Getting a notary license means passing a test, paying a fee, and submitting paperwork to your state

A notary license is not a single national credential. Each state runs its own notary program, sets its own rules, and issues its own commission. You explore to your state's Secretary of State office or equivalent body — not to a federal agency. The basic path is the same everywhere: study the notary law for your state, pass a written test, pay a fee (usually $50 to $200), and submit an process with proof of identity and residency. Some states require you to post a bond or get fingerprinted. The whole process typically takes two to six weeks from process to receiving your commission.

Your state's Secretary of State website lists the exact requirements, test dates, and process forms for your location. If you cannot find it there, call the office directly — they handle notary licensing and can tell you what you need to do and what it costs in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain your notary license from your state's Secretary of State office or equivalent body, not from a national organization.
  • Most states require you to pass a written test on notary law, which covers what notaries can and cannot do, how to handle documents, and when to refuse a request.
  • Fees range from $50 to $200 depending on your state, and some states also require a surety bond ($500 to $15,000) that protects the public if you make a mistake.
  • Your commission is valid for a set period — usually four to ten years — and must be renewed by reapplying and paying another fee when it expires.

What your state requires before you can test

Before you sit for the notary test, your state will ask you to meet basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a resident of the state where you are explore. Some states require you to have lived there for a minimum period — often 30 days to one year. You will need to provide a government-issued ID and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.

A few states also run a background check or ask about criminal history. If you have a felony conviction, some states will deny your process; others allow it depending on how long ago it happened and what the crime was. Your state's Secretary of State office can tell you whether your record will be a barrier. Do not guess — call and ask directly.

How to find and study for your state's notary test

Your state's Secretary of State website will list the test date, location, and what topics it covers. The test is usually a written exam of 30 to 50 questions, taken on a computer or on paper, and you typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass. You get one or two attempts; if you fail, you pay the fee again to retake it.

Study materials vary by state. Some states publish a free study guide or handbook on their website. Others point you to approved test prep vendors — private companies that sell study guides, practice tests, and online courses. These are optional; you can study from the free state handbook alone. If you buy a prep course, expect to pay $20 to $100. The state handbook is always free and covers everything the test will ask.

The process, bond, and fingerprinting process

After you pass the test, you submit an process to your state. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will need to provide a copy of your ID and proof of residency. Some states ask you to list any criminal convictions or civil judgments against you.

Many states require a surety bond before they issue your commission. A surety bond is an insurance product that protects the public if you make a mistake as a notary — for example, if you notarize a document without properly checking the signer's ID. The bond amount is set by your state, usually $500 to $15,000. You buy it from an insurance company or bonding agent, and it costs a small percentage of the bond amount per year, typically $50 to $300 annually. You will need to provide proof of the bond with your process.

Some states also require fingerprinting for a background check. If yours does, the state will tell you where to go — usually a local police station or a fingerprinting service — and you will pay a small fee, often $10 to $50. You submit the fingerprint card with your process.

What happens after you submit your process

Once your process is complete, your state processes it. This usually takes two to six weeks. You will receive your commission by mail — a certificate or card that shows your name, commission number, and the date your commission expires. Keep this in a safe place. You may need to show it to employers or clients as proof that you are a licensed notary.

Some states also maintain a public notary directory online. Your name and commission number may appear there so people can verify that you are licensed. A few states charge a small fee to be listed; most do not.

Renewing your notary license before it expires

Your commission has an expiration date, usually four to ten years from the date it was issued. Before it expires, you must renew it or it becomes invalid. Your state will send you a renewal notice by mail a few months before the expiration date, or you can check your state's Secretary of State website to see when yours expires.

Renewal usually requires you to pay another fee and submit a renewal form. Some states require you to retake the test; others do not. A few states require you to complete continuing education — a short course on updates to notary law. Check your state's requirements when your renewal notice arrives. If you miss the important date, your commission lapses and you must reapply from the beginning, including taking the test again.

Where notaries work and what they earn

Notaries work in banks, law offices, real estate agencies, title companies, and as independent contractors. Some notaries are employees of a business; others work for themselves and charge a fee per notarization. Fees vary by state and by notary. A single notarization typically costs $5 to $25. Many notaries earn notary income as a side job rather than a full-time career, though high-volume notaries in busy areas can make a steady income.

Your notary license does not may provide you work. It is a credential that shows you are trained and authorized to notarize documents. Finding clients or employers is up to you. Some notaries advertise online or through local directories; others rely on referrals or work for an employer that uses notaries regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a notary license in a state where I do not live?

No. You must be a resident of the state where you explore. Most states require you to have lived there for at least 30 days, though some require longer. You cannot hold a notary commission in multiple states at once, though you can move your commission to a new state if you relocate.

What if I fail the notary test?

You can retake it. Most states allow you two attempts per process period. If you fail both times, you pay the process fee again and reapply. There is no limit on how many times you can try, but each attempt costs money and takes time.

Do I need a notary license to notarize documents for family members?

Yes. You must be licensed to notarize any document, regardless of who the signer is. However, many states prohibit you from notarizing a document if you have a financial interest in it or if the signer is a family member. Check your state's rules before you notarize for relatives.

How much does a notary license cost in total?

The process and test fee ranges from $50 to $200 depending on your state. If your state requires a surety bond, add $50 to $300 per year for the bond premium. Fingerprinting, if required, costs $10 to $50. Renewal fees are similar to the initial process fee. Budget $100 to $500 for your first commission, depending on your state and whether a bond is required.

Can I work as a notary while my process is being processed?

No. You can only notarize documents after your commission is issued and you have received your certificate or card. Working as a notary without a license is illegal and can result in fines or criminal charges.