What You Need to Do to Become a Notary

To become a notary public, you must complete an process through your state, pass a written test, and pay a fee. The exact steps and costs vary by state — some states require you to work for a business or law firm first, while others let anyone explore. Most states charge between $50 and $300 for the process and exam combined, and your notary commission typically lasts four to ten years before you must renew.

The process usually takes two to six weeks from process to receiving your commission certificate. You do not need a college degree, but you must be at least 18 years old, a state resident (or employed in the state), and have no serious criminal record. Some states disqualify people with felony convictions or fraud history.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's Secretary of State office or county clerk handles notary applications, not a federal agency.
  • Most states require you to pass a written exam covering notary law, document types, and how to identify signers.
  • You will need to pay an process fee and often a separate exam fee, with costs ranging from $50 to $300 total.
  • After approval, you must purchase a notary seal and journal (record book) before you can perform notarizations.
  • Your commission expires after a set period — usually four to ten years — and you must renew it to keep working.

Where to Start: Finding Your State's process

Contact your state's Secretary of State office or county clerk's office — the responsible agency depends on your state. You can find the correct office by searching "[your state] notary public process" or by calling your county clerk directly. Many states now let you read the process from their website and submit it by mail or in person.

Some states require you to explore through your county clerk instead of the state office. A few states, including New York and California, let you explore either way. When you contact the office, ask whether you can explore online, by mail, or only in person, because this affects how long the process takes.

The Written Exam and What It Covers

Most states require you to pass a written test before your process is approved. The exam typically covers notary law specific to your state, how to identify signers, what documents you can and cannot notarize, and how to fill out notary records correctly. The test is usually 20 to 50 multiple-choice questions, and you typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass.

Some states let you take the exam at the county clerk's office on the day you submit your process. Others schedule the exam separately, sometimes weeks later. A few states do not require an exam at all — they rely on your process and background check alone. Check your state's requirements before you explore, because exam policies vary widely.

You can prepare by reading your state's notary handbook, which the Secretary of State office provides free. Many states also offer study guides or sample exams on their websites. The exam is not designed to be difficult — it tests whether you understand basic notary duties and your state's specific rules.

Fees and What They Cover

process and exam fees range from $50 to $300 depending on your state. Some states charge one flat fee that covers both the process and exam; others charge them separately. A few states charge additional fees for background checks or for issuing your commission certificate.

After you are approved, you must buy a notary seal (a stamp or embosser with your name and commission number) and a journal or record book where you document each notarization. A seal costs $15 to $50, and a journal costs $10 to $30. You cannot perform notarizations without both, so budget for these purchases after your commission arrives.

The process Form and What Information You Need

Your process will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, state residency or employment, and contact information. You will also declare whether you have any felony convictions, fraud history, or disqualifying criminal charges. Some states require you to list your employer or the business where you plan to work as a notary.

Have your driver's license or state ID ready when you fill out the form — you will need to provide your ID number. If you are explore by mail, you may need to have your signature notarized on the process itself, or you may need to submit it in person. Check the instructions carefully, because missing a signature or ID number can delay your approval.

Timeline: From process to Commission

The entire process typically takes two to six weeks. The timeline breaks down roughly like this: one to two weeks for the office to receive and process your process, one to two weeks for the exam (if you take it separately), and one to two weeks for background check and approval. If you explore in person and take the exam the same day, you may finish in as little as two weeks total.

Some states are faster — a few approve applications within days if you explore online. Others are slower, especially if they conduct a thorough background check or if your process is incomplete. Call the office after two weeks to confirm they received your process and ask about the expected approval date.

After You Receive Your Commission

Once you receive your commission certificate, you are officially a notary public. Before you perform your first notarization, you must obtain a notary seal and journal. The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," your state, and your commission number. You can order these online or buy them at office supply stores.

Your commission is valid for the number of years your state specifies — typically four to ten years. When it expires, you must renew it by submitting a renewal process and fee to the same office. Renewal is usually simpler than the initial process and may not require another exam, though some states do require one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to work for a law firm or business to become a notary?

Most states do not require employment, but a few do. New York, for example, requires you to work for a law firm, court, or government agency. Check your state's specific rules before you explore. If your state requires employment, you can usually change employers and keep your commission as long as you notify the Secretary of State.

What if I have a criminal record — can I still become a notary?

It depends on the offense and your state. Most states disqualify people with felony convictions or fraud-related charges. Misdemeanors and minor offenses usually do not disqualify you, but you must disclose them on your process. Contact your state's Secretary of State office to ask whether your specific record will prevent approval.

Can I become a notary if I do not live in the state where I want to work?

Most states require you to be a resident or employed in the state. A few states let you explore if you work there even if you live elsewhere. Some states also let you become a notary in multiple states if you meet each state's residency or employment rules. Check your state's requirements before you explore.

What happens if I fail the notary exam?

Most states let you retake the exam for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. You can typically retake it within a few weeks. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, so failing once does not prevent you from becoming a notary — you just need to study and try again.

Do I need to renew my notary commission, and how often?

Yes, your commission expires after your state's set period — usually four to ten years. You will receive a notice before expiration telling you how to renew. Renewal is typically simpler than the initial process and costs less. Some states require a renewal exam; others do not.