Getting a notary license requires passing a state exam, paying a fee, and submitting an process to your secretary of state's office
A notary public license is issued by your state, not the federal government, so the exact steps and costs depend on where you live. Most states require you to pass a written exam, pay a filing fee (usually $50 to $200), and submit an process with proof of residency and a clean background. Some states also require you to take a course before the exam; others do not. The whole process typically takes two to six weeks from process to receiving your commission certificate.
You do not need a law degree or prior experience to become a notary. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state where you are explore, and able to read and write English. A few states require you to be a U.S. citizen; most do not. Criminal convictions can disqualify you, but the rules vary by state.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's secretary of state office handles notary licensing, and the process process differs by state — check your state's official website first.
- Most states require a written exam covering notary law and duties; some require a course beforehand, and some allow you to study on your own.
- Fees range from $50 to $200 depending on your state, and your commission typically lasts four or six years before renewal.
- You will need to provide proof of residency, pass a background check, and sometimes get fingerprinted, depending on your state's rules.
- Once commissioned, you can notarize documents for the public, but you cannot notarize documents for yourself or people you have a financial interest in.
Find your state's notary requirements and process
Start by going to your state's secretary of state website and searching for "notary public" or "notary commission." The secretary of state's office oversees notary licensing in all 50 states. Their website will list the exam requirements, the process form, the fee, and whether you need to take a course first.
Some states post sample exam questions or study guides online; others do not. A few states allow you to take the exam online; most require you to test in person at a designated location. The secretary of state's website will tell you where and when exams are offered in your area.
Take a notary course if your state requires one
About half of U.S. states require a notary course before you can sit for the exam. The course covers notary law, your duties and limitations, how to identify signers, and how to complete notarial certificates correctly. If your state requires a course, the secretary of state's website will list approved providers.
Courses are usually offered online or in person and cost $20 to $100. They typically take two to eight hours to complete. If your state does not require a course, you can still take one to prepare for the exam — many notaries do, even when it is optional.
Study for and pass the notary exam
The exam is a written test covering notary law specific to your state. Most exams have 20 to 50 questions and are multiple choice. You usually need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass, depending on your state. The exam focuses on what you can and cannot do as a notary, how to verify identity, and how to complete notarial acts correctly.
If your state does not require a course, you can study using the secretary of state's study guide, sample questions, or a notary handbook. Many states post these materials free on their website. If you fail the exam, you can usually retake it after paying a small retake fee ($10 to $25).
Submit your process and pay the fee
After you pass the exam, submit your process to the secretary of state along with the filing fee. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will need to provide proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or government ID with your current address usually works.
The fee ranges from $50 to $200 depending on your state. Some states charge a separate exam fee ($10 to $50) on top of the process fee. Payment is usually by check or credit card. The secretary of state will tell you on their website whether to mail the process or submit it online.
Complete a background check and fingerprinting if required
Some states require a background check or fingerprinting before you receive your commission. If your state does, the secretary of state will send you instructions after you submit your process. Fingerprinting is usually done at a local police station or a third-party vendor, and there is a small fee ($10 to $50). A background check looks for felony convictions and sometimes misdemeanors; minor traffic violations do not disqualify you.
If you have a criminal record, contact the secretary of state before you explore to ask whether it will disqualify you. Rules vary widely by state — some states deny commissions for any felony, while others only deny them for crimes involving dishonesty or fraud.
Receive your commission certificate and take the oath
Once the secretary of state approves your process, you will receive a commission certificate by mail. Some states require you to take an oath of office before you can start notarizing documents. The oath is usually administered by a judge, clerk of court, or notary public, and it is free or costs a few dollars. Your state's website will tell you where to take the oath and whether it is required.
Your commission is valid for four or six years depending on your state. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep notarizing. Renewal is usually simpler than the initial process — you may not need to retake the exam, though some states require it.
Understand what you can and cannot do as a notary
Once you are commissioned, you can notarize signatures on documents, administer oaths, and certify copies of documents. You cannot notarize a document for yourself, a family member, or anyone you have a financial interest in. You cannot give legal information or prepare legal documents — that is the job of a lawyer. You cannot notarize a signature if you do not personally know the signer or if they cannot prove their identity.
You must keep a notary journal (a record of every notarization you perform) and charge only the fee your state allows — usually $2 to $15 per notarial act. Some notaries work for banks, law firms, or title companies; others work independently and charge customers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary?
The total cost is usually $50 to $300, depending on your state. This includes the process fee ($50 to $200), the exam fee (if separate), and sometimes a course fee ($20 to $100). A few states charge less; a few charge more. Check your state's secretary of state website for the exact fees.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
It depends on your state and the type of conviction. Most states deny commissions for felonies, especially crimes involving dishonesty or fraud. Misdemeanors and traffic violations usually do not disqualify you. Contact your state's secretary of state office before you explore if you have a record — they can tell you whether you are may be able to access.
Do I need to take a notary course?
Only if your state requires it. About half of states do; the other half do not. Even if your state does not require a course, taking one can help you pass the exam and understand your duties better. Check your state's secretary of state website to see whether a course is mandatory.
How long does it take to get a notary license?
The process usually takes two to six weeks from the time you submit your process. This includes time for the secretary of state to review your process, run a background check, and mail your commission certificate. If you need to retake the exam or provide additional documents, it may take longer.
Can I notarize documents for my spouse or business partner?
No. You cannot notarize a document for yourself, a family member, or anyone you have a financial interest in. This rule exists to prevent fraud and conflicts of interest. If you need a document notarized, you must ask another notary to do it.