How to Become a Notary in Arkansas (2026 Guide)
Already a notary? Our self-paced online courses help you expand your services and grow your income. Browse courses →
Key Takeaways
- SOS notary training and an online exam required (25 questions, 80% to pass)
- $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
Becoming an Arkansas notary takes a $7,500 bond, the Secretary of State’s notary training, a 25-question online exam you must pass with 80%, and a $20 filing fee. The reward is a 10-year commission — one of the longest terms in the country — with no state fee cap.
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: Complete the Training and Pass the Online Exam
Arkansas requires both SOS-provided training and its hosted online exam. Take the 25-question multiple-choice exam after working through the Arkansas Notary Handbook and the state’s materials; you need 80% to pass.
Step 4: Complete and Submit the Application
Fill out the online application and submit with your $20 filing fee in person or by mail.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| 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 You Can Charge
Arkansas sets no maximum fee for notarial acts — the operative rule is that your fee must be reasonable and agreed with the client before the notarization (A.C.A. §21-6-309). Set your rates, quote them up front, and put the agreement in writing when the job is large.
Authorized Notarial Acts
- 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.
Notarizing 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.
Errors and Omissions 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, and Little Rock plus the Memphis suburbs give the state usable metro density.
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.
Your Commission Belongs to You
Your commission is personal: it does not belong to your employer, and your stamp and commission go with you when you change jobs. No employer can require you to skip proper notarization procedure, and one who pressures you into misconduct can share the liability for it.
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.
How Arkansas Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Arkansas | Texas | Louisiana | Mississippi | Missouri |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | $7,500 | None (residents) | $50,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Exam | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Training | Yes (SOS) | Yes (SOS) | Yes | No | No |
| Term | 10 years | 4 years | Life | 4 years | 4 years |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Arkansas offers the longest fixed commission term in the region at 10 years, though Louisiana’s lifetime commission outlasts it. Louisiana’s $50,000 bond (raised from $10,000 in February 2026) is dramatically higher than anything nearby. Mississippi skips the exam and the training but still requires its $5,000 bond, and Texas requires no bond at all from residents. Full guides: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma.
Updated October 2026. Requirements based on the Arkansas Secretary of State and ACA Section 21.
