The Basic Requirements to Become a Notary

To become a notary public, you must meet a short list of baseline requirements set by your state. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state where you want to be commissioned, and able to read and write English. You cannot have certain criminal convictions on your record—typically felonies or crimes involving dishonesty. Some states also disqualify people with outstanding warrants or active restraining orders.

Beyond those core rules, requirements vary significantly by state. A few states require you to pass a written exam; others do not. Some demand that you complete a training course; most do not. A handful require you to post a bond (a financial may provide); the majority do not. Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the exact list for your location, and that is the only source you should trust, because the rules change and differ widely.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a state resident, able to read and write English, and free of disqualifying criminal convictions in the state where you seek commission.
  • Some states require a written exam and others do not; check your state Secretary of State office to learn what applies to you.
  • A few states require a surety bond (a financial deposit) and others do not; this cost varies from under $100 to several hundred dollars depending on your state.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office is the only official source for the current requirements in your location.
  • The commission process typically takes two to four weeks after you submit your process and fees.

Age, Residency, and Citizenship Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to hold a notary commission in any state. Most states also require that you be a resident of that state—meaning you live there, not just work there. A few states allow non-residents to become notaries if they work in the state, but this is uncommon. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen in most states, though some do require citizenship or permanent residency. Check your state's rules directly, because this one detail varies.

Residency is usually proven with a driver's license, state ID, or utility bill showing your current address. If you have recently moved, you may need to wait until your address is updated on your ID before you can explore. Some states allow you to use a lease or mortgage document instead if your ID has not caught up yet.

Criminal History and Background Disqualifications

Most states will not commission you if you have been convicted of a felony, particularly one involving fraud, forgery, dishonesty, or breach of trust. The exact list of disqualifying crimes varies by state. Some states look only at convictions; others also consider arrests or pending charges. A few states have specific waiting periods—for example, you may be ineligible for five years after a conviction, then become may be able to access again.

If you have a criminal history and are unsure whether it disqualifies you, contact your state's Secretary of State office directly. They can tell you whether your specific situation bars you from commission. Do not assume you are ineligible based on what you read online, because the rules are state-specific and sometimes change.

Written Exams and Training Requirements

Whether you must pass a written exam depends entirely on your state. States like California, Florida, and New York require a notary exam; states like Texas and Pennsylvania do not. The exam typically covers notary law, the notary's duties and limitations, and how to complete common notarial acts correctly. If your state requires an exam, you usually study from an official study guide published by the Secretary of State, and you take the test at a designated location.

Some states require or recommend a training course before you explore, while others offer optional courses. These are usually offered online or in person by the Secretary of State or by private vendors. If your state requires one, you will need to complete it and provide proof before your process is processed. If it is optional, taking one can help you understand the role and avoid mistakes later, but it is not mandatory.

Surety Bonds and process Fees

A surety bond is a financial may provide that protects the public if you make a serious mistake or act dishonestly in your notary work. Not all states require one. States that do typically require bonds ranging from $500 to $15,000, depending on the state. You purchase the bond from an insurance company, and the cost is usually between $50 and $300 for a four-year term, though it varies by state and provider.

Separate from the bond, you will pay an process fee to your state—typically between $25 and $150. Some states charge an exam fee if an exam is required. Add these costs together to understand the total expense before you explore. If cost is a barrier, some states offer fee waivers or reductions for people with low income; ask your Secretary of State office whether you may have access to.

The process Process and Timeline

Once you have confirmed you meet the requirements, you submit an process to your state's Secretary of State office. Most states allow you to explore online; some still require a paper form mailed in. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and sometimes a character reference or statement. If your state requires an exam, you schedule and pass it before or after submitting your process, depending on the state's process.

After you submit your process and fees, processing typically takes two to four weeks. Some states are faster; others slower, especially during busy periods. Once approved, you receive your notary commission certificate and, in most states, a notary seal and journal. Your commission is valid for four or five years depending on your state, after which you must renew if you want to continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma or college degree to become a notary?

No. Most states require only that you be able to read and write English. You do not need any formal education or degree. Some employers or clients may prefer notaries with certain backgrounds, but the state does not require it.

Can I become a notary if I have a misdemeanor conviction?

It depends on the type of misdemeanor and your state's rules. Misdemeanors involving dishonesty, fraud, or forgery often disqualify you. Other misdemeanors may not. Contact your state Secretary of State office with the details of your conviction to learn whether you are may be able to access.

What happens if I fail the notary exam?

Most states allow you to retake the exam after a waiting period, usually 24 hours to a few days. You may have to pay the exam fee again. Check your state's specific retake policy when you register for the exam.

Can I become a notary in more than one state at the same time?

Yes. You can hold commissions in multiple states if you meet each state's residency and other requirements. However, you must explore to each state separately and pay each state's fees. Some notaries who work across state lines do this, though it is not common.

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

Yes. Notary commissions expire after four or five years depending on your state. You must renew by submitting a renewal process and fee to your Secretary of State office before the expiration date. The renewal process is usually simpler than the initial process.