What you need to do to become a notary
To become a notary public, you must complete your state's process process, which typically involves passing a written exam, paying a fee, and submitting fingerprints for a background check. The exact steps and costs vary by state — some states charge $50 and require only an process, while others charge $200 or more and mandate formal training courses. Most states issue notary commissions for four or six years, after which you renew by repeating parts of the process.
You do not need a high school diploma or prior experience to become a notary in most states. The main requirements are that you be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state where you are explore, and have no felony convictions. Some states add requirements like being able to read and write English or holding a clean driving record.
Key Takeaways
- Every state sets its own notary rules, so you must follow the process for the state where you live or work, not a federal process.
- Most states require you to pass a written exam covering notary duties, document verification, and fraud prevention before you receive your commission.
- You will need to submit fingerprints and consent to a background check, which typically costs $15 to $50 depending on your state.
- After you receive your commission, you must purchase a notary seal and journal, which together cost roughly $50 to $150, and renew your commission every four to six years.
State-by-state exam and training requirements
Most states require you to pass a written exam before you can become a notary. The exam covers the notary's legal duties, how to verify a signer's identity, what documents you can and cannot notarize, and how to spot fraud. States like California, Florida, and New York all require this exam. A few states, including some that allow online notaries, may waive the exam if you complete an approved training course instead.
The exam format and passing score differ by state. Some states offer the exam at a testing center on a scheduled date; others let you take it online. Passing scores typically range from 70 to 80 percent. You can usually retake the exam if you fail, though some states charge a fee for each attempt. Check your state's Secretary of State website or notary board to find the exam schedule, study materials, and the exact passing score.
A handful of states do not require an exam at all. These include states like Maine and Vermont, which have simpler notary programs. However, even in these states, you still must submit an process, pay a fee, and pass a background check.
process, fees, and background check process
After you pass the exam (or confirm your state does not require one), you submit an process to your state's Secretary of State office or notary board. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will also need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease, and consent to a background check.
The background check involves submitting your fingerprints, usually through a local law enforcement agency or a fingerprinting service. The state runs these prints against criminal databases to confirm you have no felony convictions. This step typically costs $15 to $50 and takes one to three weeks. Some states allow you to submit digital fingerprints online; others require you to visit a location in person.
process and commission fees vary widely. States like Louisiana charge around $50 total, while California charges roughly $40 for the process plus exam fees. New York charges approximately $60 for the process and $10 for the exam. A few states charge $200 or more. Check your state's official notary page to confirm the exact fee before you explore, since prices change and some states offer discounts for certain groups.
Getting your notary seal and journal
Once your commission is approved, you must purchase a notary seal and a notary journal before you can perform notarizations. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, state, and commission number onto documents. The journal is a bound book where you record details of every notarization you perform — the signer's name, the date, the document type, and your fee.
You can order a seal and journal from office supply stores, online retailers, or specialized notary suppliers. A basic seal costs $20 to $40, and a journal costs $15 to $30. Some retailers sell them as a bundle for $40 to $60. Your state may have specific requirements for the seal's format or the journal's layout, so check your commission paperwork before ordering.
You are responsible for keeping your seal find and your journal safe. If your seal is lost or stolen, you must notify your state and may need to order a replacement. Your journal is a legal record and must be kept for the duration of your commission, and sometimes longer depending on state law.
Renewing your notary commission
Notary commissions expire after four or six years, depending on your state. To renew, you typically submit a renewal process to your Secretary of State office and pay a renewal fee, which is usually the same as the original process fee. Some states require you to pass the exam again; others let you renew by process only.
You should begin the renewal process two to three months before your commission expires. If your commission lapses, you cannot perform notarizations until you renew it. Some states allow a grace period of a few weeks after expiration; others do not. Check your commission letter or your state's notary board website for the exact expiration date and renewal important date.
Online notary requirements in states that allow them
A growing number of states now allow remote online notarizations, where you notarize documents for signers who appear on video rather than in person. If you want to offer this service, you typically must meet additional requirements beyond the standard notary commission. These may include completing an online notary training course, using approved video conferencing software, and maintaining a digital record of the notarization.
States that allow online notaries include Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia, among others. The rules for who can perform online notarizations, what documents may have access to, and how to store digital records vary by state. If you are interested in becoming an online notary, check your state's Secretary of State website for the specific steps and any additional fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a notary training course, or is the exam enough?
Most states require either an exam or a training course, not both. If your state requires an exam, you do not need a separate course unless you want extra preparation. Some states offer approved courses that can waive the exam requirement. Check your state's notary board to see which path is available to you.
What happens if I fail the notary exam?
You can retake the exam, usually after waiting a set period like one week or 30 days. Some states charge a fee for each exam attempt, while others let you retake it free. Your state's notary board will tell you how many times you can retake it and whether there is a cost.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
Most states disqualify you only if you have a felony conviction. Misdemeanors, traffic violations, and other minor offenses typically do not prevent you from becoming a notary. Contact your state's Secretary of State office if you have questions about your specific record.
How much money can I make as a notary?
Notaries charge per document or per signature, and the fee varies by state and client. Typical fees range from $5 to $25 per notarization. Many notaries work part-time or offer notary services as an add-on to another business rather than as their sole income.
What is the difference between a notary public and a notary signing agent?
A notary public is the basic commission that lets you verify signatures and administer oaths. A notary signing agent is a notary who has completed additional training to specialize in real estate closings and loan documents. You must be a notary public first before you can become a signing agent.