From Application to Certification: How to Register as a Notary Public in Any State
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Registering as a notary follows the same six steps everywhere: confirm eligibility, take training if your state requires it, pass the exam if it has one, buy a bond in the states that mandate one, apply, and file with your county where required. Total cost runs $65 to $180 in low-requirement states and $200 to $400 in high-requirement ones like California, and the whole process takes two weeks to three months. Where states differ is in which of those steps exist, so the specifics below matter.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you apply, make sure you qualify. The requirements are similar across all 50 states:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of the state (or work in the state, in some cases)
- Have no felony convictions (some states also disqualify for certain misdemeanors)
- Be able to read and write English
A few states have extra requirements. Missouri requires you to be a registered voter. Some states disqualify applicants with certain professional license revocations. Check your Secretary of State’s website for the full list.
Step 2: Complete Training (If Required)
About a dozen states require notary training before you can apply. The most notable:
| State | Training Hours | Exam Required? |
|---|---|---|
| California | 6 hours (new), 3 hours (renewal) | Yes |
| Florida | 3 hours (new only) | No |
| Colorado | Yes (SOS-provided) | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | 3 hours | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes (since 2021) | Yes |
| Ohio | Yes (SOS-approved vendor) | Yes |
| New York | No (but exam required) | Yes |
Most states do not require training or an exam. In those states, you fill out the application, pay the fee, and receive your commission. Even if your state does not require training, taking a course is worth the investment. A mistake in notarizing a real estate document can lead to a lawsuit.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Most states have moved their applications online. Visit your Secretary of State’s website and look for the notary public section. You will need to provide personal information, pay a fee ($10-$100 depending on the state), and sometimes upload proof of training or exam results.
Processing times range from 1-2 weeks in fast states (Florida, Texas) to 6-8 weeks in slower ones (New York, California). Some states require a background check as part of the application, which can add another week or two.
Step 4: Get Your Surety Bond (If Required)
Fewer than half the states require a surety bond, but where it is required the mechanics are the same: the bond protects the public, not you. If your mistake causes financial harm, the injured party claims against your bond, and you repay the bonding company.
Bond amounts range from $500 (some states) to $50,000 (Louisiana, since February 2026); Pennsylvania’s bond is $10,000. You do not pay the full bond amount. You pay a premium, which is typically $30-$100 for the full commission term (usually 4 years). Purchase the bond from a bonding company or insurance agent before filing your commission.
Most states actually require no bond at all; Maryland, Vermont, and Virginia are examples, and our bond cost by state table lists every requirement.
Step 5: File Your Commission (If Required)
In some states, you need to take an oath of office and file your commission with the county clerk before you can start notarizing. New York, for example, requires you to file with the county clerk within 30 days. Other states activate your commission automatically when the state approves your application.
Check your commission certificate for instructions. If you miss a filing deadline, your commission may be voided and you would have to reapply.
Step 6: Buy Your Supplies
At minimum, you need a notary stamp. Most states also recommend (or require) a notary journal. Typical costs:
- Notary stamp: $15-$30. Must include your name, “Notary Public,” your state, and commission expiration date.
- Notary journal: $10-$50. A bound book with pre-printed entry fields is best. Some states require a specific format.
- E&O insurance: $30-$100/year. Not required in any state, but worth having. Protects you from personal liability if you make an error.
Some notaries also buy an embosser (raised seal), but most states do not require one. Your rubber stamp is enough.
Total Cost to Become a Notary
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Training course (if required) | $25-$150 |
| Exam fee (if required) | $0-$50 |
| Application fee | $10-$100 |
| Background check | $0-$75 |
| Surety bond premium | $30-$100 |
| Stamp and journal | $25-$80 |
| Total (low-cost state) | $65-$180 |
| Total (high-cost state like CA) | $200-$400 |
Renewing Your Commission
Most notary commissions last 4 years. Some are shorter (Delaware starts at 2 years) and some are longer (Louisiana commissions are lifetime; South Carolina runs 10). Start the renewal process 30-60 days before your commission expires. Most states let you renew without retaking the exam, but California requires a 3-hour refresher course for renewals.
If your commission lapses, you cannot perform notarial acts during the gap. Some states treat a lapsed commission the same as a new application, which means retaking the exam and training. Do not let it expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary?
Two weeks to three months from application to active commission. Training and exam states sit at the long end; simple online-application states such as Texas and Florida can finish in under two weeks.
Can I become a notary in multiple states?
Only by meeting each state’s residency rule, usually living or working there. See our multi-state commission guide.
Do I need a background check to become a notary?
About half the states require one, costing $15 to $75 through providers the Secretary of State lists. Ohio’s BCI check, for instance, must be under six months old when you apply.
Can a felon become a notary?
In most states, no, felony convictions disqualify you, though pardoned or expunged convictions are treated differently state by state. Ask the Secretary of State about your specific record before paying any fee.
Do most states require a surety bond?
Fewer than half do. Where required, amounts run from $500 up to $50,000 in Louisiana, and you pay only the premium, typically $30 to $100 for the commission term.
Updated May 2026.
