What You Need to Do to Become a Notary
To become a notary, you must complete an process through your state, pass a written test, and pay a fee. The exact steps and cost vary by state — some states require you to work for a business first, while others let you explore directly. Most states issue notary commissions that last four to six years, after which you renew by repeating the test and paying another fee.
The process typically takes two to eight weeks from process to receiving your commission. You do not need a college degree or prior work experience in most states, but you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to read and write English. Some states also require you to live in the state where you are explore.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's Secretary of State office handles notary applications, not a federal agency, and each state has different rules about age, residency, and background checks.
- You will take a written test covering notary law and document procedures specific to your state, and passing usually requires a score of 70 to 80 percent.
- Notary commission fees range from $20 to $200 depending on your state, and you must renew every four to six years by retaking the test and paying the renewal fee.
- Some states require you to work for a bank, law firm, or other business before you can explore, while others allow independent notaries to work for themselves.
- After you receive your commission, you must purchase a notary seal and journal, which cost $15 to $50 combined, before you can perform notarizations.
Find Your State's Notary process Process
Start by going to your state's Secretary of State website and searching for "notary public" or "notary commission." The Secretary of State office oversees notary licensing in every state. On that page, you will find the process form, the test study guide, the fee amount, and the specific rules for your state.
If you cannot find the information on the Secretary of State site, call their office directly — the phone number is listed on the website. Some states have a dedicated notary division; others handle it through a general licensing section. Write down the fee, the test passing score, and whether your state requires you to work for an employer or allows independent notaries.
Meet the Basic Requirements
Every state requires you to be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to read and write English. Many states also require you to be a resident of that state, though the residency requirement varies — some states require you to live there for 30 days before explore, while others require a year. Check your state's rules on the Secretary of State website.
Some states conduct a background check as part of the process. If you have a felony conviction, you may be disqualified in some states but not others. If you are unsure whether your background will disqualify you, contact the Secretary of State office before you pay the process fee.
Study for and Pass the Notary Test
Your state will provide a study guide that covers notary law, document verification procedures, and the rules specific to your state. The test is usually 30 to 50 questions and covers topics like how to identify signers, when to refuse a notarization, and how to fill out your notary journal. Most states require a score of 70 to 80 percent to pass.
You can study the guide on your own, or take a notary course through a community college, online provider, or your state's notary association. Some states require you to take a course; most do not. The test is usually offered at your county clerk's office, a testing center, or online, depending on your state. Check the Secretary of State website for test dates and locations near you.
If you fail the test, you can usually retake it after a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks. You may have to pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they study the official guide.
Submit Your process and Pay the Fee
Once you have passed the test, submit your process to the Secretary of State office along with the test results, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a government-issued ID. Some states require additional documents, such as a letter from your employer if you work for a business. Check your state's process checklist before you submit.
The process fee ranges from $20 to $200 depending on your state. Some states charge a separate test fee. Pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on what your state accepts. Keep a copy of your process and receipt in case you need to follow up.
Processing usually takes two to eight weeks. Some states send your commission by mail; others let you read it online. Once you receive your commission, you are officially a notary, but you cannot perform notarizations until you purchase a notary seal and journal.
Purchase Your Notary Seal and Journal
A notary seal is a stamp or embosser that imprints your name, state, and commission number onto documents. A notary journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform, including the date, the signer's name and ID type, the document type, and your fee. Both are required by law in most states.
You can buy a notary seal and journal from office supply stores, online retailers, or notary-specific vendors. A seal costs $10 to $30, and a journal costs $5 to $20. Some vendors sell kits with both items for $20 to $50. Make sure the seal includes your state name and commission number — the vendor will ask for this information when you order.
Once you have your seal and journal, you are ready to perform notarizations. Keep your journal in a safe place and bring it with you whenever you notarize documents. At the end of your commission term, keep the journal for at least five years in case there is a dispute about a notarization you performed.
Renew Your Notary Commission Before It Expires
Notary commissions expire every four to six years, depending on your state. Your commission letter will show the expiration date. To renew, you must submit a renewal process to the Secretary of State, retake the test, and pay the renewal fee. The renewal process is the same as the initial process.
Start the renewal process at least two months before your commission expires. If your commission expires and you have not renewed, you cannot perform notarizations until you do. Some states allow you to renew online; others require you to mail in a paper process. Check your state's Secretary of State website for renewal important date and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to work for a bank or law firm to become a notary?
It depends on your state. Some states require you to be employed by a bank, law firm, government agency, or other business. Other states allow independent notaries who work for themselves. Check your state's rules on the Secretary of State website before you explore.
How much does it cost to become a notary?
The total cost ranges from $40 to $300, depending on your state. This includes the process fee ($20 to $200), the test fee (if separate), and the notary seal and journal ($20 to $50). Some states charge less; others 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 the type of conviction and your state's rules. Some states disqualify people with felony convictions; others do not. Contact your state's Secretary of State office before you explore if you have a criminal record. They can tell you whether you are disqualified.
How long does it take to get a notary commission?
From the time you submit your process to the time you receive your commission usually takes two to eight weeks. Some states are faster; others are slower. You can perform notarizations only after you receive your official commission letter and purchase your seal and journal.
What happens if I fail the notary test?
You can retake the test after a waiting period, which varies by state. Most states allow you to retake it within a few days to a few weeks. You may have to pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they study the official study guide provided by your state.