Becoming a notary public is one of the most accessible professional certifications in the United States. The process varies by state but generally involves meeting basic eligibility requirements, completing education or an exam, obtaining a surety bond, and applying through your state's commissioning authority.
General Requirements
While specifics vary by state, most states require notary applicants to:
- Be at least 18 years old - some states require 21
- Be a legal resident of the state where you're applying (some states allow non-residents who work in the state)
- Have no felony convictions - requirements vary; some states allow exceptions
- Be able to read and write English
- Not have had a notary commission revoked
Step-by-Step Process
1. Check Your State's Requirements
Each state's Secretary of State (or equivalent office) handles notary commissions. Requirements for education, exams, and bonding vary significantly. Find your state below for a direct link to the commissioning authority:
2. Complete Required Education
Some states require a notary education course before you can apply. Course lengths range from 3 hours (many states) to 6 hours (California, Pennsylvania). States like Texas have no pre-commission education requirement. Online courses are widely accepted and typically cost $50–$150.
3. Pass the Notary Exam (If Required)
Not all states require an exam. States that do include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Utah, among others. The exam typically covers notary law, procedures, and ethics. Pass rates are generally high with adequate preparation.
4. Purchase a Surety Bond
Most states require notaries to purchase a surety bond, which protects the public from errors or misconduct. Bond amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the state, but the annual premium you pay is much lower - typically $30–$100 per year.
5. Submit Your Application
File your application with your state's commissioning authority (usually the Secretary of State). Application fees range from $20 to $60. Processing times vary from a few days to several weeks.
6. Purchase Your Notary Supplies
Once commissioned, you'll need:
- Notary seal/stamp - $15–$40 (required in all states)
- Notary journal - $15–$30 (required in most states, strongly recommended everywhere)
- Errors and omissions insurance - $50–$150/year (optional but recommended)
Commission Duration and Renewal
Notary commissions typically last 4–10 years depending on the state. Renewal processes are generally simpler than the initial application - most states require a new bond and application fee but may waive the exam.
Becoming a Remote Online Notary
If your state is among the states that authorize RON, you can apply for an additional RON commission or endorsement. This typically requires:
- An active traditional notary commission
- Additional RON-specific training (2–4 hours)
- Registration with an approved RON technology provider
- A separate application and fee ($25–$50)
How Much Can Notaries Earn?
Most notaries treat it as a supplement to their primary income. A part-time mobile notary can earn $200–$500 per week. Full-time loan signing agents who handle real estate closings often earn $50,000–$100,000+ annually. General notary work pays the state-regulated fee per signature - check our fees by state page for rates.