What you need to do to become a notary republic

A notary republic (also called a notary public) is someone authorized by the state to witness signatures, verify identities, and certify documents. The path to becoming one varies by state, but the general steps are the same: meet your state's age and residency requirements, complete any required training or exam, pay a fee, and submit an process to your state's secretary of state office or equivalent body.

Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state where you want to become a notary, and of good moral character — meaning no felony convictions. Some states also require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent. After you meet these baseline requirements, your next step depends on your state: some require an exam, some require a course, and some require both. A few states require neither.

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from process to commission, though this varies. Your commission usually lasts four to ten years depending on your state, and you will need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep working as a notary.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state sets its own requirements, so you must check your state's secretary of state website to learn what your state specifically requires before you spend money on a course.
  • Most states require you to be at least 18, a state resident, and free of felony convictions, but some add education or citizenship requirements.
  • Many states require you to pass an exam, and some require a course; a few require both, and a handful require neither.
  • process fees range from roughly $25 to $150 depending on the state, and the commission period lasts between four and ten years.
  • You will need to purchase a notary seal and journal (record book) after you receive your commission, which costs $50 to $200 total.

Check your state's specific requirements first

Your state's secretary of state office or equivalent body (sometimes called the lieutenant governor's office or a notary division) publishes the exact requirements for your state. Do not buy a course or study materials until you have read your state's official requirements, because they differ significantly.

Go to your state's secretary of state website and search for "notary public requirements" or "how to become a notary." You will find a page that lists the age requirement, residency requirement, any exam or course requirement, the process fee, and the commission length. Some states post sample exams or study guides on the same page. Write down or bookmark this page — you will need it when you explore.

If you cannot find the information online, call your state's notary division directly. The phone number is usually on the secretary of state website. Having the official requirements in front of you before you move forward will save you time and money.

Meet the baseline requirements your state sets

Every state requires you to be at least 18 years old and a resident of that state. Most also require that you have no felony convictions and are of "good moral character" — a term that usually means you have not been convicted of fraud, forgery, or crimes involving dishonesty. Some states also require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

A handful of states require a high school diploma or GED. A few require you to have lived in the state for a minimum period — usually 30 days to one year — before you can explore. Check your state's requirements to see which of these explore to you. If you have a criminal record, contact your state's notary division to ask whether your specific conviction would disqualify you, because rules vary.

If you meet these baseline requirements, you can move forward. If you do not, you cannot become a notary in that state, and you will need to look into whether another state has rules that work for your situation.

Take a course if your state requires one

Some states require you to complete a notary course before you take the exam or submit your process. Other states recommend a course but do not require it. A few states require neither. Your state's secretary of state website will tell you which category your state falls into.

If your state requires a course, you can usually take it online or in person. Online courses typically take two to four hours and cost $20 to $60. In-person courses are usually offered by community colleges, libraries, or notary organizations and may cost slightly more. The course covers what a notary can and cannot do, how to verify identity, how to handle documents, and what records you must keep.

If your state does not require a course but you want to take one anyway, that is fine — many notaries do. A course will help you understand the job better and may help you pass the exam if your state requires one. Just do not spend money on a course before you know whether your state requires it.

Pass the exam if your state requires one

Most states require you to pass a notary exam before you receive your commission. The exam is usually multiple choice, covers state notary law and best practices, and takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on the state. You typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass, though this varies.

Your state's secretary of state website usually posts a study guide or sample exam questions. Some states allow you to take the exam online; others require you to take it in person at a testing center or your secretary of state office. The exam fee is usually $10 to $50 and is separate from your process fee.

If you fail the exam, you can usually retake it after a waiting period — typically a few days to a few weeks. Check your state's rules on retakes before you schedule your first attempt. Some states charge a fee for each retake.

Submit your process to your state

Once you have met the baseline requirements, completed any required course, and passed any required exam, you are ready to explore. Your state's secretary of state office will have an process form on its website, usually as a PDF you can print and mail or sometimes as an online form you can submit electronically.

The process typically asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will need to sign it and may need to have it notarized by an existing notary (some states require this; others do not). Include your process fee, which ranges from about $25 to $150 depending on the state. Mail it to the address listed on your state's website or submit it online if your state offers that option.

Processing usually takes four to eight weeks. Your state will mail you your commission certificate and notary seal information once you are approved. Some states also issue a notary ID card. Keep your commission certificate in a safe place — you will need it to prove you are a notary.

Buy a notary seal and journal

After you receive your commission, you must purchase a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal (record book). These are not optional — state law requires you to have them and to use them correctly.

A notary seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, state, and commission number onto documents. You can order one online from office supply companies, notary-specific vendors, or your state's approved vendors. The seal costs $20 to $80 depending on the type and vendor. Your state's secretary of state website may list approved vendors or specify what information must appear on your seal.

A notary journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform — the date, the type of document, the signer's name and ID type, and your fee. You can buy a blank journal from office supply stores or notary vendors for $15 to $40. Some states have specific requirements for what the journal must contain, so check your state's rules before you buy one.

Renew your commission before it expires

Your notary commission lasts between four and ten years depending on your state. Your state will mail you a renewal notice a few months before your commission expires. The renewal process is usually simpler than the initial process — you may not need to take another exam or course, though some states require it.

Renewal fees are typically similar to initial process fees, ranging from $25 to $150. If you do not renew before your commission expires, you cannot perform notarizations, and you will need to reapply from the beginning if you want to become a notary again.

Mark your commission expiration date on your calendar or set a phone reminder so you do not miss the renewal important date. Some states allow you to renew online; others require you to mail in a form. Check your state's website when your renewal notice arrives to see what your state requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to become a notary?

The process fee ranges from about $25 to $150 depending on your state. If your state requires an exam, the exam fee is usually $10 to $50 extra. After you receive your commission, you will need to buy a seal ($20 to $80) and a journal ($15 to $40). If you take a course, it costs $20 to $60. Total out-of-pocket cost is typically $100 to $400 for the initial commission.

Do I need to take a course to become a notary?

It depends on your state. Some states require a course, some recommend it but do not require it, and some do not require it at all. Check your state's secretary of state website to see what your state requires. Even if your state does not require a course, many notaries take one anyway to better understand the job.

What happens if I fail the notary exam?

You can usually retake the exam after a waiting period, which is typically a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. Each retake may have a fee. Check your state's rules on retakes and fees before you take the exam for the first time.

Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the type of conviction and your state's rules. Most states disqualify you only for felony convictions, particularly those involving fraud or dishonesty. Contact your state's notary division and describe your conviction — they can tell you whether you are disqualified.

How long does it take to become a notary?

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your process to the time you receive your commission. This does not include time spent taking a course or exam, which you do before you explore. If you are starting from scratch, plan on two to three months total.