How to Become a Notary in Iowa

Requirements to be a Notary Public in Iowa

To become an Iowa notary public, you must meet specific requirements. These include:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a United States citizen or permanent legal resident.
• Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in Iowa
• Be able to read and write the English language

What disqualifies you from becoming an Iowa notary public?

Iowa notary law Code Section 9B.23 allows the Iowa Secretary of State to deny a notary public applicant due to a lack of honesty, integrity, competency, or reliability

What is the Iowa notary application process?

To become a notary public, you must fill out the Application for Appointment as Notary Public and submit it to the Notary Division of the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.

You also need to pay a $30 processing fee.

Is a notary bond required to become a notary in Iowa?

No, Iowa state law does not require a notary surety bond.

Is a notary errors and omissions insurance policy required to become a notary in Iowa?

No. Iowa state law does not require notaries to purchase an errors and omissions insurance policy.

However, notaries are strongly encouraged to purchase a policy as it can help protect them from financial losses and legal fees due to errors or omissions when performing notarization services. It is also important for Iowa notaries to understand their legal responsibility and potential liability as a notary public.  

Purchasing insurance helps protect the notary in the event of an unexpected mistake.

 Be sure to research different policy options before making a purchase.  

Do I need to purchase a notary stamp to perform notarial acts in Iowa?

Yes, Iowa notaries must use a notary stamp on a notarized document when performing official duties.

This official stamp is also known as the notarial seal.

Does Iowa require a notary journal?

No, Iowa does not require notaries to keep a journal.

However, it is best practice to do so. 

The journal should serve as a record of each notarial act and should include information such as the date, time, type of notarial act, name, and ID of the signer, and any fees collected.

This record can be used to protect the notary from potential liability issues in the future. 

Is notary training required to become a notary in Iowa?

No, notary training is not required to become a notary public in Iowa.

However, it’s a good idea to take a notary course or read up on Iowa Notary law and best practices before beginning your duties as a notary public.

This additional training will help ensure you are familiar with the proper procedures and protocols for performing official notarial acts.

Is a notary exam required to become a notary in Iowa?

No, the state of Iowa does not require a notary exam to become a notary public.

How much does it cost to become a notary in Iowa?

The application itself has a $30 processing fee.

To become an Iowa notary and perform notary services, you’ll need to purchase the necessary items, such as a seal and (optionally) a journal. The price for these items can range anywhere from $15-$50 depending on which type of stamp or quality of journal you choose.

How long is the term of a notary public commission in Iowa?

The term for an Iowa Notary commission is three years if you live in Iowa. But, if you live in a state that borders Iowa, the term is only one year.

How do I renew my notary commission in Iowa?

Around two months before the expiration of your commission, you will receive a renewal form from the Secretary of State.

The renewal is the same as the original application procedure.

Can I perform remote online notarizations in Iowa?

Yes, existing notaries can register to perform remote online notarization as a remote online notary.

How much can an Iowa notary public charge for performing notarial acts?

The fees for notarial act services are not set by Iowa law.

Can I become a Notary Signing Agent in Iowa?

Yes, in addition to performing regular notarial acts, Iowa notaries may also become Notary Signing Agents.

This type of notary specializes in loan document signings, and the average pay for a Notary Signing Agent is much higher than that of a traditional notary public.

To become a Notary Signing Agent, you should complete additional training and become certified.

Once you are certified, you can seek signing opportunities with banks, title companies, and other businesses that require services from Notary Signing Agents. 

Is there demand for Notary Signing Agents in Iowa?

Yes, there is a lot of demand for Notary Signing Agents in Iowa.

Due to the large number of loan document signings that need to be done, Notary Signing Agents are in high demand.

Therefore, if you become certified and offer your services to businesses, it’s likely that you will find plenty of available work.