How to Become a Notary: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Amber Gist
Feb 14, 2024
6 min read

Becoming a notary is a popular choice for those looking to add a valuable skill to their resume or start their own business. Notaries are independent contractors who handle mortgage signings, notarize trust documents, and perform other tasks. The role of a notary brings credibility and service to the state or territory that issues its commission.

In this guide, we'll address the frequently asked questions about becoming a notary. However, it's important to note that each state follows its own set of procedures.

See the steps to become a Notary for easy reference, or download the file for printing.

Notary Requirements:

To become a Notary, you must meet certain requirements, which vary by state. However, the general steps include:

Being 18 years old or older
Being a legal resident of your state
Having no criminal convictions or felonies
Complete the required education or training
Obtain a bond and insurance
Submit an application approved by the state and pay the fees
Receive your commission and purchase your supplies

Eligibility:

The eligibility requirements typically include being at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the state in which you intend to practice. Additionally, many states have strict criteria concerning criminal convictions or felonies, and a clean criminal record is generally a prerequisite for eligibility. These requirements help ensure that notaries possess the maturity, legal capacity, and familiarity with the state's laws and regulations to fulfill their duties effectively.

Education and Training Requirements:

Some states require individuals to complete state-approved notary training courses before they can apply for a notary commission. These courses typically cover topics such as notary laws, ethics, responsibilities, and best practices. The duration and cost of these training courses vary by state.

See the full list of education and exam requirements by state.

To become a notary, some states require applicants to complete education or training courses, as well as exams. Here's a breakdown of education and exam requirements by state:

Alabama: Not required.
Alaska: Not required.
Arkansas: Not required.
Arizona: Not required. However, the state offers free online and in-person training to help you understand the duties of a notary public.
California: Education AND exam required. New notaries must complete a 6-hour course, while renewing notaries need a 3-hour course. Renewing applicants must complete the 6-hour course if their commission expires.
Colorado: Education AND exam required. New applicants must complete a training course and pass the State of Colorado’s online Notary Exam. Renewing applicants only need to complete the course and exam if their commission has been expired for more than 30 days.
Connecticut: Exam required. The Secretary of State’s office administers the written exam.
Delaware: Not required.
District of Columbia: Orientation required. It ensures applicants understand notarial rules and regulations.
Florida: Education course required for new notaries. It's a 3-hour state-approved course available online or in the classroom.
Georgia: Not required.
Hawaii: Exam required. It's a closed-book exam, and applicants can sign up on the Secretary of State’s website.
Idaho: Not required.
Illinois: Not required.
Indiana: Not required.
Iowa: Not required.
Kansas: Not required.
Kentucky: Not required.
Louisiana: Exam required, except for attorneys licensed in Louisiana. Pre-assessment instructions and exam sign-up details are on the Secretary of State’s website.
Maine: Exam required. It's included in the application for commission or renewal, available on the Secretary of State’s site.
Maryland: Not required.
Massachusetts: Not required.
Michigan: Not required.
Minnesota: Not required.
Mississippi: Not required.
Missouri: Education course required for all notaries. It's a 3-hour, state-approved course, accessible online through NPU.
Montana: Education required. A free online training course is offered by the Secretary of State.
Nebraska: Exam required for new notaries. It's a written, take-home test from the Secretary of State.
Nevada: Education required for new notaries. Renewing notaries must take the course if their commission expired over a year ago or if they've had violations in the past four years. Instructions are on the Secretary of State’s site.
New Hampshire: Not required.
New Jersey: Not required.
New Mexico: Not required. The Secretary of State provides a Basic Training Video for knowledge.
New York: Exam required. It's a written, in-person test, with details on the Secretary of State’s site.
North Carolina: Education AND exam required for new notaries. Renewing notaries and state bar licensees are exempt from the education course. The exam requires an 80% or better to pass, with instructions on the Secretary of State’s site.
North Dakota: Not required.
Ohio: Not required.
Oklahoma: Not required.
Oregon: Education and exam required. It's a 3-hour, state-approved course. Renewing notaries must complete the course if their commission expired. Information is on the Secretary of State’s site.
Pennsylvania: Education required for all notaries. It's a 3-hour, state-approved course to be taken six months before applying.
Rhode Island: Not required.
South Carolina: Not required.
South Dakota: Not required.
Tennessee: Not required.
Texas: Not required.
U.S. Virgin Islands: Not required.
Utah: Exam required, offered online and open book by the State, with a study guide available.
Vermont: Not required.
Virginia: Not required.
Washington: Not required.
West Virginia: Not required.
Wisconsin: Not required.
Wyoming: Not required.

Check with your state for full details and ensure compliance with local regulations

In states where education is not required, notary training is generally supported and encouraged by the notary commissioning official.

Notary 101: Get Your Commission

Designed to equip you with foundational knowledge, these courses are tailored to kickstart your journey in the notary business and prepare you to apply for your commission Applicable for all states!

Get Started!

Bond and Insurance:

In most states, Notary Publics are required to obtain a bond and insurance. The bond serves as a guarantee that the Notary Public will fulfill their duties and responsibilities, while the insurance protects them in case of errors or omissions.

Costs and coverage can vary significantly depending on state requirements and coverage needed. Bond amounts typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with annual premiums ranging from $50 to $300, and E&O insurance premiums typically ranging from $100 to $500. Some states may require additional coverage, and Notaries can also obtain coverage through professional associations or bonding agencies.

Application Submission and Fees:

Once you have met the state's qualifications and completed the application process, you will need to submit your application to the state's notary commission by mail or in person, depending on your state's procedures. Follow any specific instructions provided by the commission to avoid delays in processing.

Many states require a background check to assess an applicant's criminal record. This is done to ensure that individuals seeking to become Notary Publics have a history free of disqualifying criminal convictions. In states where a background check is required, there will be a separate fee associated with this service.

Receiving Commission and Supplies:

If your application is approved, you will receive a notary commission certificate from the state. This certificate will authorize you to perform notarial duties within the state.

To fulfill your duties as a Notary Public, you will need to purchase essential supplies, such as stamps and journals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it take to become a Notary?

If your state requires training, an exam, or other requirements, the process can take 7 – 9 weeks. It may take more time if the state is processing a lot of renewal applications too. If your state's requirements are minimal, the process to become a Notary can take up to 4 weeks.

How long is a Notary’s term of service?

A typical term is 4 years, but it's different from one state to the next. Some states set the term for 5 years and others are 10 years.

How do I renew my Notary commission?

Renewal processes vary by state but generally involve submitting a renewal application and paying a renewal fee. Some states require you to take a refresher course. Check with your state's Secretary of State's office or other governing body to see what the requirements are in your state. It's important to note that you should start the renewal process well before your commission expires to avoid any lapses in your Notary services.