How to Become a Notary in Kansas (2026 Guide)
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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 required (since January 2022)
- No statutory fee cap: notaries set a reasonable, disclosed fee
- RON available: Kansas permits remote online notarization
Becoming a Kansas notary takes four steps and $100 to $180: buy a $12,000 surety bond ($50-$80 premium), get your seal, sign the application before a current notary, and file everything with the $25 fee at the Kansas Secretary of State. No exam, no course, and processing runs one to two weeks. Kansas does require a journal, every notarization goes in it, a rule in force since January 1, 2022.
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
Three things bar appointment: a felony conviction unless your civil rights have been restored, a prior notary commission revocation in any state, and fraud or misrepresentation on the application itself.
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 (required) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $100-$180 |
How Much You Can 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.
Journal Requirement
Kansas has required a notary journal for all notarizations since January 1, 2022. Each entry records the act, the date, and the identification presented. If you have been treating the journal as optional, treat it as required now; the mandate is four years old and applies to every commission in force.
Notarizing for Family Members
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 Misconduct
Notarizing without authority is a misdemeanor, and fraud or forgery tied to a notarial act brings felony charges. The Secretary of State can revoke a commission for cause. Your $12,000 surety bond stands behind the public, and you remain personally liable for anything above it; employers who pressure a notary into cutting corners can share that exposure.
Your Commission Belongs to You
A Kansas commission is personal. If you change jobs, your stamp, journal, and commission go with you, and no employer can require you to skip proper procedure or limit your notary work to company business.
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 | No | 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 | Required | Not required | Required | RON only | RON only |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kansas carries the region’s highest bond at $12,000 without an exam. Colorado flips the trade: no bond, but mandatory training and an exam. Oklahoma raised its bond to $10,000 and added an OSBI fingerprint check effective January 1, 2026, still with no exam. Missouri is the easiest entry of the five. Guides: Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, Nebraska.
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
Kansas commissions run 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
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 commissioned, you can add Notary Signing Agent work through additional training and certification, such as the NNA’s signing agent course, and by registering with signing services. See our guide to becoming a signing agent for the full path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Kansas?
No. Kansas requires no exam and no training course.
Do I need a surety bond in Kansas?
Yes, a $12,000 surety bond for a four-year term matching your commission. The premium runs $50 to $80.
How long does a Kansas notary commission last?
4 years. Submit your renewal application before the current commission expires; there is no grace period.
Is a notary stamp required in Kansas?
Yes, an official seal showing your name, Notary Public, and State of Kansas. A journal is also required for every notarization.
How much can a Kansas notary charge?
Whatever is reasonable: Kansas sets no statutory maximum. Disclose the fee before the notarization.
Can Kansas notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Register as an electronic notary with the Secretary of State and use approved communication technology.
Updated October 2026. Requirements based on the Kansas Secretary of State and K.S.A. Chapter 53; journal mandate effective January 1, 2022.
