If you move out of Iowa or no longer want to be a notary, you can resign your commission by notifying the Secretary of State in writing. You should also return or destroy your notary seal and journal to prevent misuse.
Get a Notary Seal and Journal
Once you receive your commission, you will need a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a journal. The seal is an official mark that you press onto documents to show that you notarized them. The journal is where you record the details of each notarization.
You can order a notary seal from office supply companies, online retailers, or local printing shops. The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of Iowa, and your commission expiration date. The cost is usually between $15 and $40, depending on the type and quality.
Your journal can be a bound book or a loose-leaf binder — Iowa does not require a specific format. What matters is that you keep a clear, permanent record of each notarization. Some notaries use a straightforward notebook; others buy a pre-printed notary journal. The journal is a legal document, so keep it safe and do not throw it away after your commission expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a test to become a notary in Iowa?
No. Iowa does not require a written exam. You only need to meet the age, residency, and character requirements, submit an process, and take an oath. However, learning notary law on your own is your responsibility, and many notaries study the Secretary of State's handbook or take online courses to understand the rules.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Iowa?
The process fee is $50 for a four-year commission. You may also spend $15 to $40 on a notary seal and the cost of a journal, depending on where you buy them. Renewal every four years costs the same $50 fee.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
No. Iowa law prohibits you from notarizing a document if you are related to anyone involved in the transaction or if you have a financial interest in it. You also cannot notarize a signature you did not personally witness. If a family member needs a document notarized, they must find a different notary.
What happens if I move out of Iowa?
Your notary commission ends when you move out of state. You cannot notarize documents in Iowa or any other state using an Iowa commission. If you move to another state, you must explore for a notary commission in that state if you want to continue working as a notary.
How do I renew my notary commission?
Before your commission expires, submit a new process and the renewal fee to the Iowa Secretary of State. You will take a new oath and receive a new commission certificate. The Secretary of State usually sends a reminder before your expiration date, but you are responsible for keeping track of when your commission ends.