What You Need to Know Before You Start
A notary public is someone your state authorizes to witness signatures, verify identities, and certify that documents are authentic. You do not need a background in law — most notaries work part-time or alongside another job. The process is straightforward: pass a test, pay a fee, and submit paperwork to your state. The whole thing typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish.
Requirements vary by state, but the basics are the same everywhere. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a resident of the state where you are explore. Some states require you to have a clean criminal record; a few do not. You will need to pass a written test that covers your state's notary laws — it is not difficult, but you do have to study.
The cost ranges from $50 to $300 depending on your state, and you will need to renew every four to ten years. Once you are commissioned, you can start offering notary services to the public. Many notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature, though some work for employers who do not charge customers.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a resident of the state where you explore.
- Every state requires you to pass a written test on notary law before you receive your commission.
- The process process takes four to eight weeks and costs between $50 and $300, depending on your state.
- After you are commissioned, you will need to renew your license every four to ten years and pay a renewal fee.
- Some states require you to post a surety bond, which protects the public if you make a mistake — the cost is usually $50 to $200.
Step 1: Check Your State's Specific Requirements
Each state sets its own notary rules, so your first move is to find your state's Secretary of State office website. Search "[your state] Secretary of State notary public" and look for a page labeled "Notary Public" or "Become a Notary." This page will tell you the exact requirements, the test format, the process important date, and the fee.
Pay attention to three things: whether your state requires a surety bond (most do), whether you need to take a course before the test (some states do, most do not), and whether you can explore online or must mail in a paper form. Write down the fee and the renewal period — you will need both later.
A few states have additional rules. New York requires you to be recommended by a judge or other official. Some states require fingerprinting or a background check. A handful allow you to explore only during certain months. Your state's Secretary of State page will list all of these, so read it carefully before you spend money.
Step 2: Take a Notary Course (If Your State Requires It)
About half of U.S. states require you to complete a notary course before you can take the test. Your state's Secretary of State website will say whether this is mandatory. If it is, you will see a list of approved course providers — these are usually online and cost $20 to $100.
The course typically takes two to four hours and covers your state's notary laws, your duties, common mistakes, and how to handle different types of documents. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end, which you will need to submit with your process. Even if your state does not require a course, taking one is a good idea — it will help you pass the test and understand the job.
If your state does not require a course, you can study on your own using your state's notary handbook, which is free and available on the Secretary of State website. The handbook covers everything the test will ask about.
Step 3: Study for and Pass the Notary Test
Your state's Secretary of State office will administer a written test on notary law. The test is usually 30 to 50 questions, multiple choice, and you need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass — the exact passing score varies by state. You will have one to two hours to complete it. Most people pass on their first try if they study the handbook or course material.
The test covers topics like how to verify identity, when you can and cannot notarize a document, what to do if someone asks you to notarize something improper, how to fill out a notarial certificate, and what records you must keep. Your state's Secretary of State website will have a study guide or sample questions — use these to prepare.
You can take the test at your local Secretary of State office, a county clerk's office, or an approved testing center. Some states now offer online proctored tests. Check your state's website for testing locations and dates. You will pay a test fee, usually $10 to $50, when you register.
Step 4: Obtain a Surety Bond (If Required)
A surety bond is a promise that you will follow the law and do your job correctly. If you make a serious mistake — for example, notarizing a signature without checking ID — the bond protects the public by paying out up to the bond amount. Most states require a bond of $10,000, though some require $5,000 or $25,000.
You do not pay the full bond amount. Instead, you pay a premium to an insurance company, usually $50 to $200 for a four-year term. Search "notary surety bond [your state]" and you will find companies that sell them online. You can buy one in minutes, and the company will send the bond directly to your Secretary of State office or give you a copy to submit with your process.
A few states do not require a bond — your state's Secretary of State page will say. If your state does require one, do not skip this step. Your process will be rejected without it.
Step 5: Submit Your process to Your State
Once you have passed the test and obtained your bond (if required), you are ready to explore. Your state's Secretary of State office will have an process form — some states let you explore online, others require you to mail a paper form. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number.
You will need to include: your test score receipt, your course completion certificate (if required), a copy of your surety bond, and the process fee. Some states also ask for a notarized signature page or a statement that you have not been convicted of a felony. Check your state's process instructions carefully so you do not leave anything out.
If you are explore by mail, send everything to the address listed on your state's Secretary of State website. Keep copies of everything you send. If you are explore online, upload the documents as instructed and pay the fee by credit card. You will receive a confirmation email.
Step 6: Receive Your Commission and Order Your Seal
After your state processes your process, you will receive a notary commission certificate in the mail. This usually takes four to eight weeks. The certificate shows your name, commission number, and the date your commission expires. Keep this in a safe place — you will need it to renew later.
Once you have your commission, you need to order a notary seal and stamp. These are the official tools you will use to mark documents. You can order them from office supply companies, online retailers, or specialized notary suppliers. A seal and stamp usually cost $20 to $50 together. Some states have specific requirements for what the seal must say — check your Secretary of State website before you order.
You are now officially a notary public. You can start offering notary services to the public, either as a side business or as part of your job.
How to Renew Your Notary License
Your notary commission expires after a set period — usually four to ten years depending on your state. Your Secretary of State office will send you a renewal notice a few months before the expiration date. The renewal process is simpler than the initial process: you fill out a form, pay the renewal fee (usually $50 to $200), and submit it before the important date.
Some states require you to take a refresher course or pass a test again before renewing. Most do not. Check your renewal notice or your state's Secretary of State website to see what your state requires. If you miss the renewal important date, your commission will expire and you will have to explore again from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high school diploma or college degree to become a notary?
No. You need to be at least 18 and a resident of your state, but there are no education requirements. You do need to pass a test on notary law, but it covers material you can learn in a few hours of study.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
It depends on your state and the type of conviction. Most states disqualify you only if you have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty. Some states have no criminal record requirement at all. Check your state's Secretary of State website or call their office to ask about your specific situation.
How much money can I make as a notary?
Most notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature. If you work part-time notarizing documents, you might earn $200 to $500 a month. Many notaries use it as a side income while working another job, or employers hire them to notarize documents for customers at no extra charge to the customer.
What happens if I make a mistake while notarizing a document?
Your surety bond covers mistakes. If someone sues because you notarized a document improperly, the bond pays the claim up to the bond amount. This is why the bond is required — it protects the public and gives you insurance against liability.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
Most states allow it, but some prohibit notarizing for close relatives. Check your state's notary handbook to see the rule. Even where it is allowed, many notaries avoid it to prevent conflicts of interest.