What a notary license actually is and why you need one
A notary public is not a lawyer or a government employee — it is a person commissioned by your state to witness signatures and verify identities on documents. The state issues you a notary commission, which is a certificate that says you are authorized to perform notarizations. You do not need a notary license to work most jobs, but certain professions — real estate, lending, legal services — rely on notaries to prevent fraud on high-stakes documents.
The commission itself is free or costs between $10 and $100 depending on your state. The real cost is the training course, the background check, and the bond (a form of insurance). Most people spend $100 to $300 total to become a notary, and the commission lasts four to ten years depending on where you live.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's Secretary of State office issues notary commissions, not a federal agency, and requirements vary significantly by state.
- You must pass a notary exam in most states, take a state-approved course, and pass a background check before you can explore.
- You will need to post a surety bond — typically $500 to $15,000 — which protects the public if you make a notarization error.
- After you receive your commission, you must renew it every four to ten years and pay a renewal fee that varies by state.
- Some states allow you to become a notary remotely; others require you to appear in person at the Secretary of State office or a county clerk's office.
The five steps to get your notary commission
The process is the same in most states: take a course, pass an exam, get a background check, post a bond, and submit your process to your state's Secretary of State office. The order and timing vary slightly, but you cannot skip any step.
Step 1: Take a notary course. Most states require you to complete a course before you sit for the exam. The course covers notary law, what you can and cannot do as a notary, how to identify fraud, and how to fill out notary journals. Courses are offered online, in person, and sometimes through your county clerk's office. They typically take two to eight hours. Some states do not require a course if you have worked in a related field (like real estate or law), but you still have to pass the exam.
Step 2: Pass the notary exam. After you finish the course, you take a written exam administered by your state. The exam tests your knowledge of notary law, your state's specific rules, and common notarization scenarios. You usually have to score 70 to 80 percent to pass. You can retake the exam if you fail, but you may have to pay a fee each time. Some states let you take the exam online; others require you to go to a testing center or the Secretary of State office.
Step 3: Submit to a background check. Your state will run a criminal background check before it issues your commission. The check looks for felonies and sometimes misdemeanors. If you have a criminal record, you may still be approved depending on the offense and how long ago it occurred — each state has different rules. You do not have to do anything for this step; the state does it after you submit your process.
Step 4: Post a surety bond. A surety bond is a contract between you, a bonding company, and your state. If you make a notarization error that harms someone, the bond covers the cost up to the bond amount. Most states require a bond of $500 to $15,000. You buy the bond from a bonding company (not from your state), and it costs 1 to 15 percent of the bond amount per year. A $1,000 bond might cost $10 to $150 per year. You have to renew the bond when your commission renews.
Step 5: Submit your process. Once you have passed the exam and bought the bond, you submit your process to your state's Secretary of State office or county clerk. You will need to include your exam results, proof of the bond, a completed process form, and sometimes a fee ($10 to $100). Processing takes one to four weeks in most states. Your state will mail you your notary commission certificate.
How state requirements differ and where to find your state's rules
Notary law is set by each state, so the course length, exam format, bond amount, and commission fee all vary. Some states require a course; others do not. Some states let you take the exam online; others require you to appear in person. Some states charge $10 for a commission; others charge $100.
The fastest way to find your state's exact requirements is to go to your state's Secretary of State website and search for "notary public" or "notary commission." The Secretary of State office publishes the process form, the exam study guide, the list of approved course providers, and the bond requirements. If you cannot find it on the website, call the Secretary of State office directly — most have a notary public division that can walk you through the steps.
A few states have different rules for remote notaries (notaries who notarize documents over video). If you want to become a remote notary, check your state's rules first — not all states allow it, and those that do often require additional training or a higher bond.
What happens after you receive your commission
Once your commission arrives, you are legally authorized to perform notarizations in your state. You can work as a notary for a bank, a law firm, a real estate office, or on your own. Some notaries work full-time; others notarize documents as part of another job.
You must keep a notary journal — a record of every notarization you perform. The journal includes the date, the document type, the signer's name and ID number, and your signature. Your state may require you to use a specific journal format or allow you to choose your own. You must keep the journal for the life of your commission and sometimes longer. If someone sues over a notarization you performed, the journal is the proof that you did your job correctly.
You also have to renew your commission before it expires. Renewal usually takes place one to three months before your commission ends. You will receive a notice from your state telling you when to renew. Renewal typically costs $10 to $100 and requires you to renew your bond. Some states require you to take a refresher course or pass another exam before you can renew; others do not.
The cost breakdown and where to buy a bond
Here is what you will spend to become a notary:
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary course | $10 to $50 | Online courses are usually cheaper than in-person. Some county clerks offer free courses. |
| Exam fee | $0 to $50 | Some states include the exam in the course fee. Retakes may cost extra. |
| Surety bond (first year) | $50 to $300 | Cost depends on the bond amount and the bonding company. Shop around — prices vary. |
| Commission fee | $10 to $100 | Paid to your state when you submit your process. |
| Notary seal and journal | $20 to $50 | You must buy these yourself. Required to perform notarizations. |
| Total first year | $90 to $550 | Renewal costs less because you do not need a new course or exam in most states. |
You can buy a surety bond from any bonding company licensed in your state. The major providers are Notary Rotary, American Notary, and Fidelity. You can also ask your bank or employer if they have a preferred bonding company. Compare quotes from at least two companies before you buy — the price for the same bond can differ by $100 or more.
Common reasons applications are denied or delayed
Most applications are approved, but some are rejected or held up. The most common reasons are a criminal record, a failed background check, a missing document, or an incomplete process. If your process is denied, your state will tell you why and whether you can appeal.
Processing delays usually happen because the state is backlogged or because you submitted an incomplete process. If your process has been pending for more than four weeks, call the Secretary of State office and ask for a status update. Bring your process number and your name.
If you have a criminal record, do not assume you will be denied. Many states approve notaries with felonies or misdemeanors if the offense was long ago or not related to fraud or dishonesty. Call the Secretary of State office before you explore and ask whether your record will disqualify you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary license to work as a notary?
You need a notary commission, not a license. A commission is a certificate issued by your state that authorizes you to perform notarizations. You cannot legally notarize documents without one. Some people use the words "license" and "commission" interchangeably, but they mean the same thing in this context.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
It depends on your state and the offense. Most states allow notaries with old or minor criminal records. Call your state's Secretary of State office and describe your record — they can tell you whether you will be disqualified before you spend money on a course and bond.
How long does it take to become a notary?
The course takes two to eight hours. The exam takes one to two hours. Processing your process takes one to four weeks. From start to finish, most people become notaries within four to six weeks, though some states are slower.
Can I become a notary in another state if I already am one?
Yes, but you have to go through the full process in each state. Your notary commission from one state does not work in another state. You will need to take the course, pass the exam, and post a bond in each state where you want to be a notary.
What happens if I make a mistake as a notary?
If you notarize a document incorrectly and someone is harmed, they can sue you. Your surety bond covers the cost up to the bond amount. If the damages exceed the bond, you may have to pay the rest yourself. This is why the bond is important — it protects you and the public.