How to Become a Notary in Vermont (2026 Guide)

Published March 23, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Exam required
• 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 emergency rules
• Must be 18+, a US citizen or legal resident, living or working in VT

Vermont has one of the shortest commission terms in the country (2 years) and requires continuing education for renewal. But there’s no bond and no fee cap. The exam is included in the application process.

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.

How Much Does It Cost?

Item	Cost
Application + exam fee	$30
No bond required	$0
Notary stamp (recommended)	$15-$25
Notary journal (recommended)	$10-$50
Total	$55-$105

How Much Can You Charge?

Vermont abolished its fee schedule in 2019. You set your own rates. Always disclose fees before performing the notarization to avoid misunderstandings.

What Notarial Acts Can a Vermont Notary Perform?

• 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.

Can You Notarize 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 for Notary Misconduct

Vermont can revoke your commission for misconduct. The continuing education requirement helps the state ensure notaries remain competent throughout their commission.

Do You Need E&O Insurance?

Not required, but recommended, especially since Vermont has no bond requirement. E&O protects you personally from claims arising from mistakes or negligence.

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 emergency rules. Permanent rules are being adopted. 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. Vermont is not an attorney state for real estate closings, so signing agents can handle loan document signings.

Vermont’s 2-year term is one of the shortest in the country: neighboring New Hampshire has a 5-year term and Maine has a 7-year term. The exam requirement is shared with Maine but not NH. The subpoena power is unusual. Most states don’t give notaries that authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Vermont?

Yes. You must pass the Vermont Notary Public exam as part of the application process.

Do I need a surety bond in Vermont?

No. Vermont does not require a surety bond.

How long does a Vermont notary commission last?

2 years. Commissions renew in odd-numbered years.

Is continuing education required in Vermont?

Yes. 2 hours of continuing education are required before each renewal.

Can Vermont notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Vermont allows remote notarization under emergency rules. Check the VT SOS website for current status before performing remote notarizations.

How much can a Vermont notary charge?

Vermont abolished its fee schedule in 2019. You set your own rates but should disclose fees in advance.

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 Vermont Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	Vermont	New Hampshire	Maine	Massachusetts
Bond	None	None	None	None
Exam	Yes	No	No	No
Training	No	No	No	No
Term	4 years	5 years	7 years	7 years
RON	Under emergency rules	Yes	Yes	Yes

Vermont is the only New England state requiring an exam. No bonds required anywhere in the region. Maine and Massachusetts both offer 7-year terms, the longest in the Northeast. Vermont’s RON is available under emergency rules.

Related Reading

• How to Become a Notary in New Hampshire
• How to Become a Notary in Maine
• How to Become a Notary Signing Agent

Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Vermont Secretary of State and 26 V.S.A. Chapter 5.