How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary? Timeline by State

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Most people can become a notary public in 2 to 6 weeks. The range is wide because states have very different requirements. Some states process your application in a few days and require no training. Others mandate a course, a state exam, a background check, and a bond before you can start.

The fastest states take about a week. The slowest can stretch to two months.

The Four Steps (and How Long Each Takes)

Every state follows the same general sequence, though not every state requires every step:

• 1. Meet eligibility requirements — Minutes. You check that you are 18+, a state resident, and have no felony convictions. Some states also require you to read and write English.
• 2. Complete training (if required) — 3 hours to 6 hours, usually online. About 15 states require a training course.
• 3. Pass the exam (if required) — 1 to 3 hours to take it, then wait for results (instant to 2 weeks). About 12 states require an exam.
• 4. Submit application and wait for commission — 1 to 8 weeks. This is where most of the wait time comes from.

Once your commission arrives, you buy your seal and journal (a few days of shipping) and start working.

Timeline by State Category

Fast states: 1-2 weeks

These states require no training and no exam. You fill out the application, pay the fee, and the Secretary of State processes it within a few days to two weeks. Some of them let you start working as soon as your commission is issued.

Examples: Texas, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, Virginia, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin.

Medium states: 3-4 weeks

These states require either a training course or an exam (but not both). The course takes a few hours online, and the exam adds another step. Application processing is usually 2-3 weeks.

Examples: Missouri (exam), Oregon (training + exam), North Carolina (exam), Tennessee (training), Alabama (training + bond), Montana (training).

Slow states: 6-8+ weeks

These states require both training and an exam, plus additional steps like background checks or county-level filings. The application process itself takes longer because of extra approvals.

Examples: California (6-hour course, state exam, background check, 6-8 week processing), New York (exam, county clerk filing), Maryland (senatorial approval, background check), Connecticut (character references, writing sample).

California Timeline (Detailed Example)

California is one of the most involved states, so it is useful as a detailed example of the full timeline:

• Complete a 6-hour approved training course — 1-2 days (online or in-person). You receive a certificate of completion.
• Pass the state proctored exam — Schedule the exam (1-4 week wait depending on location), take the 30-question exam, receive results by mail in 1-2 weeks.
• Submit application with live scan fingerprints — After passing the exam, submit your application to the Secretary of State with live scan results.
• Wait for commission — The Secretary of State processes applications in approximately 2-4 weeks after receiving your exam results and live scan.
• File your oath and bond at the county clerk — 1 day once you receive your commission.

Total timeline from start to finish: typically 6 to 10 weeks.

Texas Timeline (Detailed Example)

Texas is on the other end of the spectrum. No training, no exam:

• Fill out the online application on the Secretary of State website and pay the $21 fee.
• Wait for commission — The state processes most applications within 1-2 weeks.
• Buy your $10,000 surety bond from an insurance company or bonding agency (1-2 days).
• Order your seal and journal — 3-5 business days for shipping.

Total timeline: as fast as 1 week if your application processes quickly and you already have your bond arranged. More typically 2-3 weeks including shipping time for supplies.

What Slows Things Down

Beyond the standard steps, several factors can add weeks to your timeline.

• Background checks. States that require fingerprinting or background screening add 1-3 weeks for processing. California, Utah, and Ohio all require background checks.
• County-level filings. Some states require you to file your commission with your county clerk or recorder of deeds. This adds a trip to a government office and sometimes a mailing delay.
• Scheduled exams. If your state offers exams only on certain dates at certain locations, you could wait weeks for an available slot.
• Surety bond processing. Getting a bond usually takes a day or two, but if you have a complicated financial history it can take longer.
• Criminal history issues. If you have anything on your record, the Secretary of State may take additional time to review your application. Some states deny applicants with certain convictions outright.

Can You Speed Up the Process?

You can speed things up with some planning.

• Complete training before you apply. If your state requires a course, finish it first so you are not waiting on it later in the process.
• Order your supplies early. You can buy your seal and journal before your commission arrives in most states. Check your state rules, but many agents do this so they are ready to work the day their commission is active.
• Apply online. Most states offer online applications that process faster than paper submissions.
• Get your bond lined up. Arrange your surety bond before your commission arrives so you can file it immediately.

Signing Agent Timeline Is Longer

If your goal is to become a notary signing agent who handles loan documents, add another 2-4 weeks after getting your commission. You will need to complete a signing agent certification course (NNA, LSS, or Notary2Pro), pass a background screening, and get listed on signing agent directories. The total process from zero to working signing agent typically takes 2 to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest state to become a notary?

Texas, Florida, and several other states that require no training or exam can process your application in under two weeks. If you have your supplies ready, you can be working within 7-10 days of submitting your application.

Can I start working before my commission arrives?

No. You must wait until your commission is officially active and you have your seal. Performing notarizations before you are commissioned is illegal.

How long is a notary commission valid?

Most states issue commissions for 4 years. A few states use 2-year terms (like New York) or 5-year terms (like Florida). When your commission expires, you go through a renewal process that is usually faster than the initial application.

Do I need to take time off work to become a notary?

Not usually. Most training courses are online and can be completed in an evening. Exams are scheduled at specific times, but many states offer weekday and Saturday options. The application itself is just paperwork you can do anytime.

How long does the notary exam take?

The exam itself takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your state. California’s exam is 30 multiple-choice questions in 50 minutes. Most people finish early.

Can I become a notary with a felony on my record?

It depends on the state and the conviction. Most states review applications with criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Some states have specific waiting periods after certain convictions. Check with your Secretary of State before applying if you have a record.

NotaryTrainingSchool.com offers state-approved notary training courses that you can complete online at your own pace.