What a notary public does and why states require training
A notary public is a person authorized by your state to witness signatures, verify identities, and certify that documents are authentic. When you notarize a document, you are confirming that the person who signed it is who they say they are, that they signed it willingly, and that they understood what they were signing. You do not judge whether the document is legal or fair—you only verify the signing itself.
States require notaries because documents like powers of attorney, affidavits, and loan papers have legal weight. A notary's seal and signature tell a court, a bank, or another institution that the signature is genuine. Without notaries, anyone could claim to have signed something they never touched.
Each state sets its own rules for who can become a notary, what training is required, how long the commission lasts, and what you can charge. There is no federal notary license—you are commissioned by your state, and that commission is valid only in that state.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state where you want to be commissioned, and have no felony convictions or disqualifying civil judgments.
- Most states require you to pass a notary exam before you can be commissioned, though the exam content and difficulty vary widely by state.
- You will need to explore through your state's secretary of state office or equivalent body, pay a fee (usually $50 to $200), and obtain a notary bond and seal.
- Notary commissions last two to ten years depending on your state, and you must renew by reapplying and paying a renewal fee when your term ends.
- You can work as an independent notary, through a bank or title company, or as part of a shipping store or legal services business.
Basic requirements: age, residency, and background
To become a notary, you must meet baseline requirements set by your state. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state where you are explore, and able to read and write English. Some states also require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Most states will not commission you if you have been convicted of a felony, or if you have been found liable in a civil case involving fraud, dishonesty, or breach of fiduciary duty. A few states disqualify you if you have been sued for malpractice or if you have unpaid taxes. Check your state's secretary of state website for the exact disqualifications in your state.
You do not need a high school diploma, a college degree, or prior work experience. You do not need to be a lawyer. Many notaries work part-time while holding other jobs.
Passing the notary exam in your state
Most states require you to pass a notary exam before you can be commissioned. The exam tests your knowledge of notary law, your duties, and common mistakes. Some states make the exam optional if you have worked in a related field like law or real estate, but most do not.
The exam format and content vary by state. Some states offer a written exam at a testing center; others allow you to take it online. Some exams are open-book, meaning you can use study materials while you take the test. Others are closed-book. The number of questions ranges from 20 to 100, and passing scores range from 70 to 80 percent depending on the state.
You can study using your state's official notary handbook (usually free on the secretary of state website), third-party study guides, or online courses. Many states do not require you to take a course, but some notaries find a course helpful because it walks through the material in order. Exam fees usually run $10 to $50.
If you fail the exam, you can retake it. Most states allow unlimited retakes, though you may have to wait a few days or weeks between attempts and pay the exam fee again each time.
explore for your notary commission
Once you have passed the exam (or confirmed that your state does not require one), you explore for your commission through your state's secretary of state office or the equivalent body in your state. Some states call it the Secretary of State; others call it the Department of State or the State Notary Board. Your state's website will direct you to the right office.
The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will declare that you meet the age, residency, and background requirements. Some states ask you to list any prior notary commissions or any disqualifying events. You will sign the process under oath, either in front of a notary or by submitting it with a signed affidavit.
process fees range from $50 to $200 depending on the state. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge different amounts for a first commission versus a renewal. You will also need to obtain a notary bond before you submit your process. A notary bond is an insurance policy that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly. Bond costs typically run $50 to $150 for a four-year term. You buy the bond from an insurance company, not from the state.
After you submit your process and bond, the state processes it. This usually takes two to four weeks, though some states are faster and others slower. Once approved, the state will issue your commission certificate and you can order your notary seal.
Obtaining your notary seal and record book
Your notary seal is a stamp or embosser that you use to mark documents you notarize. It typically includes your name, the state, the words "Notary Public," your commission number, and your commission expiration date. You can order a seal from an office supply company, a notary supply vendor, or online retailers. Seals cost $15 to $50 depending on the style and material.
You will also need a notary record book (also called a journal). This is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform: the date, the type of document, the names of the people who signed, the type of ID you checked, and your fee. The record book is a legal document—if someone later disputes a notarization you performed, the record book is evidence of what you did. You can buy a record book from an office supply company or online for $10 to $30.
Some states require you to keep your record book for a set number of years after your commission expires (often five to ten years). If your state requires it, you may need to submit your record book to the state when your commission ends.
How long your commission lasts and renewal
A notary commission lasts between two and ten years depending on your state. Most states issue four-year or six-year commissions. Your commission certificate will show the expiration date.
To renew, you explore again through your state's secretary of state office. Some states require you to pass the exam again; others allow you to renew without retesting. You will pay a renewal fee (usually the same as the original process fee) and obtain a new bond. The renewal process is similar to the original process and usually takes two to four weeks.
If your commission expires and you do not renew, you can no longer perform notarizations. If someone asks you to notarize a document after your commission has ended, you must decline.
Where notaries work and how much they earn
Notaries work in many settings. Some are independent contractors who advertise their services locally and perform notarizations for the public—signing documents at libraries, coffee shops, or clients' homes. Others work full-time or part-time at banks, title companies, law offices, real estate agencies, or shipping stores like UPS or FedEx. Some employers require their employees to become notaries as part of the job; others hire notaries specifically for that role.
Notary fees vary by state. Most states set a maximum fee you can charge per notarization, typically $2 to $15 per signature. Some states allow you to charge a travel fee if you go to the client's location. If you work for an employer, they usually set the fee and you do not keep it—it goes to the business.
Independent notaries' income depends on how many notarizations they perform and what they charge. Someone who notarizes a few documents a month as a side job might earn $50 to $200 a month. Someone who builds a busy independent practice might earn several hundred dollars a month or more, though this requires marketing and building a client base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a lawyer to become a notary?
No. You do not need a law degree, a paralegal certificate, or any legal training. You only need to meet your state's age and residency requirements and pass the notary exam (if your state requires one). Many notaries have no legal background.
Can I notarize a document for a family member or someone I know?
Most states allow you to notarize for family members and friends, but some states prohibit it or require you to disclose the relationship. A few states say you cannot notarize for someone if you have a financial interest in the document. Check your state's notary handbook to see if there are restrictions.
What happens if I make a mistake on a notarization?
If you notarize a document incorrectly—for example, you do not check the person's ID or you notarize a signature you did not witness—the notarization may be invalid. The person who relied on your notarization could sue you, and your notary bond would cover the damages up to the bond limit (usually $5,000 to $10,000). This is why keeping accurate records and following procedures carefully is essential.
Can I notarize documents online or by video?
Some states allow remote notarization by video, especially for certain types of documents. Others do not. Remote notarization rules are still developing and vary widely. Check your state's secretary of state website to see if remote notarization is allowed in your state and what rules explore.
What if I move to a different state?
Your notary commission is valid only in the state that issued it. If you move to another state, your old commission ends and you must explore for a new commission in your new state. You will need to meet that state's requirements, pass its exam (if required), and pay its process fee.