How to Become a Notary in Vermont (2026 Guide)
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Key Takeaways
- Exam required (built into the application)
- No surety bond required
- Application + exam fee: $30 | Commission term: 2 years
- 2 hours of continuing education required for renewal
- No state fee cap (abolished in 2019)
- Notary stamp not required but recommended
- RON available under transitional rules
- Must be 18+, a US citizen or legal resident, living or working in VT
Becoming a Vermont notary is a three-step, $55-to-$105 process: notarize your Oath of Office before another notary, submit the online application with the $30 fee and pass the exam built into it, then start notarizing once the commission arrives. There is no bond and no state fee cap, but the term is short, two years, and each renewal requires two hours of continuing education.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a US citizen or permanent legal resident
- Be a Vermont resident or have a place of employment or practice in the state
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Oath of Office
Download the Oath of Office form from the Vermont Secretary of State. Have it notarized by another notary.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application and Exam
Submit the online application, upload your notarized oath, and pay the $30 fee (includes application and exam). Pass the notary exam.
Step 3: Receive Your Commission
Once approved, you’ll receive your commission and commission number. You can then perform notarial acts.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application + exam fee | $30 |
| No bond required | $0 |
| Notary stamp (recommended) | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $55-$105 |
Maximum Allowable Fees
Vermont abolished its fee schedule in 2019. You set your own rates. Always disclose fees before performing the notarization to avoid misunderstandings.
Authorized Notarial Acts
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take verifications upon oath or affirmation
- Attest signatures
- Note protests of negotiable instruments
- Take depositions
- Issue subpoenas
Notary Stamp Requirements
Vermont does not require a notary stamp. If you choose to use one, it must meet state specifications. Most Vermont notaries use a stamp for convenience.
Notarizing for Family Members
Vermont does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. Avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.
Penalties and Insurance
Vermont can revoke a commission for misconduct. With no bond in the picture, errors and omissions insurance is your own financial protection against a mistake or negligence claim, and it is worth carrying for the price of a dinner.
Renewal
Vermont notary commissions last 2 years, renewing in odd-numbered years. You must complete 2 hours of continuing education before renewal. The state sends a courtesy reminder, but it’s your responsibility to renew before January 31 of the renewal year.
Remote Online Notarization
Vermont currently allows remote notarization under transitional rules. Check the Vermont SOS website for current status before performing remote notarizations.
Becoming a Signing Agent
After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program and register with signing services. Vermont is not an attorney state for real estate closings, so loan-signing work is open to non-attorneys. Our guide to becoming a signing agent covers the options.
Vermont’s 2-year term is among the shortest in the country; neighboring New Hampshire runs 5 years and Maine 7. Vermont and Maine both require an exam, New Hampshire does not. And the subpoena authority stands out: few states give notaries that power.
Your Commission Belongs to You
A Vermont commission is personal. If you change jobs, your stamp and commission go with you, and no employer can require you to skip proper procedure or limit your notary work to company business.
How Vermont Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Vermont | New Hampshire | Maine | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | None | None | None | None |
| Exam | Yes | No | Yes (open book) | No |
| Training | No | No | No | No |
| Term | 2 years | 5 years | 7 years | 7 years |
| RON | Transitional rules | Yes | Yes | Not authorized |
Vermont and Maine are the region’s exam states; Massachusetts has not authorized remote online notarization, while Vermont’s remote program runs under transitional rules. Maine and Massachusetts offer the Northeast’s longest terms at 7 years. Guides: New Hampshire, Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Vermont?
Yes. The exam is built into the online application, and the $30 fee covers both application and exam.
Do I need a surety bond in Vermont?
No. Vermont requires no bond.
How long does a Vermont notary commission last?
2 years, with commissions renewing in odd-numbered years.
Is continuing education required in Vermont?
Yes: 2 hours before each renewal, completed before the January 31 renewal-year deadline.
Can Vermont notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes, remote notarization is currently available under transitional rules; confirm the current status with the Secretary of State before taking remote appointments.
How much can a Vermont notary charge?
Vermont abolished its fee schedule in 2019, so you set your own rates. Disclose the fee before the notarization.
Updated October 2026. Requirements based on the Vermont Secretary of State and 26 V.S.A. Chapter 5.
