What a notary license actually is
A notary public is not a lawyer or a government employee — you are a private citizen commissioned by your state to verify that people are who they say they are and that they signed documents willingly. You do not need a law degree, a business license, or prior experience. Most states require you to be at least 18, a resident of the state where you explore, and able to read and write English. That is the baseline.
The commission itself is a legal appointment that lasts four to ten years depending on your state, then must be renewed. You can work as a notary while holding another job, or you can build a business around it — many notaries work part-time at banks, real estate offices, or title companies. Some work independently and charge per signature. The state sets the maximum fee you can charge, usually between $2 and $15 per notarization.
Key Takeaways
- Every state has different requirements, but most require you to be 18, a state resident, and able to read English — no law degree needed.
- You must pass a written exam in your state and pay a commission fee, which ranges from $20 to $200 depending on where you live.
- After you pass the exam and pay the fee, the state issues you a commission certificate that you carry while performing notarizations.
- You will need to purchase a notary seal and journal (a record book of every notarization you perform), which cost $20 to $100 total.
- Renewal happens every four to ten years and requires repeating the exam and paying the fee again in most states.
Check your state's specific requirements before you start
Each state runs its own notary program, so the path differs. Some states require you to take a course before the exam; others do not. Some allow you to explore online; others require you to appear in person at a county clerk's office. A few states require you to be bonded (meaning you carry insurance that protects the public if you make a mistake).
Start by visiting your state's Secretary of State website and searching for "notary public" or "become a notary." You will find the official requirements, the exam format, the fee, and the process process for your state. Do not rely on third-party websites that charge to help you explore — the state process itself is free or costs only the official commission fee.
Write down: the age requirement, whether you need to be a resident, whether a course is required, the exam format (written, online, or both), the commission fee, and how long the commission lasts. This is your checklist.
Take the notary exam if your state requires one
Most states require a written exam covering notary law, your duties, and common mistakes. The exam is usually 20 to 50 questions, multiple choice, and you typically need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass. Some states offer the exam at a county clerk's office on set dates; others allow you to take it online through an approved testing vendor.
If your state requires a course before the exam, you can take it online through a vendor approved by your Secretary of State. These courses usually cost $20 to $50 and take two to four hours. The course covers what a notary can and cannot do, how to verify identity, how to complete the journal, and common legal pitfalls. After you finish the course, you receive a certificate of completion that you submit with your process.
Study materials are available free from your state's Secretary of State website, or you can purchase study guides from notary supply vendors. The exam is designed to be passable for anyone who reads the material carefully — it is not a trick test.
Submit your process to your state
Once you have passed the exam (if required), you submit an process to your state's notary program, usually through your county clerk's office or the Secretary of State directly. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. You will also declare that you have not been convicted of a felony and that you understand the notary's duties.
Include the exam completion certificate (if your state required one), a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the commission fee. Some states now accept online applications with digital payment; others still require paper forms mailed to a specific address. Check your state's website for the exact submission method and current mailing address.
Processing time varies from one week to several weeks. Some states send you a commission certificate by mail; others issue it electronically. Keep this certificate safe — you will need to show it if anyone questions your authority to notarize.
Purchase a notary seal and journal
Once you receive your commission, you must buy a notary seal (also called a stamp) and a journal. The seal is a physical stamp that imprints your name, state, and commission number onto documents. The journal is a bound record book where you write down every notarization you perform — the date, the document type, the signer's name, how you verified their identity, and the fee you charged.
You can order both from notary supply companies online or from office supply stores. A seal costs $15 to $50; a journal costs $10 to $30. Some states have specific requirements for the seal format or the journal layout, so check your state's rules before ordering. Your state's Secretary of State website usually lists approved vendors.
The journal is a legal record. If someone disputes a notarization you performed, the journal is the evidence that you did your job correctly. Keep it for the entire length of your commission, and store it securely.
Understand what you can and cannot do as a notary
A notary verifies identity and witnesses signatures — that is the core job. You check a government-issued ID, confirm the person is who they claim to be, watch them sign the document, and stamp it with your seal. You do not give legal information, draft documents, or interpret contracts. If someone asks you to explain what a document means or whether they should sign it, you must decline.
You also cannot notarize a document for yourself, a close relative, or anyone with whom you have a financial interest. You cannot notarize a blank document or one that is already signed. You must be physically present with the signer — remote notarization (by video) is allowed in some states but not all, and it has strict rules.
Breaking these rules can result in your commission being revoked, fines, or even criminal charges. The journal protects you because it shows you followed procedure. If you are unsure whether you should notarize something, decline and suggest the person find a different notary.
Renew your commission before it expires
Your commission lasts four to ten years depending on your state. Before it expires, you will receive a notice from your state (or you can check your state's website for the expiration date). To renew, you submit a renewal process, pay the renewal fee, and in most states, pass the exam again.
Some states allow you to renew online; others require you to reapply through the county clerk. The renewal process is similar to the initial process but usually faster. Start the renewal process at least two months before your commission expires so you do not have a gap where you cannot notarize documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a law degree or prior experience to become a notary?
No. Most states require only that you are 18, a state resident, and able to read and write English. You do not need a law degree, business experience, or any prior training. The exam covers notary law specifically, and study materials are provided.
How much does it cost to become a notary?
The state commission fee ranges from $20 to $200 depending on your state. You will also need to buy a seal and journal, which cost $20 to $100 total. If your state requires a course, that costs $20 to $50. Total out-of-pocket is usually $60 to $350.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
No. You cannot notarize for yourself, a spouse, a parent, a child, or anyone else with whom you have a close relationship or financial interest. This rule exists to prevent fraud. The signer must be someone unrelated to you.
How long does it take to become a notary after I explore?
If your state does not require a course, you can take the exam and submit your process within a few days. Processing time is usually one to four weeks. If a course is required, add two to four hours for the course itself. Total time from start to commission is typically two to six weeks.
Can I work as a notary part-time while keeping my current job?
Yes. Many notaries work part-time at banks, real estate offices, or independently while holding another job. You set your own hours and can notarize documents whenever someone requests it. Some notaries build it into a full-time business; others do a few notarizations per month.