To become a notary, check your state’s rules, meet the basic qualifications, finish any required training and exam, apply and pay the fee, get your bond if required and buy your stamp.
Each state commissions its own notaries, so the details differ.
AdvertisementBelow are the 7 steps, a requirements table, costs and timing, how to list your notary commission on a resume and a checklist.
These are national facts, so confirm the details with your state’s official notary office.
How to Become a Notary in 7 Steps
Quick jump: Check rulesQualifyTrainingExamApplyBondStamp
Step 1. Check Your State’s Rules
Notaries are commissioned and regulated by each state, so start with your state’s official notary office. Confirm the qualifications, the application, the fee and whether your state requires training, an exam, a background check or a bond. This one step saves time and money.
Step 2. Meet the Basic Qualifications
The NNA says you generally need to be at least 18, be a legal resident of your state, read and write English and have no disqualifying criminal offenses. Some states let people who live in a neighboring state but work in the state apply.
Step 3. Complete Training, If Required
Training is required in 22 states and Washington, D.C. Courses typically run three to six hours. Even where training is optional, a short course helps you avoid mistakes that can cost you your commission.
Step 4. Pass the Exam, If Required
An exam is required in 26 states and usually lasts about an hour. Study your state’s notary handbook, because the questions follow your state’s laws.
Step 5. Apply and Finish Screening
Complete the application and pay the filing fee. If your state requires it, complete fingerprinting and a background check. Processing can take two to 10 weeks.
Step 6. Get Your Bond and Commission
If your state requires a surety bond, buy it and file it with your commission paperwork. Amounts typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. Once approved, you receive your commission certificate and file what your state asks for with your regulating official.
Step 7. Buy Your Stamp and Journal
Most states require an official seal, which may be a stamp or an embosser. Buy your supplies after you are commissioned, follow your state’s format and keep a journal if your state requires one. Consider E&O insurance for added protection.
Typical Requirements
| Requirement (NNA) | Typical detail |
|---|---|
| Age | Generally at least 18 |
| Residency | Generally a legal resident of your state; some states accept neighboring-state residents who work there |
| Language | Read and write English |
| Record | No disqualifying criminal offenses |
| Training | Required in 22 states and D.C.; usually 3 to 6 hours |
| Exam | Required in 26 states; usually about an hour |
| Background check | Required in 14 states, including California, Texas and Ohio |
| Surety bond | Required in 28 states and D.C.; typically $5,000 to $10,000 |
Costs, Timing and Commission Terms
| Item (NNA) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total cost | Generally under $100 to $600 or more |
| What it covers | Application fee, training, exam, bond, stamp and journal, plus any fingerprinting, background screening or county filing fees |
| Processing time | Two to 10 weeks |
| Commission term | Most states four years; two years in Delaware and Vermont; 10 years in Arkansas and South Carolina; lifetime in Louisiana |
| E&O insurance | Not required in any state for traditional notaries; strongly recommended |
These figures are national ranges from the National Notary Association. Your state’s fees and rules may differ, and this page makes no promise of income.
How to List Your Notary Commission on a Resume
A notary commission shows trust, accuracy and attention to detail. Put it under Certifications with your state and the year it ends, then add numbers to your experience bullets.
| Resume section | What to add |
|---|---|
| Summary | Your notary commission, your state and one result, such as documents notarized each month |
| Certifications | Notary Public, State of Ohio, commission valid through 2030 |
| Experience | Documents notarized, signers identified and error-free journal entries, with numbers |
| Skills | Attention to detail, ID verification, record keeping, confidentiality and clear communication |
Certifications
Notary Public, State of Ohio, commission valid through 2030
Experience bullet
Notarized about 40 documents a month, verified every signer’s ID and kept a complete journal entry for each one with zero errors in a year.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping your state’s rules. Training, exams, bonds and terms differ by state.
- Buying supplies too early. Wait until your commission is approved.
- Sharing client details. Never put names or document details on a resume.
- Letting your commission lapse. Note your end date and renew early.
- Typos on your resume. Proofread twice.
Notary Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are ready to start when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become a notary?
No. Notaries are commissioned by the state, and the usual qualifications are age, residency, English and a clean record. The National Notary Association (NNA) says you generally need to be at least 18, be a legal resident of your state, read and write English and have no disqualifying criminal offenses.
How long does it take to become a notary?
The NNA says processing can take two to 10 weeks after you apply, and that is on top of any training or exam time. Start with your state’s official notary office, because timing varies.
How much does it cost to become a notary?
The NNA says total costs generally range from under $100 to $600 or more. Costs can include the application fee, training, exam, bond, stamp and journal, plus any fingerprinting, background screening or county filing fees.
Do I need training or an exam?
It depends on your state. The NNA says training is required in 22 states and Washington, D.C., usually a course of three to six hours, and an exam is required in 26 states, usually about an hour.
Do I need a surety bond?
The NNA says a surety bond is required in 28 states and D.C. Amounts typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, though some states set them as low as $500 or as high as $50,000. The bond protects the public, not you.
Do I need a background check?
The NNA says 14 states require one, including California, Texas and Ohio. Even where it is not required, a disqualifying offense can keep you from being commissioned.
How long does a notary commission last?
Most states grant a four-year term. The NNA says terms range from two years in Delaware and Vermont to 10 years in Arkansas and South Carolina, and Louisiana grants lifetime commissions.
Do I need a stamp or seal?
Most states require an official seal, which may be a stamp or an embosser depending on state law. Buy it only after your commission is approved, and follow your state’s exact format.
Does a notary need insurance?
The NNA says errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is not required for traditional notaries in any state, but it strongly recommends it.
How do I put a notary commission on my resume?
List it under Certifications with the title, the state and the year your commission ends, such as Notary Public, State of Ohio, commission valid through 2030. Add a number to your experience bullets, such as documents notarized in a month, and never include client names or document details.
Conclusion
Becoming a notary takes clear steps: learn your state’s rules, qualify, complete any training and exam, apply, get your bond and commission and buy your stamp. Start with your state’s official notary office, then use the checklist above to stay on track.
Related Reading
- Notary public job description sample
- Notary public resume sample
- Notary public cover letter sample
- Legal secretary skills list for resume
Sources: National Notary Association, How to Become a Notary Public (qualifications, training, exam, background check, bond, commission terms, costs and processing time). Rules differ by state, so confirm them with your state’s official notary office. This page does not promise a job or any income.