A notary public is a state-commissioned official who serves as an impartial witness to deter fraud by verifying identities, witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying copies. Becoming a notary public is a relatively straightforward process in most states, though requirements vary.
9 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Check your state's eligibility requirements — Visit your Secretary of State website. Common requirements: US citizen or legal resident, state resident (in most states), at least 18 years old, no di...
- Complete required education — Many states require a notary education course covering notarial law, ethical obligations, proper procedures, and common mistakes. Courses range from 3-6 hours and cost...
- Pass the notary exam (if required) — Some states (California, New York, Colorado, others) require passing a written exam. The exam covers notarial law, procedures, and ethics. Study materials are t...
- Submit your application — Complete the application form from your Secretary of State's office. Include required documents: application fee ($20-$100), proof of education completion, exam results, a...
- Obtain a surety bond — Most states require a notary bond ($5,000-$25,000 typically). This protects the public against errors. Bond costs are typically $30-$100 for a 4-year term. Purchase from an i...
- Take the oath of office — Many states require newly commissioned notaries to take an oath of office, sometimes filed with the county clerk within a specified period (often 30 days) after receiving ...
- Obtain your notary seal and journal — Purchase an official notary seal/stamp meeting your state's specifications (size, format, information included). Purchase a notary journal for recording all no...
- File your commission — In some states, you must file your oath, bond, and commission with the county clerk's office before performing notarial acts.
- Begin performing notarial acts — Once all filings are complete, you may legally perform notarizations. Follow your state's procedures exactly for each type of notarial act.
Common Mistakes
- Performing notarizations before the commission is active
- Notarizing without proper identification
- Having a financial interest in the transaction
- Not keeping a journal
- Charging more than allowed fees
Pro Tips
- Mobile notary services are a lucrative side business
- Becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) for real estate closings is especially ...
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) is legal in most states and allows you to no...
- The National Notary Association (NNA) provides education, supplies, insurance...
- E&O (Errors and Omissions) insurance protects you against claims of negligenc...