Become a Notary in Utah: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Published March 9, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

Utah requires a $5,000 surety bond, a state exam ($95), and a background check. Commissions last 4 years and the maximum fee is $10 per notarial act. As of May 2026, Utah also requires a journal for new commissions (SB139). Here is the step-by-step process.

Eligibility Requirements

Anyone interested in becoming a Utah notary public must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Be a United States citizen or have permanent resident status.
Be lawfully residing in Utah or employed in the state for at least 30 days before applying, and maintain that residency or employment going forward.
Be able to read, write, and understand the English language.

Application Process

The process of becoming a notary public in Utah typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Study for the notary exam. You must pass the state notary exam before becoming a commissioned notary in Utah.

Step 2: Create your online account. This is so that you can take the exam and submit your application.

Step 3: Take the notary exam. This involves a $95 fee for the first attempt and $40 for each additional attempt.

Step 4: Submit a mandatory background check. You are required to submit a criminal background check with your notary application.

Step 5: Obtain a $5,000 notary surety bond. This is a type of insurance that covers civil liability for any wrongful acts on your part as a notary public.

Step 6: Have your Oath of Office notarized. The oath of office usually comes with the surety bond.

Step 7: Submit all of the required documents. You will upload all of the required documents to your online account.

Training Requirements

Utah does not require formal training, the state provides a Utah Notary Public Study Guide to help you prepare for the exam.

Exam Requirements

Yes, you must pass the Utah notary exam before becoming a commissioned notary in Utah.

Background Check Requirements

All applicants must first pass through criminal background check. The Lieutenant Governor’s office requires a signed waiver form. They send your information to the Department of Human Resource Management for screening.

Bond Requirements

Yes, all applicants must provide a notary surety bond in the amount of $5,000. This provides protection against civil liabilities resulting from wrongful acts that you may commit while acting as a notary public.

E&O Insurance Requirements

No, a notary errors and omissions insurance policy is not required to become a notary public in Utah. However, many experienced notaries recommend that you purchase such coverage as an added layer of protection against any legal fees and potential liability claims.

Stamp Requirements

Yes, a notary stamp is required in order to properly perform your duties as a notary public in the State of Utah.

Journal Requirements

As of May 6, 2026 (SB139), Utah notaries who receive a commission on or after that date are required to keep a physical journal. Remote notaries must keep a secure electronic journal. If your commission started before May 6, 2026, a journal is still strongly recommended.

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

The state application and testing fee is $95 with an additional fee of $40 for each retake.

Your notary stamp will cost $15 to $25. A journal (required for new commissions after May 6, 2026) runs $10 to $50.

Commission Length

Utah Notary Public commissions are valid for four years from the date of issue.

Authorized Notarial Acts

A Utah Notary Public can perform a variety of notarial acts, including:

Taking acknowledgments
Administering oaths or affirmations
Performing jurats
Certifying copies
Witnessing signatures

Renewal Process

Although there is no official renewal process in Utah, if your name remains unchanged then you can use the same username and password to update your information before taking the exam. On the other hand, should your legal name have changed since last time, it’s necessary for you to create an entirely new account.

Remote Online Notarization

Yes, a notary in Utah is allowed to become a remote notary and perform remote online notarizations but they must follow an additional application process which includes another application, partnering with a remote online notarization vendor, increasing the notary bond to $10,000, obtaining an electronic seal and an electronic journal, and an additional application fee. The state will then determine if you qualify to become a remote online notary.

Fee Schedule

The fee for a notarial act in Utah is limited to $10 per signature for a traditional notarization and $25 for each remote online notarization performed.

Becoming a Signing Agent

Yes, Utah notaries can become Notary Signing Agents. To do so, they must undergo additional certification and training. The process includes completing an in-depth Notary Signing Agent training course and exam and obtaining errors and omissions insurance coverage to protect them against any potential claims.

Utah Fee Schedule

Utah sets a maximum fee of $10 per notarial act for traditional notarizations and $25 for remote online notarizations.

Notarizing for Family Members

Utah allows notarizing for family members if you personally know them sufficiently. You cannot notarize a document in which you have a direct financial interest. For real estate documents, always require proper identification.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor
Fraud or forgery: felony charges
Commission revocation, the Lieutenant Governor can revoke your commission
Civil liability. Your $5,000 surety bond protects the public

Employer Obligations

Your commission is personal. It cannot be controlled by your employer
If you leave your job, your stamp and journal go with you
No one else may use your notary stamp. This is a criminal offense

How Utah Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	Utah	Colorado	Arizona	Nevada
Bond	$5,000	None	$5,000	$10,000
Exam	Yes	Yes	Yes ($46.75)	Yes
Training	No (study guide)	Yes (free)	Yes	Yes
Term	4 years	4 years	4 years	4 years
Max Fee	$10	None	$10	$15
Journal	Required (May 2026)	Required	Required	Required
RON	Yes ($10K bond)	Yes	Yes	Yes

Utah requires an exam but no formal training (study guide available). Colorado offers free SOS training. Arizona’s exam costs $46.75 (Prometric). Utah’s $5,000 bond is modest vs. Nevada’s $10,000. All four states permit RON; Utah requires an additional $10,000 bond for remote notarization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a notary exam required in Utah?

Yes. You must pass the state notary exam before receiving your commission. The exam fee is included in the $95 initial cost.

Do I need a surety bond in Utah?

Yes. A $5,000 notarial bond is required for standard notaries. Remote notaries need a $10,000 bond.

Is a notary journal required in Utah?

Yes, for commissions received on or after May 6, 2026 (SB139). A physical journal is required. Remote notaries must keep a secure electronic journal.

How long does a Utah notary commission last?

4 years.

Can Utah notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. You must complete an additional application, use an approved RON vendor, and obtain a $10,000 bond.