What You Need to Do to Become a Notary

To become a public notary, you must meet your state's age and residency requirements, pass a notary exam, 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 state resident, and of good moral character. The process typically takes four to eight weeks from process to commission, though timing varies by state.

You do not need a law degree or prior experience. Many notaries work part-time or as a side service within another job—banks, real estate offices, and law firms often employ notaries. Some states let you work independently as a mobile notary, traveling to clients' homes or offices to witness signatures and seal documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state sets its own notary requirements, so you must check your secretary of state's website for the specific rules where you live or plan to work.
  • Most states require passing a written exam that covers notary law, document types, and proper procedures—study materials are usually provided by the state or available for purchase.
  • You will need to submit an process, pay a fee (typically $50 to $200), and often provide a surety bond or errors-and-omissions insurance before your commission is issued.
  • Your notary commission lasts a set term—usually four or six years—and must be renewed by reapplying and passing the exam again when it expires.

Check Your State's Specific Requirements

Notary rules differ significantly from state to state. Some states require a surety bond (a financial may provide that you will perform your duties correctly); others do not. Some states mandate formal training or a course; others only require you to study on your own and pass the exam. A few states let you become a notary at 17 if you are employed; most require 18.

Start by visiting your state's secretary of state website and searching for "notary public" or "become a notary." You will find the official process, exam details, fee amounts, and any bonding or insurance requirements. If your state has a notary handbook, read it—it is the same material the exam covers. Some states post sample exam questions online so you know what to expect.

If you cannot find clear information on the website, call your secretary of state's notary division directly. They can tell you the current exam schedule, whether you need a bond, and how long the process takes in your state right now.

Study for and Pass the Notary Exam

Most states require a written exam covering notary law, document authentication, and proper procedures. The exam is usually multiple-choice and takes 30 minutes to two hours. You do not need to memorize every detail—the goal is to show you understand when a notary can and cannot act, how to verify a signer's identity, and what makes a notarization valid.

Study materials typically include your state's notary handbook (free from the secretary of state), sample questions, and practice tests. Some states offer online study guides or videos. Private companies also sell notary exam prep courses, but they are not required—the free state materials are sufficient. Plan to spend 10 to 20 hours studying, spread over two to four weeks.

Exam passing scores vary by state, usually between 70 and 80 percent. You can often retake the exam if you do not pass, though some states charge a fee for each attempt. Schedule your exam through your secretary of state's office—many states now offer online proctored exams you can take from home.

Complete Your process and Pay Fees

Once you pass the exam, submit your process to your secretary of state. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will declare that you are a state resident, at least 18 years old, and of good moral character. Some states ask whether you have been convicted of a felony or disciplined in a professional license.

process fees range from $50 to $200 depending on your state and the length of your commission term. Some states also require a surety bond—typically $10,000 in value—which costs $50 to $150 per year. A surety bond is insurance that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly. Other states require errors-and-omissions insurance instead, which covers similar ground. A few states require neither.

Submit your process by mail or online, along with the fee and any bond or insurance documents. Keep copies of everything you send. Processing usually takes four to eight weeks, but some states are faster. You will receive your notary commission by mail once approved.

Obtain a Notary Seal and Journal

After you receive your commission, you must purchase a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal. These are not provided by the state—you buy them from office supply stores, online retailers, or specialized notary suppliers.

A notary seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, state, and commission number onto documents. Most states require a seal; a few do not. Seals cost $15 to $50 depending on the type. An embosser (which raises the impression) is more durable than a rubber stamp but costs more.

A notary journal is a bound record book where you log every notarization you perform—the date, the document type, the signer's name, the ID they showed you, and your fee. Most states require you to keep a journal and make it available for inspection. Journals cost $10 to $30. Some notaries use electronic journals instead, which your state may or may not allow—check your handbook.

Renew Your Commission Before It Expires

Your notary commission lasts a set term—four years in most states, six in others. Before your commission expires, you must renew it by submitting a renewal process, paying a renewal fee, and passing the exam again. Some states waive the exam for renewals if you have maintained a clean record, but most require you to retake it.

Your secretary of state will send you a renewal notice a few months before your expiration date. Do not wait until the last minute—processing takes several weeks. If your commission lapses, you cannot perform notarizations until you renew. If you let it lapse for a long time, you may have to reapply from scratch rather than straightforward renewing.

Keep your notary seal and journal even after your commission expires. You may need them if someone questions a notarization you performed years earlier. Some states require you to store old journals for a set period or turn them over to the secretary of state.

Understand What You Can and Cannot Do as a Notary

A notary's job is to verify that a person signing a document is who they say they are, and that they are signing of their own free will. You do not give legal information, draft documents, or interpret contracts. You do not decide whether a document is valid or whether a signer should sign it. Your role is purely to witness and certify the signature.

You cannot notarize a document you have a financial interest in, a document you signed yourself, or a signature you did not personally watch happen. You cannot notarize for a family member in most states. You must verify the signer's identity using a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You cannot notarize a signature based on someone else's word that the person is who they claim to be.

Violating these rules can result in your commission being revoked, fines, or civil liability if someone is harmed by your mistake. Your notary handbook spells out the rules for your state in detail. Read it carefully and refer back to it whenever you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a law degree or legal experience to become a notary?

No. Notaries do not need any legal background. You only need to pass your state's exam, which covers notary procedures and law. Many notaries have no legal training at all.

Can I work as a notary full-time or do I have to work part-time?

You can work full-time as a notary if you want. Some notaries are self-employed and travel to clients' homes or offices (called mobile notaries). Others work for banks, law firms, or real estate offices. Your commission allows you to work however you choose, as long as you follow your state's rules.

What happens if I make a mistake as a notary?

Mistakes can result in civil lawsuits against you if someone is harmed. This is why many notaries carry errors-and-omissions insurance, and why some states require a surety bond. If you violate notary law repeatedly, your commission can be revoked and you may face fines.

How much can I charge for a notarization?

Most states set a maximum fee you can charge per notarization—typically $2 to $15 per signature. Some states do not set a limit. Check your state's handbook for the exact amount. You cannot charge more than the state allows, even if the client offers to pay extra.

Can I notarize documents from other states or countries?

You can notarize documents that will be used in other states or countries, as long as the document itself is not illegal in your state. Your notary seal and signature are recognized nationwide and internationally. However, some countries have their own notary systems and may not recognize U.S. notaries—the person using the document should check with the receiving country first.