How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary? (2026 State-by-State Guide)
Published May 19, 2026 · Updated May 21, 2026
The cost to become a notary public ranges from under $50 in states with minimal requirements to over $500 in states that mandate training courses, exams, and high-value surety bonds. The national average runs between $100 and $250 for the initial commission, but that is just the starting point. This guide breaks down every cost you will encounter, state by state, so you know exactly what to budget.
What You Pay to Become a Notary
The upfront costs fall into a few categories. Not every state requires all of these, but here is the complete list of what you might pay:
- State application fee: $10 to $120, paid to the Secretary of State or commissioning authority
- Surety bond: Required in about 30 states. The bond amount ranges from $500 (Wisconsin) to $50,000 (Alabama, Louisiana), but the premium you actually pay is typically 1% to 5% of the bond amount per term ($10 to $100)
- Training course: $20 to $200, required in states like California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Ohio
- State exam: $15 to $100, required in about a dozen states
- Background check: $20 to $75 (fingerprinting/Live Scan), required in California, Ohio, and a few others
- Notary seal (stamp): $15 to $50
- Notary journal: $10 to $30 (required or recommended in every state)
- Errors and Omissions insurance: Optional but recommended, $30 to $300 per year depending on coverage
Cost to Become a Notary by State
The table below shows the estimated total cost to obtain your initial notary commission in each state. Costs include application fees, bond premiums, training, exam fees, and basic supplies (seal and journal). These are ranges because training providers and bond companies charge different rates.
| State | Bond | Training | Exam | Term | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,000 | Yes | No | 4 years | $155–$225 |
| Alaska | $2,500 | No | No | 4 years | $90–$130 |
| Arizona | $5,000 | No | Yes | 4 years | $140–$180 |
| Arkansas | $7,500 | No | No | 10 years | $70–$110 |
| California | $15,000 | Yes (6-hr) | Yes | 4 years | $250–$400 |
| Colorado | None | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $70–$150 |
| Connecticut | None | No | Yes | 5 years | $140–$160 |
| Delaware | None | No | No | 2–4 years | $80–$130 |
| Florida | $7,500 | No | No | 4 years | $120–$230 |
| Georgia | None | No | No | 4 years | $60–$120 |
| Hawaii | $1,000 | No | Yes | 4 years | $186–$226 |
| Idaho | $10,000 | No | No | 6 years | $100–$200 |
| Illinois | $5,000 | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $105–$230 |
| Indiana | $25,000 | No | No | 8 years | $145–$215 |
| Iowa | None | No | No | 3 years | $50–$70 |
| Kansas | $12,000 | No | No | 4 years | $125–$235 |
| Kentucky | $1,000 | No | No | 4 years | $99–$149 |
| Louisiana | $50,000 | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | $320–$500+ |
| Maine | None | No | Yes | 7 years | $70–$90 |
| Maryland | None | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $91–$161 |
| Massachusetts | None | No | No | 7 years | $80–$100 |
| Michigan | $10,000 | No | No | 6–7 years | $90–$160 |
| Minnesota | None | No | No | 5 years | $160–$180 |
| Mississippi | $5,000 | No | No | 4 years | $80–$120 |
| Missouri | $10,000 | No | No | 4 years | $85–$135 |
| Montana | $25,000 | Yes (4-hr) | Yes | 4 years | $135–$235 |
| Nebraska | $15,000 | No | Yes | 4 years | $85–$125 |
| Nevada | $10,000 | No | No | 4 years | $150–$210 |
| New Hampshire | None | No | No | 5 years | $95–$115 |
| New Jersey | None | No | No | 5 years | $60–$85 |
| New Mexico | $10,000 | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $130–$230 |
| New York | None | No | Yes | 4 years | $95–$115 |
| North Carolina | None | Yes (6-hr) | Yes | 5 years | $130–$250 |
| North Dakota | $7,500 | No | No | 4 years | $106–$126 |
| Ohio | None | Yes (3-hr) | Yes | 5 years | $165–$225 |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 | No | No | 4 years | $135–$185 |
| Oregon | None | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $100–$180 |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 | Yes (3-hr) | Yes | 4 years | $162–$332 |
| Rhode Island | None | No | No | 4 years | $100–$170 |
| South Carolina | None | No | No | 10 years | $50–$70 |
| South Dakota | None | No | No | 6 years | $80–$120 |
| Tennessee | $10,000 | No | No | 4 years | $80–$120 |
| Texas | $10,000 | Yes | No | 4 years | $100–$200 |
| Utah | $5,000 | Yes | Yes | 4 years | $100–$150 |
| Vermont | None | No | No | 4 years | $90–$130 |
| Virginia | None | No | No | 4 years | $80–$130 |
| Washington | $10,000 | No | No | 4 years | $100–$160 |
| West Virginia | None | No | No | 4 years | $80–$120 |
| Wisconsin | $500 | No | No | 4 years | $80–$120 |
| Wyoming | None | No | No | 4 years | $80–$120 |
The Cheapest States to Become a Notary
If cost is your primary concern, the least expensive states to become a notary are those with no bond, no exam, and no training requirements. Iowa, South Carolina, Kentucky, and New Jersey all come in under $100 total because they only require an application fee and basic supplies. Georgia and Massachusetts also keep costs low at $60 to $120, with no bond required. Iowa deserves special mention: at $50 to $70 total for a 3-year term, it is the most affordable state in the country to become a notary.
The Most Expensive States to Become a Notary
Louisiana tops the list at $320 to $500+ because it requires a $50,000 bond, a state-specific training course, and an exam. The tradeoff is that Louisiana commissions are lifetime appointments, so you pay once and never renew. California runs $250 to $400 due to mandatory education (6-hour course), a state proctored exam, Live Scan fingerprinting, and a $15,000 bond. Pennsylvania ($162 to $332) and Ohio ($165 to $225) also land on the higher end due to training and exam requirements.
Understanding Surety Bonds
A common source of confusion is the difference between the bond amount and what you actually pay. When a state requires a $10,000 surety bond, that does not mean you write a check for $10,000. The bond amount is the maximum the surety company would pay if you committed notary misconduct. What you pay is the annual premium, typically $30 to $100 depending on the bond amount and your credit. A $10,000 bond usually costs $30 to $50 per term. A $50,000 bond (Alabama, Louisiana) might run $75 to $150.
Additional Costs After Commissioning
Getting commissioned is step one. If you plan to work as a mobile notary or signing agent, budget for additional expenses:
- Dual-tray laser printer: $200 to $500 (essential for signing agents)
- Errors and Omissions insurance: $50 to $300 per year ($100K coverage recommended for signing agents)
- NNA Signing Agent certification: $150 to $200 (includes background check)
- Business cards and marketing: $50 to $200
- RON platform subscription: $120 to $600 per year (if adding remote online notarization)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary?
The average cost to become a notary ranges from $50 to $400 depending on your state. States with no bond, no exam, and no training (like Iowa, South Carolina, and Kentucky) cost under $100. States with extensive requirements (like California, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania) can exceed $300.
Do you have to pay the full bond amount?
No. The bond amount is the coverage limit, not what you pay. You pay an annual premium to a surety company, which typically runs $30 to $100 for most bond amounts. A $10,000 bond costs about $30 to $50 per term.
What is the cheapest state to become a notary?
Iowa and South Carolina are the cheapest at $50 to $70 total. Both have no bond requirement, no exam, and low application fees. Kentucky, New Jersey, and Georgia are also affordable at under $120.
How long does a notary commission last?
Most states issue 4-year commission terms, though some vary. Arkansas and South Carolina grant 10-year terms. Louisiana offers lifetime appointments. Michigan runs 6 to 7 years. Your commission term affects your total cost of ownership, since shorter terms mean more frequent renewal expenses.
What supplies do I need after getting commissioned?
Every notary needs a notary seal (stamp) and a notary journal, regardless of state. These cost $25 to $80 combined. Signing agents also need a dual-tray laser printer and E&O insurance. Mobile notaries should budget for reliable transportation and marketing materials.
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