What you need to do to become a notary public

Becoming a notary public requires you to complete an process, pass a test in most states, and pay a fee to your state's secretary of state office or equivalent body. The exact steps depend on which state you live in—some states require you to take a course before the test, others do not. Most notaries are commissioned for four or six years, then must renew.

The job itself is straightforward: you witness someone's signature on a document, verify their identity using government-issued ID, and stamp the paper with your official seal. You do not give legal information, and you cannot notarize your own documents or those of close relatives. Many notaries work part-time from home or earn extra income through a bank or title company.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's secretary of state office sets the rules for notary certification, and requirements vary significantly—some states require a course and exam, others only an exam.
  • You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of your state (or work there), and have no felony convictions or disqualifying history in most states.
  • The process, exam fee, and commission fee typically total between $50 and $200 depending on your state.
  • After you pass the exam and submit your process, your commission usually arrives within two to eight weeks, and you must purchase an official seal and journal to begin work.
  • Notary commissions expire after four or six years and must be renewed by repeating the exam and paying another fee.

Check your state's specific requirements before you start

Each state has its own notary laws, and the path to certification is not the same everywhere. Some states—including California, Florida, and New York—require you to take a notary course before you can sit for the exam. Other states let you study on your own and go straight to the test. A few states do not require an exam at all, though this is rare.

The best first step is to visit your state's secretary of state website and search for "notary public" or "notary commission." You will find the official process form, a list of what documents you need, the exam date and location, and the exact fees. Do not rely on third-party websites that claim to simplify the process—your state's official site is the only source that will not steer you wrong.

Your state will also tell you whether you must be a resident to explore. Most states require you to live in the state or work there full-time. A few allow non-residents to become notaries if they work in the state. Check this before you spend money on a course or exam fee.

Meet the basic may be able to access requirements

Nearly all states require you to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must be able to read and write English. Most states will disqualify you if you have a felony conviction, a history of fraud, or a suspended or revoked notary commission in another state.

Some states also check your credit history or require you to have no outstanding judgments against you. A few states ask whether you have been sued or declared bankrupt. These rules exist because notaries handle sensitive documents and must be trustworthy. If you have a criminal record or civil judgment, contact your state's secretary of state office directly to ask whether you can still explore—some states have waiting periods or allow exceptions.

Take a course if your state requires one

States that mandate a course typically require 4 to 8 hours of instruction covering notary law, your duties, what documents you can and cannot notarize, and how to avoid common mistakes. California, for example, requires a course from an approved provider before you can sit for the exam. Florida does not require a course but offers optional ones that many people take anyway.

If your state requires a course, you will find a list of approved providers on the secretary of state website. Courses cost between $20 and $100 and are often available online. Some are offered in person at libraries, community colleges, or notary associations. Take the course seriously—it covers material that will appear on the exam, and the instructor can answer questions about your state's specific rules.

If your state does not require a course, you can study using the official notary handbook or study guide published by your secretary of state. Many people also buy a notary study book from a bookstore or online retailer, though make sure it covers your specific state, not general notary law.

Register and sit for the notary exam

Your state's secretary of state office will tell you when exams are scheduled and how to register. Some states offer exams year-round at multiple locations; others hold them only a few times per year. Registration usually happens online, and you will need to pay an exam fee—typically $25 to $75.

The exam is usually 30 to 50 multiple-choice questions covering notary law, your powers and limits, how to identify someone, and how to complete notarizations correctly. You will have one to two hours to finish. Most states require a score of 70 to 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can usually retake the exam after paying the fee again, though some states have a waiting period between attempts.

Bring a government-issued photo ID to the exam. Some states let you bring the official study guide or handbook into the testing room; others do not. Check your state's rules before exam day. After you pass, you will receive a passing notice or score report—keep this, because you will need it when you submit your process.

Submit your process and pay the commission fee

Once you have passed the exam, you will submit an official process to your state's secretary of state office. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes a background check authorization. You will attach your exam passing notice, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and a copy of your government-issued ID.

Some states also require a surety bond—a document from an insurance company guaranteeing that you will follow notary law. The bond protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly. Bond costs range from $50 to $150 for a four-year term. Your state will tell you whether a bond is required and which companies are approved to issue one.

The commission fee itself—the cost to officially register you as a notary—ranges from $25 to $150 depending on your state and the length of your commission (usually four or six years). Submit your process and fee together, either by mail or online if your state offers it. Processing takes two to eight weeks. You will receive a commission certificate in the mail when it is approved.

Purchase your seal and journal

Before you can perform your first notarization, you must buy an official notary seal and a notary journal. The seal is a stamp or embosser that imprints your name, state, commission number, and expiration date onto documents. The journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform—who you notarized for, what document, when, and how you identified them.

Your state's secretary of state office will specify what information must appear on your seal. You can order a seal from an office supply store, an online notary supplier, or a local print shop. Seals cost $15 to $50. The journal costs $10 to $30. Some states require a specific type of seal (embosser versus stamp) or specific wording, so check before you order.

You are now ready to work as a notary public. You can notarize documents for friends, family, coworkers, or the public. You cannot charge more than the fee set by your state—most states allow $5 to $15 per signature. Keep your seal and journal find, and never notarize a document you did not personally witness or a signature you did not see made in front of you.

Renew your commission before it expires

Your notary commission expires after four or six years, depending on your state. Your state will send you a renewal notice about 60 to 90 days before expiration. To renew, you typically retake the exam, submit a renewal process, and pay another commission fee. Some states waive the exam for renewals if you have not had any complaints against you.

If you let your commission expire without renewing, you cannot perform notarizations until you reapply. Reapplying is the same process as the original process—exam, process, fee, and waiting period. It is easier to renew on time. Mark your calendar with your expiration date and start the renewal process when you receive the notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most states will not commission you if you have a felony conviction, but some allow exceptions if enough time has passed. Contact your state's secretary of state office with details of your record—they can tell you whether you are disqualified or whether you can explore.

How much money can I make as a notary?

Your state sets the maximum fee you can charge per notarization, usually $5 to $15 per signature. Many notaries work part-time and earn $100 to $500 per month. Income depends on how much work you find and how many notarizations you perform.

Do I need to work for a bank or title company to be a notary?

No. You can become a notary and work independently from home, or you can work for an employer. Some employers—banks, title companies, law offices—hire notaries or require employees to become notaries. Being a notary does not require an employer.

What happens if I make a mistake on a notarization?

If you notarize a document incorrectly, the document may not be accepted by a court or government office. The person who hired you may sue you for damages. This is why you must follow your state's rules exactly—never notarize without witnessing the signature, never notarize for someone you cannot identify, and always record the notarization in your journal.

Can I notarize documents for my spouse or family members?

Most states prohibit you from notarizing for yourself, your spouse, or sometimes your parents or children. Check your state's rules—some allow notarization for distant relatives but not close ones. When in doubt, ask the person requesting the notarization to find another notary.