How to Become a Notary in Kansas (2026 Guide)
Published March 18, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026
Key Takeaways
- $12,000 surety bond required: one of the highest in the Midwest
- No exam or training course required
- Application fee: $25 | Commission term: 4 years
- Notary stamp required | Journal recommended
- RON available: Kansas permits remote online notarization
Kansas requires a $12,000 surety bond but no exam or training course. The application goes through the Kansas Secretary of State. Here’s how the process works step by step.
Requirements to Become a Notary in Kansas
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Kansas or a resident of a bordering state who works in Kansas
- Be able to read and write English
- Not have had a notary commission revoked in Kansas or any other state
Disqualifying Factors
- Felony conviction (unless restored to civil rights)
- Previous notary commission revocation
- Fraud or misrepresentation on the application
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Purchase Your $12,000 Surety Bond
Obtain a $12,000 surety bond from an insurance company licensed to do business in Kansas. The bond must be for a four-year term coinciding with your commission. The premium typically costs $50-$80.
Step 2: Obtain Your Notary Seal
Kansas requires an official notary seal (stamp or embosser). Your seal must include your name as it appears on your commission, “Notary Public,” and “State of Kansas.” Most notaries use a rubber stamp for convenience.
Step 3: Complete and Notarize the Application
Fill out the Notary Public Appointment Form from the Secretary of State. You must sign the application before a current notary public. Submit the completed form, your bond, and the $25 filing fee to the Secretary of State’s office.
Step 4: Receive Your Commission Certificate
Once approved, the Secretary of State will mail your Notary Commission Certificate. You can then begin performing notarial acts. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Cost to Become a Notary in Kansas
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $25 |
| $12,000 surety bond premium | $50-$80 |
| Notary stamp (required) | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $100-$180 |
How Much Can Kansas Notaries Charge?
Kansas does not set a statutory maximum fee for notarizations. You may charge a reasonable fee. Best practice is to communicate your fee before performing the notarization.
Can You Notarize for Family Members in Kansas?
Kansas does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. The conflict-of-interest rule applies: you cannot notarize a document in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. Avoid notarizing for yourself or your spouse on shared financial documents.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct
- Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor
- Fraud or forgery: felony charges
- Commission revocation, the Secretary of State can revoke your commission
- Civil liability. Your $12,000 surety bond protects the public; you are personally liable above that
Employer Obligations
- Your 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 Kansas Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Kansas | Missouri | Colorado | Oklahoma | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | $12,000 | $10,000 | None | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Exam | No | No | Yes | Yes (85%) | Yes |
| Training | No | No | Yes (free SOS) | No | No |
| Term | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years |
| Max Fee | None | $5 | None | $5 | $5 |
| Journal | Recommended | No | Required | No | Required |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kansas has the highest bond requirement in the region at $12,000, though no exam or training is required. Colorado requires no bond but mandates training and an exam. Nebraska requires the highest exam pass rate at 85%. Missouri is the easiest entry: $10,000 bond but no exam, training, or journal.
E&O Insurance: Recommended
Not required, but strongly recommended given the $12,000 bond. E&O insurance protects you personally beyond what the bond covers. A typical policy costs $30-$60 per year.
Renewing Your Kansas Notary Commission
4 years. You must submit a new application, obtain a new bond, and pay the $25 fee. There is no grace period. You cannot notarize after your commission expires.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Kansas
Yes. Kansas permits remote online notarization. You must have a current Kansas notary commission, register as an electronic notary with the Secretary of State, and use approved communication technology.
Becoming a Signing Agent in Kansas
Once you have your Kansas notary commission, you can become a Notary Signing Agent by completing additional training and certification through the National Notary Association or similar organizations. Signing agents handle loan document signings for title companies and lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Kansas?
No. Kansas does not require a notary exam or training course.
Do I need a surety bond in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas requires a $12,000 surety bond for a four-year term. The premium costs about $50-$80.
How long does a Kansas notary commission last?
4 years. Submit your renewal application before your current commission expires.
Is a notary stamp required in Kansas?
Yes. All Kansas notaries must have an official seal with their name, “Notary Public,” and “State of Kansas.”
How much can a Kansas notary charge?
Kansas does not set a maximum fee. You may charge a reasonable fee, but must disclose it before performing the notarization.
Can Kansas notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Register as an electronic notary with the Secretary of State and use approved technology.
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