How to Become a Notary in Idaho (2026 Guide)
Key Takeaways
- No exam required (free training available from SOS)
- $10,000 surety bond required
- Application fee: $30 | Commission term: 6 years
- Notary stamp required
- Maximum fee: $5 per act, including RON; travel billed separately
- Must be 18+, a US citizen or legal resident, living or working in ID
Becoming an Idaho notary takes three steps and $85 to $145: buy a $10,000 surety bond ($30-$40 premium), complete the application and have it notarized by an Idaho notary, then mail it with the bond and $30 fee to the Secretary of State. No exam, no required course (the SOS offers free training), and the commission runs six years. Buy your stamp once approved.
A notary commission is not one business. It’s five.
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Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a US citizen or permanent legal resident
- Be a resident of Idaho or have a place of employment in the state
- Not be disqualified under Idaho code
Disqualifying Factors
Idaho evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis. Criminal history and disqualifications under Idaho code can bar you.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Purchase Your $10,000 Surety Bond
Idaho requires a $10,000 surety bond from an authorized surety company. The premium typically costs $30-$40.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Fill out the online application, print it, and have it notarized by an Idaho notary public.
Step 3: Submit to the Secretary of State
Mail your application, original bond, and $30 fee to the Idaho Secretary of State.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $30 |
| $10,000 surety bond premium | $30-$40 |
| Notary stamp (required) | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $85-$145 |
Maximum Allowable Fees
Idaho caps the fee at $5 per notarial act, acknowledgments, jurats, and verbal oaths alike, and remote online notarizations carry the same $5 cap (Idaho Code §51-133). Travel expenses are billed separately and must be actual and reasonable.
Authorized Notarial Acts
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take verifications
- Witness signatures
- Certify copies
- Protest negotiable instruments
Notary Stamp Requirements
Idaho requires a notary stamp. All notarized documents must bear your official seal.
Notarizing for Family Members
Idaho does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. Avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.
Penalties and Insurance
The Secretary of State can revoke your commission for misconduct. Nothing in Idaho law requires errors and omissions insurance, but with a bond that protects the public rather than you, E&O is the coverage that stands between a notarial mistake and your own wallet. The Secretary of State’s free notary training course, available online, is a good refresher even for experienced notaries.
Renewal
Idaho commissions run 6 years. The renewal process repeats the original steps: new bond, application, and fee.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Idaho allows RON. Active notaries can register to perform remote online notarizations through the Secretary of State, with the same $5 per-act cap applying to remote work.
Becoming a Signing Agent
After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program and register with signing services. Idaho is not an attorney state for real estate closings. Our guide to becoming a signing agent covers the certification options.
Idaho’s $10,000 bond is mid-range for the region: Montana requires $25,000 and an exam, Wyoming requires training and an exam but no bond, and Washington requires a $10,000 bond. Guides: Montana, Wyoming, Washington.
Your Commission Belongs to You
An Idaho 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Idaho?
No. Idaho requires no exam, and the Secretary of State publishes a free training course worth taking anyway.
Do I need a surety bond in Idaho?
Yes, a $10,000 surety bond from an authorized surety, with a premium around $30 to $40.
How long does an Idaho notary commission last?
6 years, with renewal repeating the original application steps.
Is a notary stamp required in Idaho?
Yes. Every notarized document must carry your official seal.
How much can an Idaho notary charge?
$5 per notarial act, the same for remote online work (Idaho Code §51-133). Travel expenses are separate and must be actual and reasonable.
Can Idaho notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Commissioned notaries register through the Secretary of State and use approved technology; the $5 per-act cap applies.
Updated October 2026. Requirements based on the Idaho Secretary of State and Idaho Code Title 51; fee cap verified against Idaho Code §51-133.
