What you need to do to become a notary in your state

Becoming a notary requires you to pass a test, pay a fee, and get commissioned by your state — the exact steps depend on where you live. Most states require you to be at least 18, a resident or work in the state, have a clean background, and pass a written exam on notary law. After you pass, you explore for a commission, which typically lasts four to ten years and costs between $50 and $300 depending on your state.

The process usually takes four to eight weeks from the time you register for the exam to the time your commission arrives in the mail. Some states let you take the exam online; others require you to test in person at a specific location. A few states skip the exam entirely if you are a lawyer or already hold certain professional licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's secretary of state office sets the rules for notary commissions, and requirements vary significantly by state — check your state's website before you spend money on study materials.
  • Most states require you to pass a written exam on notary duties, fraud prevention, and state law, though a few waive the exam for lawyers or other licensed professionals.
  • You will need to pay exam fees, commission fees, and the cost of a notary seal and journal, which together typically run $150 to $400 total.
  • After you receive your commission, you must renew it every four to ten years and may need to complete continuing education or pay renewal fees.

Find your state's notary requirements

Each state's secretary of state office publishes the rules for becoming a notary. Go to your state's secretary of state website and search for "notary public" or "become a notary." The page will tell you the exam format, the fee, residency rules, and whether your state offers online testing.

Some states have a single exam provider; others let you choose from multiple vendors. A few states, including Florida and Texas, allow you to take the exam through an online testing service without visiting a physical location. Other states require you to test at a specific courthouse or office during set hours.

If you cannot find clear instructions on your state's website, call the secretary of state's office directly. They can tell you the current exam fee, where to register, and whether any exemptions explore to you.

Study the notary exam and register

The exam covers your state's notary law, your duties as a notary, how to prevent fraud, and how to complete notarial acts correctly. Most exams are 50 to 100 multiple-choice questions and take one to three hours. You typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass, depending on your state.

Study materials are usually free or low-cost. Your state's secretary of state office often publishes a study guide or handbook online. Some states sell printed study guides for $10 to $20. Private test prep companies also sell study guides and practice exams, though these are optional — the free state materials are usually sufficient.

Register for the exam through the vendor your state uses. If your state allows online testing, you can usually register and test within days. If you must test in person, you may need to wait for the next available test date at your location, which could be weeks away.

Pass the exam and explore for your commission

After you pass the exam, you receive a passing score report. Most states then require you to submit a commission process to the secretary of state, along with the exam score, a fee (usually $50 to $150), and sometimes a background check authorization form.

Some states process applications within two weeks; others take four to six weeks. You can usually check the status of your process on the secretary of state's website. Once approved, your commission is mailed to you. The commission is a certificate that proves you are authorized to perform notarial acts in your state.

A few states require you to take an oath of office in front of a judge or notary before your commission becomes active. Your state's instructions will tell you if this step applies to you.

Get a notary seal and journal

Once you receive your commission, you must purchase a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that prints your name, state, and commission number on documents. The journal is a bound book where you record details of every notarization you perform.

Notary seals cost $15 to $50 and can be ordered online from office supply companies or notary-specific vendors. Your state may have rules about the seal's size, shape, or what information it must contain — check your state's requirements before ordering.

Notary journals cost $10 to $30 and are available from office supply stores or online. Some states require a specific journal format; others let you use any bound book with numbered pages. The journal must have columns for the date, the type of notarial act, the document name, the signer's name and ID type, and your signature.

Understand your duties and limitations

A notary's job is to verify that a person signing a document is who they claim to be, that they are signing willingly, and that they understand what they are signing. You do this by checking a government-issued ID, asking the signer questions, and watching them sign the document in your presence.

You cannot give legal information, draft documents, or tell someone what a document means. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are related to the signer, or if the signer is not present in front of you. Breaking these rules can result in fines, loss of your commission, or civil liability if someone is harmed.

Many notaries work part-time or as a side service to their main job. Some work for banks, law offices, or title companies. Others operate as independent notaries and charge a fee per notarization, which is typically $5 to $15 per signature.

Renew your commission before it expires

Notary commissions expire after four to ten years, depending on your state. Your state will mail you a renewal notice a few months before your commission expires. To renew, you usually pay a renewal fee (similar to the original commission fee) and submit the form to the secretary of state.

Some states require you to take a refresher exam or complete continuing education hours before you can renew. Others let you renew by mail or online without retesting. Check your state's renewal rules well before your commission expires — if it lapses, you cannot perform notarial acts until you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a law degree or special background to become a notary?

No. Most states require only that you be at least 18, a resident or work in the state, and pass a written exam on notary law. A few states waive the exam for lawyers or other licensed professionals, but a law degree is not required to become a notary.

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

It depends on your state and the type of conviction. Most states conduct a background check and may deny a commission if you have felonies or crimes involving fraud or dishonesty. Contact your state's secretary of state office to ask whether your specific record would disqualify you.

How much can I charge for a notarization?

Your state sets a maximum fee per notarial act, usually between $5 and $15 per signature. Some states allow you to charge travel fees if you go to the signer's location. Check your state's fee schedule on the secretary of state's website.

Can I notarize documents for family members or people I know?

No. Most states prohibit you from notarizing a document if you are related to the signer, if you have a financial interest in the document, or if you have a close personal relationship with the signer. You must be impartial and have no stake in the outcome.

What happens if I make a mistake on a notarization?

If you notarize a document incorrectly or improperly, you can be sued, fined, or lose your commission. Your notary journal is a record of your work, so keep it accurate and complete. If you make a mistake, do not try to fix it — document the error in your journal and inform the person who asked for the notarization.