What you need to do to become a notary

To become a notary public, you must meet your state's age and residency requirements, pass a written test, and submit an process to your state's secretary of state office or equivalent body. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state where you want to work. Some states also require you to have a clean criminal record. The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from process to receiving your commission.

The specific steps and costs vary significantly by state. Some states charge $50 to $150 for the process and commission, while others charge more. A few states require you to take a formal course before the test; most do not. You will need to decide whether to study on your own using study guides, take a prep course, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state sets its own notary requirements, so you must check your secretary of state's website for the exact rules where you live.
  • You will need to pass a written test that covers notary law, proper procedures, and ethical rules specific to your state.
  • After passing the test and submitting your process, you typically receive your commission within four to eight weeks.
  • Most notaries must purchase a notary seal and journal with their own money, which costs $30 to $100 total.
  • Your commission lasts a set number of years (usually four or six) and must be renewed by taking the test again.

Check your state's specific requirements first

Your state's secretary of state office controls notary rules, not a federal agency. Go to your state's secretary of state website and search for "notary public" or "become a notary." You will find a page that lists age requirements, residency rules, whether you need a course, the test format, the process fee, and the commission term length.

Some states require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; others do not. Some require you to live in the state for a minimum period before you can explore. A few states require you to work for a bank, law firm, or other organization to become a notary; most do not. Reading your state's actual requirements takes 10 minutes and prevents you from wasting time on steps you do not need.

Study for and pass the written test

Nearly every state requires a written test. The test covers your state's notary laws, the proper way to perform notarizations, what documents you can and cannot notarize, and ethical rules. Most tests are 50 to 100 questions and take one to two hours. You typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass, depending on the state.

Your state's secretary of state office provides a study guide or handbook free on their website. Read it thoroughly—the test draws directly from it. Some people study on their own for a few weeks; others take a paid prep course offered by notary organizations or online education sites. A prep course costs $20 to $50 and is optional unless your state requires it. If you fail the test, you can retake it, usually after paying the test fee again.

Submit your process and pay the fee

After passing the test, you submit an process to your secretary of state office. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease. Some states require you to include fingerprints for a background check.

The process fee ranges from $50 to $150 depending on your state. Some states allow you to explore online; others require you to mail a paper form. Check your state's website for the current fee and submission method, as these change. Once you submit, the office reviews your process and background check, which takes four to eight weeks.

Purchase your notary seal and journal

Before you can perform notarizations, you must buy a notary seal and a notary journal. The seal is a 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 date, the document type, the signer's name, and their ID number.

You can order both online from office supply companies or notary-specific vendors. A seal costs $15 to $40, and a journal costs $15 to $30. Some states have specific rules about what the seal must look like or what information the journal must contain, so check your state's requirements before ordering. You do not need to buy these until after your commission arrives, but many notaries order them in advance so they are ready to use when ready.

Renew your commission before it expires

Your notary commission lasts a set number of years—usually four or six, depending on your state. Your secretary of state office will send you a renewal notice a few months before your commission expires. To renew, you typically take the test again, submit a renewal process, and pay a renewal fee similar to the original fee.

Some states allow you to renew online; others require a paper process. If you miss the renewal important date, your commission expires and you can no longer perform notarizations. You can reapply after expiration, but it is simpler to renew on time. Mark your commission expiration date on your calendar and start the renewal process when you receive the notice.

Understand what notaries can and cannot do

A notary public verifies the identity of a signer, watches them sign a document, and confirms that they signed it willingly and without pressure. You stamp the document with your seal and sign it yourself. You do not give legal information, interpret documents, or decide whether a document is valid. If someone asks you to do any of those things, you must decline.

You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are related to the signer, or if the signer is not physically present in front of you. Some states allow remote notarization using video, but the rules are strict and vary by state. Understanding these limits protects you and the people who use your services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?

Most states allow notaries with criminal records, but some disqualify people with felonies or crimes involving fraud or dishonesty. Check your state's rules on its secretary of state website. If you are unsure whether your record disqualifies you, contact the office directly before paying the process fee.

Do I need to take a notary course?

Most states do not require a course—you can study the state handbook on your own and take the test. A few states require a course before you test. Check your state's requirements. Even if a course is not required, some people take one to feel more confident before the test.

How much money can I make as a notary?

Notaries charge per notarization, and fees are set by state law. Most states allow $5 to $15 per signature. Many notaries work part-time or as a side service while employed elsewhere. Income depends on how many notarizations you perform, which varies widely by location and whether you advertise your services.

What if I move to a different state?

Your notary commission is valid only in the state that issued it. If you move, your old commission expires and you must become a notary in your new state by following that state's process. Some people maintain commissions in multiple states if they work across state lines, but each state charges its own fee and requires its own test.

Can I notarize documents for family members?

No. Most states prohibit you from notarizing documents for relatives, spouses, or anyone you live with. This rule exists to prevent conflicts of interest. If a family member needs a notarization, they must use a different notary.