How to Become a Notary in Arkansas (2026 Guide)

Q: How long does an Arkansas notary commission last?

10 years — one of the longest in the country.

Published March 5, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

Online exam required: 25 questions, must score 80%
$7,500 surety bond required
Application fee: $20 | Commission term: 10 years
Notary stamp required
No state fee cap
Must be 18+, an AR resident, and have no prior revocations within 10 years
Processing time: 2-4 weeks

Online exam required: 25 questions, must score 80%. Here’s how the process works.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of Arkansas
Not have had a notary commission revoked in the past 10 years
Be a US citizen or legal resident

Disqualifying Factors

You cannot become an Arkansas notary if you have had a notary commission revoked in any state within the past 10 years.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Purchase Your $7,500 Surety Bond

Arkansas requires a $7,500 surety bond. The premium typically costs $30-$40.

Step 2: Create Your Online Account

Create an account with the Arkansas Secretary of State to begin the application.

Step 3: Pass the Online Exam

Take and pass the 25-question multiple-choice exam. You must score at least 80%. Study the Arkansas Notary Handbook before taking it.

Step 4: Complete and Submit the Application

Fill out the online application and submit with your $20 filing fee in person or by mail.

Costs to Get Commissioned

Item	Cost
Application fee	$20
$7,500 surety bond premium	$30-$40
Notary stamp (required)	$15-$25
Notary journal (recommended)	$10-$50
Total	$75-$135

Maximum Allowable Fees

Arkansas does not set a maximum fee for notarial acts. Set your own rates and disclose fees before performing notarizations.

Authorized Notarial Acts

Take acknowledgments
Administer oaths and affirmations
Take verifications
Witness signatures
Certify copies
Protest negotiable instruments

Notary Stamp Requirements

Arkansas requires a notary stamp. It must meet state specifications.

Notarizing for Family Members

AR does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. Avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Having your commission revoked bars you from reapplying for 10 years. The state takes notary integrity seriously.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Not required, but recommended to protect against liability from errors or negligence.

Renewal

10 years: one of the longest terms in the country. The renewal process is the same as the initial application.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Arkansas has authorized RON. Check with the Secretary of State for current technology requirements and registration.

Becoming a Signing Agent

After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program. Arkansas is not an attorney state for real estate closings.

Arkansas’s 10-year term is one of the longest in the country, matching South Carolina. The $7,500 bond is mid-range for the region. The 80% exam pass requirement means you need to study the notary handbook before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Arkansas?

Yes. A 25-question online exam. You must score at least 80%.

Do I need a surety bond in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas requires a $7,500 surety bond.

How long does an Arkansas notary commission last?

10 years: one of the longest in the country.

Is a notary stamp required in Arkansas?

Yes. All Arkansas notaries must have an official seal.

How much can an Arkansas notary charge?

Arkansas does not set a maximum fee.

Can Arkansas notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. Check with the Secretary of State for registration requirements.

Employer Obligations

Your notary commission is personal. It does not belong to your employer
If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
Your employer cannot require you to skip proper notarization procedures
An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability

How Arkansas Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	Arkansas	Texas	Louisiana	Mississippi	Missouri
Bond	$7,500	$10,000	$50,000	$5,000	$10,000
Exam	Yes	No	Yes	No	No
Training	No	Yes (SOS)	Yes	No	No
Term	10 years	4 years	5 years	4 years	4 years
RON	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Arkansas offers the longest commission term in the region at 10 years but requires an exam. Louisiana’s $50,000 bond is dramatically higher. Mississippi has the easiest entry: no bond, no exam, no training.

How to Become a Notary in Arkansas (2026 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Requirements

Disqualifying Factors