What You Need to Do to Become a Notary Public
Becoming a notary public requires you to complete an process with your state, pass a written test in most states, and pay a fee. The exact steps depend on which state you live in—some states require a training course before you test, others do not. Once approved, you receive a commission that lasts between four and ten years depending on your state, then you renew it by repeating the process.
You do not need a college degree, a specific job, or prior experience to become a notary. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to read and write English. Most states also require you to have no felony convictions and to live in the state where you are explore, though a few allow out-of-state applicants.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's Secretary of State office handles notary applications, and you can find the exact form and fee on their website.
- Most states require you to pass a written test covering notary law and procedures, though a few states skip the test if you complete an approved course.
- The entire process from process to commission typically takes two to eight weeks, depending on how quickly your state processes paperwork.
- After you are commissioned, you must purchase a notary seal and journal, which are not provided by the state and cost between $20 and $100 total.
- Your commission expires on a set date—usually four to ten years after you receive it—and you must renew it before that date if you want to continue working as a notary.
Find Your State's process and Requirements
Start by visiting your state's Secretary of State website and searching for "notary public" or "notary process." Each state posts its own form, fee amount, and specific rules. Write down the fee, the test date (if your state schedules them), and whether your state requires a course before you test.
Some states—including California, Florida, and New York—require you to complete a state-approved training course before you can take the test. Other states, such as Texas and Ohio, let you test without a course. A few states, including Louisiana and South Carolina, do not require a test at all if you complete an approved course. Check your state's rules before you spend money on a course, because taking one when it is not required wastes time and money.
If your state requires residency, confirm that your address on your driver's license or state ID matches your process address. Some states allow you to use a work address if you do not have a home address in that state, but this varies. Call your Secretary of State's notary office if the rule is unclear.
Complete a Training Course If Your State Requires One
States that mandate a course typically require it to cover notary law, the duties and limitations of a notary, how to complete notarial acts correctly, and common mistakes to avoid. The course can be taken online or in person, and most take between four and eight hours to complete. Your state's Secretary of State website lists approved providers.
After you finish the course, you receive a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate—you will need to submit it with your process. Some states allow you to take the course and test on the same day; others require you to wait a few days between completion and testing.
If your state does not require a course, you can skip this step and move straight to the test. However, many notaries choose to take a course anyway to learn the job properly before they start working. Online courses cost between $20 and $100 and can be completed in one or two evenings.
Pass the Notary Public Test
The test covers notary law specific to your state, the types of notarial acts you can perform, how to complete documents correctly, and what disqualifies you from notarizing something. Most tests have 30 to 50 multiple-choice questions and take 60 to 90 minutes. You typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass, depending on your state.
Your state's Secretary of State office schedules test dates at various locations, usually in the county seat or major cities. Some states offer tests monthly; others offer them less frequently. Check the website for the next available date and register in advance, as some locations fill up. A few states now offer online proctored tests that you can take from home.
If you fail the test, you can retake it. Most states let you test again after a waiting period of one to two weeks. There is usually an additional fee for each retake. Study materials are available free on your state's Secretary of State website, and many notary course providers include practice tests.
Submit Your process and Pay the Fee
Once you have passed the test (and completed a course if required), submit the process form to your state's Secretary of State office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, citizenship status, and criminal history. You will also need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease, and a copy of your government-issued ID.
Include your test score report and course completion certificate if applicable. Mail the process with a check or money order for the process fee, which ranges from $10 to $100 depending on your state. Some states now accept online applications and credit card payments through their website.
Processing times vary. Some states respond within two weeks; others take six to eight weeks. You can usually check the status of your process on the Secretary of State website by entering your name or process number. Do not purchase your notary seal or journal until your process is approved, because you need your commission number to order them.
Receive Your Commission and Order Your Seal and Journal
When your process is approved, your state mails you a commission certificate. This certificate shows your name, commission number, and the expiration date. Keep this in a safe place—you will need the commission number to order your notary seal and journal.
A notary seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, commission number, and state onto documents. A notary journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform, including the date, the document type, the signer's name, and how you verified their identity. Both are required by law in most states.
Order your seal and journal from an office supply company, an online notary supplier, or a local print shop. Seals cost $15 to $50, and journals cost $10 to $30. Some suppliers sell kits that include both. Make sure the seal includes your name, state, and commission number—the supplier will ask for these details when you order.
Renew Your Commission Before It Expires
Your notary commission expires on a specific date, usually four to ten years after you receive it. Your commission certificate shows the expiration date. About two to three months before it expires, your state's Secretary of State office may send you a renewal notice, but do not rely on receiving one—it is your responsibility to renew on time.
To renew, visit your state's Secretary of State website and read the renewal process. The process is similar to the initial process: you fill out the form, pay a renewal fee (usually the same as the original fee), and submit it by mail or online. Some states require you to retake the test when you renew; most do not. Check your state's rules.
If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot perform notarizations until you receive a new commission. Renewing early—even six months before expiration—prevents this gap. If you miss the important date, you may have to reapply from the beginning, including retaking the test and paying the full process fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a background check to become a notary?
Most states run a background check as part of the process process, looking for felony convictions and sometimes misdemeanors. You will be asked to disclose any criminal history on your process. A single felony conviction usually disqualifies you; misdemeanors may or may not, depending on the crime and your state's rules.
Can I become a notary if I do not live in the state where I want to work?
Most states require you to be a resident to become a notary. A few states allow non-residents to explore if they work in that state or have a business address there. Check your state's residency rule on the Secretary of State website before you explore.
How much does it cost to become a notary?
The total cost ranges from $50 to $300, depending on your state and whether you take a course. The process fee is $10 to $100, a training course costs $20 to $100 if required, and your seal and journal cost $25 to $80. Some states charge less; others charge more.
Can I work as a notary from home?
Yes, many notaries work independently from home or meet clients at coffee shops or libraries. You do not need an office or a business license to notarize documents. However, some notaries work for banks, law firms, or title companies, which may have different requirements.
What happens if I move to a different state after I become a notary?
Your notary commission is only valid in the state that issued it. If you move, you must explore for a new commission in your new state. You cannot transfer your commission or use it to notarize documents in another state.