How to Become a Notary Public: Requirements by State (2026)
Published January 30, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026
Becoming a notary public usually involves submitting a notary application through your state’s Secretary of State notary office, but some states do it differently. Sometimes it’s the governor who appoints notaries and sometimes it’s done by the attorney general. The process can vary depending on state statutory laws. The National Notary Association maintains current information on each state’s requirements.
After your notary public application is approved, you’ll receive a “notary commission” as a notary public. So, if you’re looking on your state’s website and don’t see a prominent link to apply, look for pages about obtaining a notary commission. You can also call your state’s office and ask about their process for obtaining a notary public commission.
There are three main types of notaries public:
Notary Public: A notary public is a public officer authorized to perform certain legal functions, such as taking affidavits and acknowledgments and administering oaths. You become this when you learn your state’s notarial law and your state approves your application to become a notary public. This category includes the notaries you see at mailbox stores and the most seasoned loan signing agents. Becoming a notary public is the first step to starting your loan signing career.
Mobile Notary: A mobile notary public is a notary public who provides their services to clients at a convenient location rather than the traditional office setting. This could include coming to the client’s home or business or meeting them at a mutually agreed upon location, such as a coffee shop. Mobile notaries are prepared to handle the unique challenges of notary services outside a traditional office environment.
Notary Signing Agent: Notary Signing Agents (also referred to as mobile notary signing agent) are specialists who work with loan documents. Even though many are mobile notaries who travel to their clients, some work from offices. They learn about mortgages and the different types of documents involved in a mortgage. Notary signing agents work to help borrowers sign documents, put their initials where needed, and complete other information on the documents.
How to Become a Notary Public
The general process to become a notary public is described below.
Typical Requirements
Although every state has different requirements, and you should verify these with your state, you can expect that your state will probably require at least the following:
- At least 18 years of age
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
- Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in the state
- Be able to read and write English
- No felonies
- No misdemeanors involving dishonesty
Surety bond
Most states will also require that you obtain a surety bond. The purpose of this notary bond is to protect the public, not the notary public. Different states will require different amounts, and the cost of the bond is a fraction of the amount of the bond. For example, a $5,000 bond that covers all four years of a commission term typically costs around $25. The bond amount is the coverage, not what you pay.
Courses and Exams
Some states require that you attend an authorized notary education course and/or earn a passing score on an examination (test). We’ve been providing training courses for two states (California and Colorado) for over ten years, so we can help you obtain your commission in one of those states if you take our state training course (linked below).
Your Notary Application
Many states allow notaries to apply online to receive their notary public office, but others require applicants to submit paper applications by mail. There’s usually an application fee. You’ll also need to provide details about your home address and business address. Some states require a background check to be sure that you don’t have a felony, but others might ask you to verify that you don’t under penalty of perjury when you take your oath of office.
What to do when your application is approved
Again, this varies by state, but the following steps apply to most states. When your application is approved, you’ll typically be supplied with your commission expiration date and sometimes a notary public number. You’ll use this information to purchase your notary supplies including your notary seal (also called a notary stamp) because most states require the commission expiration date and notary public number on the notarial seal. Some states, like California, won’t even let you purchase your notary stamp without a certificate that they send upon your appointment as a notary public. It’s usually at this point when you can complete a notarial act or several notarial acts.
How to renew notary commissions: What to do before your commission expiration date
In most states, the renewal process is almost the same as getting a new commission. States usually recommend renewing a certain number of days before the current commission expires.
If a notary’s commission expires before the notary commission is renewed, that notary public won’t be able to perform notarial acts while waiting for the renewal. Some states also have consequences for not renewing on time, like taking another class or examination or submitting all your notarial documents, like your notary journal, to a specific department at your state’s office.
Additional information for new notaries public
Most states have rules about when a notary public must submit an address change when changing your home or business address. This is just one of the many administrative rules that your state might have. We recommend you know all of your state’s administrative rules for managing your notary commission.
How to be a remote notary
Not all states allow remote online notarization, so research your state’s laws or contact your state’s notary department to see if you can become a remote notary in your state.
In most states that allow remote notarization, it usually involves a separate application after you receive your notary commission, including a written statement saying that you partner with a technology vendor that provides everything the state requires for documents to be notarized electronically rather than in-person.
How to become a mobile notary public
A mobile notary public is a commissioned, certified, and registered notary public who travels to clients to perform notarial acts. Mobile Notaries are often hired by financial institutions, attorneys, businesses, or individuals needing their signature papers to be legally valid and officially recognized.
To become a mobile notary public you must first obtain a notary commission from your state. Then it’s just a matter of setting your prices within your state’s maximum fees and advertising.
How to become a Notary Signing Agent
A Notary Signing Agent is a commissioned notary public specializing in loan document signing. This includes being able to provide detailed instructions to borrowers and being able to recognize and correctly complete all required business documents related to the loan package. It also involves knowing the different types of loans that require notarization and familiarity with the laws that regulate loan packages.
To become a Notary Signing Agent and start your loan signing career, you must first obtain a notary commission from your state and then complete additional training to receive certification as a Notary Signing Agent. This includes an exam covering topics such as understanding loan documents, verifying a borrower’s identity, and properly completing notarial certificates. Once certified, you can apply to work as a Notary Signing Agent with loan signing companies or title companies.
The above information provides an overview of how to become a notary public and renew your commission in the US.
Notary Requirements by State
Requirements vary significantly from state to state. Use this table to quickly find your state’s rules, then click through for a detailed step-by-step guide.
| State | Surety Bond | Exam | Training | Term | Max Fee | RON |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,000 | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $10 | — |
| Alaska | $2,500 | — | — | 4 years | — | Yes |
| Arizona | $5,000 ($25K RON) | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $10 | Yes |
| Arkansas | $7,500 | — | — | 10 years | — | Yes |
| California | $15,000 ($25K RON) | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $15 | — |
| Colorado | — | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $15 | Yes |
| Connecticut | — | Yes | — | 5 years | $5 | — |
| Delaware | — | — | — | 2 years | $5 | Yes |
| Florida | $7,500 ($25K+$25K E&O RON) | Yes | — | 4 years | $10 | Yes |
| Georgia | — | — | Yes | 4 years | $2 | — |
| Hawaii | $1,000 | Yes | — | 4 years | $5 | Yes |
| Idaho | $10,000 | — | — | 6 years | $5 | Yes |
| Illinois | $5,000 ($30K RON) | Yes | — | 4 years | $5 | Yes |
| Indiana | $25,000 | Yes | — | 8 years | $10 | Yes |
| Iowa | — | — | — | 3 years | — | Yes |
| Kansas | $12,000 | — | — | 4 years | — | Yes |
| Kentucky | — | — | — | 4 years | — | Yes |
| Louisiana | $50,000 (since Feb 2026) | Yes | — | Life (bond renews every 5 years) | — | Yes |
| Maine | — | Yes | — | 7 years | — | Yes |
| Maryland | — | — | Yes | 4 years | $8 | Yes |
| Massachusetts | — | — | — | 7 years | — | — |
| Michigan | $10,000 | — | — | 6-7 years | $10 | Yes |
| Minnesota | — | — | — | 5 years | $5 | Yes |
| Mississippi | $5,000 | — | — | 4 years | $5 | — |
| Missouri | $10,000 | — | — | 4 years | $5 | Yes |
| Montana | $25,000 | Yes | — | 4 years | $10 | Yes |
| Nebraska | $15,000 | Yes | — | 4 years | $5 | Yes |
| Nevada | $10,000 | — | Yes | 4 years | $15 | Yes |
| New Hampshire | — | — | — | 5 years | $10 | Yes |
| New Jersey | — | — | — | 5 years | $2 | Yes |
| New Mexico | $10,000 | — | Yes | 4 years | $5 | Yes |
| New York | — | Yes | — | 4 years | $2 | Yes |
| North Carolina | — | Yes | — | 5 years | $10 | — |
| North Dakota | $7,500 | — | — | 6 years | $5 | Yes |
| Ohio | None (E&O may be required) | — | — | 5 years | $5 | Yes |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 (since Jan 2026) | — | — | 4 years | $5 | Yes |
| Oregon | — | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $10 | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 | Yes | — | 4 years | $5 | Yes |
| Rhode Island | — | — | — | Life | $25 | Yes |
| South Carolina | — | — | — | 10 years | $5 | — |
| South Dakota | None (eliminated 2025) | — | — | 6 years | — | Yes |
| Tennessee | $10,000 | — | — | 4 years | — | Yes |
| Texas | $10,000 | Yes | — | 4 years | $10 | Yes |
| Utah | $5,000 ($10K RON) | Yes | — | 4 years | $10 | Yes |
| Vermont | — | — | — | 4 years | — | Yes |
| Virginia | — | — | — | 4 years | $10 | Yes |
| Washington | $10,000 | — | — | 4 years | $15 | Yes |
| West Virginia | None (eliminated 2018) | — | — | 10 years | $10 | Yes |
| Wisconsin | $500 | — | — | 4 years | $5 | Yes |
| Wyoming | None (eliminated 2021) | — | — | 6 years | $10 | Yes |
Table last updated May 2026. Requirements may change: always verify with your state’s Secretary of State office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary?
Costs range from under $100 in states with no bond or exam requirement (like Kentucky or Mississippi) to over $400 in states like California that require a 6-hour course and a $15,000 bond. The national average is approximately $100-$200 including application fees, bond premium, stamp, and journal.
How long does it take to become a notary?
Most states process applications within 1-4 weeks. States that require training courses and exams (like California, Pennsylvania, Montana) may take longer because you need to complete those before applying. Plan for 2-6 weeks from start to finish.
Can I become a notary in multiple states?
Yes, some states allow non-residents who work in the state to apply. Kansas, for example, accepts applications from residents of neighboring states who are employed in Kansas. Check each state’s specific residency requirements. See our guide on notarizing in multiple states for details.
Do I need to take a notary exam?
Only about 15 states require a notary exam. These include California, Delaware, Maine, and Utah. Most states do not require any testing. If your state does require an exam, the passing score is typically 70-80%.
What’s the difference between a notary and a notary signing agent?
A notary public is appointed by the state to verify identities and witness signatures. A notary signing agent is a notary who has completed additional training to handle loan document signings for mortgage companies and title companies. All signing agents must first be commissioned notaries. Learn more about becoming a signing agent.
What is a surety bond and do I need one?
A surety bond protects the public, not the notary, from financial harm caused by notary misconduct. About 30 states require a bond, with amounts ranging from $500 (Wisconsin) to $50,000 (Alabama, Louisiana). You don’t pay the full bond amount: just a premium, typically $30-$150 for a 4-year term.
Responses