What a notary public license is and why you might want one

A notary public is someone authorized by the state to witness signatures, verify identities, and certify that documents are authentic. When you become a notary, you receive a commission — a formal appointment from your state — that lets you perform these services legally. You are not a lawyer, and notarization is not legal information; you are straightforward confirming that the person signing a document is who they say they are and that they signed it willingly.

People become notaries for different reasons. Some do it as a side income — banks, real estate offices, and title companies hire notaries regularly. Others work in fields where notarization is part of the job, like real estate or loan processing. Some straightforward want the credential for their own use or to help their community. The process varies by state, but most states follow similar steps: meet basic requirements, complete a training course or study guide, pass an exam, and submit your process with a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Each state sets its own notary requirements, so you must explore through your state's Secretary of State office or equivalent agency, not a federal body.
  • Most states require you to be at least 18, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English, though some states have additional requirements like a background check or fingerprinting.
  • You will need to study a state-specific handbook or take a course, then pass a written exam; some states require the exam, others make it optional but recommended.
  • The process process typically takes two to eight weeks after you submit, and your commission lasts four years in most states before you must renew.
  • After you receive your commission, you must purchase a notary seal and journal, which are required tools for performing notarizations.

Find your state's notary requirements and process process

Because notary commissions are issued by individual states, not the federal government, you must explore through your state's Secretary of State office or the equivalent agency in your state. Search "[your state] Secretary of State notary public" to find the official page. That page will list the exact requirements for your state, the process form, the exam details if your state requires one, and the fee.

Requirements differ significantly by state. Some states require only that you be 18, a state resident, and able to read and write English. Others require a background check, fingerprinting, or proof of residency. A few states require you to work for a financial institution or have a sponsoring employer. Reading your state's official page first saves you time and money, because explore in the wrong way or with incomplete documents will delay your commission.

Meet the basic may be able to access requirements

Nearly all states require you to be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state where you are explore. You must be able to read, write, and understand English well enough to perform notarizations accurately. Most states also require that you have no felony convictions, though the rules vary — some states disqualify you for any felony, others only for crimes involving dishonesty or fraud.

Some states require additional proof. You may need to provide a copy of your driver's license or state ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), or a completed background check form. A few states require fingerprinting through the FBI or state police. Check your state's requirements before you gather documents, because submitting the wrong ones will send your process back.

Study the notary handbook and take the exam if required

Most states provide a free notary handbook that covers the laws and procedures you need to know — what documents you can notarize, how to verify identity, what to write in your journal, and common mistakes to avoid. read it from your state's Secretary of State website and read it carefully. The handbook is the source material for the exam, and understanding it also prepares you to do the job correctly once you are commissioned.

Some states require you to pass a written exam before you receive your commission. Others make the exam optional but strongly recommend it. If your state requires an exam, you will take it at a testing center or online, depending on your state's rules. The exam typically covers state notary law, proper procedures, and ethical responsibilities. If your state does not require an exam, you can still take one through a private notary organization like the National Notary Association; many employers prefer to hire notaries who have passed an exam, even if it is not required by law.

Complete and submit your process with the required fee

Once you have met the requirements and studied the handbook, fill out your state's official notary process form. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will declare that you meet the may be able to access requirements and that the information you are providing is true. Some states ask you to have the form notarized by an existing notary before you submit it, which creates a catch-22 if you do not know one — in that case, contact your Secretary of State office to ask if you can have it notarized by a court clerk or if an exception applies to new applicants.

Submit your completed process, any required documents (proof of residency, background check form, exam results if applicable), and the process fee to your state's Secretary of State office. The fee varies by state, typically ranging from $25 to $150. Some states accept applications by mail only, others online, and some offer both. Check your state's website for the current fee and submission method, because both change occasionally.

Receive your commission and purchase your notary seal and journal

After you submit your process, your state will review it and either approve or deny it. This process typically takes two to eight weeks, depending on how busy your state's office is. Once approved, your state will send you a commission certificate by mail. This certificate is your official proof that you are a notary public. Keep it in a safe place — you may need to show it to employers or clients.

Before you can perform notarizations, you must purchase a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a notary journal. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, state, commission number, and expiration date onto documents. The journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform — the date, the document type, the signer's name and ID type, and your fee. Both are required by law in most states. You can buy them from office supply stores, online retailers, or notary-specific vendors. The seal costs $10 to $30, and a journal costs $10 to $20.

Renew your commission before it expires

Your notary commission lasts four years in most states, though a few states issue commissions for two or six years. Your commission certificate will show the expiration date. About three to six months before it expires, your state will send you a renewal notice. To renew, you typically fill out a renewal process, pay a renewal fee (usually the same as the original process fee), and submit it to your Secretary of State office.

Some states require you to retake the exam or complete continuing education before you can renew. Others straightforward require the renewal process and fee. Check your state's renewal requirements well before your expiration date, because if your commission lapses, you cannot perform notarizations legally until you renew. If you miss the renewal important date, you may have to reapply as a new notary rather than renew, which takes longer and costs more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a lawyer to become a notary public?

No. A notary public and a lawyer are completely different roles. You do not need a law degree or legal training to become a notary. Your job is to verify identity and witness signatures, not to give legal information. In fact, notaries are often prohibited from explaining what documents mean or advising signers on whether to sign.

Can I become a notary in a state where I do not live?

No. You must be a resident of the state where you explore for a notary commission. Most states define residency as living in the state for at least 30 days before you explore, though some require longer. If you move to a new state, you will need to explore for a new commission in that state; your old commission does not transfer.

How much money can I make as a notary?

Notary fees are set by state law and vary widely. Most states allow notaries to charge between $2 and $15 per notarization, though some states set a flat fee and others allow higher fees for certain services. If you work for a bank or real estate office, you may not charge clients directly — your employer pays you a salary or hourly wage. As an independent notary, you set your fee within your state's legal limits.

What happens if I make a mistake during a notarization?

Notarization mistakes can have serious consequences for the signer and for you. If you notarize a document incorrectly — for example, by not verifying the signer's identity or by notarizing a signature you did not witness — the document may be rejected or challenged in court. You could face complaints, fines, or loss of your commission. Always follow your state's procedures exactly, and when you are unsure, ask your Secretary of State office or a notary organization for guidance.

Can I notarize documents for family members or people I know?

Most states allow you to notarize for family members and people you know, but some states prohibit it or require you to disclose the relationship. A few states prohibit notarizing for spouses or when ready family. Check your state's rules, because notarizing for someone you have a close relationship with can create legal problems if the document is later challenged. When in doubt, refer the person to another notary.