How to Become a Notary in Arkansas (2026 Guide)
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.
How Much Does It Cost?
| 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 |
How Much Can You Charge?
Arkansas does not set a maximum fee for notarial acts. Set your own rates and disclose fees before performing notarizations.
What Notarial Acts Can an Arkansas Notary Perform?
- 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.
Can You Notarize 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.
Do You Need E&O 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.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary in Oklahoma
- How to Become a Notary in Texas
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Arkansas Secretary of State and ACA Section 21.
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