What Does a Notary Public Do?
A notary public is a state-appointed official who witnesses signatures and helps deter fraud in legal and financial transactions. The office is established under state law, and the commissioning authority is typically the Secretary of State. Responsibilities vary by state.
Each state sets its own rules, so day-to-day duties can differ widely. Most notaries verify signer identity, confirm willingness, and record each act in a journal. Training and exam expectations also depend on the state.
The role serves as an impartial witness during the document signing process. This safeguard helps protect against coercion and identity fraud in real estate, legal, and business matters. Learn more from the National Notary Association guide.
What Are the Basic Requirements?
Eligibility to become a notary starts with three core rules. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a legal resident of the commissioning state, and be able to read and write English. Beyond these basics, state requirements vary widely, so check specifics through the National Notary Association state laws directory.
The usual commissioning authority is the Secretary of State, and notaries generally hold statewide jurisdiction. Many states add conditions like training, exams, bonding, and recordkeeping before granting a commission. For an official example, visit your state’s Secretary of State page to review local rules and application details.
- Training: 21 states plus DC require courses that typically run 3 to 6 hours
- Exam: 26 states require a test that takes about 1 hour to complete
- Surety bond: 28 states plus DC require bonds, typically $5,000 to $10,000
- Journal: 28 states plus DC require notaries to keep a journal of acts
How Do You Get Commissioned?
The commissioning process follows a clear sequence set by each state’s commissioning authority, usually the Secretary of State. Applicants must first meet all state requirements before beginning. Processing typically takes 2 to 10 weeks from start to finish.
- Submit an application to the commissioning authority
- Complete required training courses lasting 3 to 6 hours
- Pass an exam of about 1 hour if required
- Obtain a surety bond if your state mandates one
- Take an oath or file paperwork with the state
- Receive your commission and begin serving the public
Twenty-one states plus DC require training, and twenty-six states require an exam. The National Notary Association’s commissioning guide offers helpful resources for each step. Once approved, you receive your notary commission and can act as a notary public with statewide jurisdiction.
Twenty-eight states plus DC require a surety bond before your commission is issued. Bond amounts range from $500 to $50,000, with typical amounts between $5,000 and $10,000. This bond protects the public from errors or misconduct during your term.
What Do Costs and Terms Look Like?
A notary commission typically lasts 4 years, but term lengths vary widely across states. The range runs from 2 years in Delaware and Vermont to 10 years in Arkansas and South Carolina, with Louisiana issuing lifetime appointments to its notaries.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | Most last 4 years; range 2 years to lifetime |
| Cost range | Under $100 to more than $600 |
| Bond amount | $500 to $50,000 (typically $5,000 to $10,000) |
| Training length | 3 to 6 hours |
| Exam length | About 1 hour |
Total expenses usually fall between under $100 and more than $600, depending on the state and required materials. A surety bond is mandated in 28 states plus DC, with bond amounts ranging from $500 to $50,000. Most states set the bond between $5,000 and $10,000.
Training courses run 3 to 6 hours, and exams take about 1 hour. Errors and omissions insurance is not required for traditional notaries but some buy it for added protection. Processing usually takes 2 to 10 weeks from application to receiving the final commission.
What About Remote Online Notarization?
Remote online notarization lets commissioned officials verify signatures through live video instead of in-person meetings. The signer appears on camera, identity is checked electronically, and documents are signed and sealed digitally. Florida requires extra steps for online notaries.
Here is what changes when you move online, what stays the same, and when a traditional commission still comes first. A valid commission is always required before adding any new digital notarization services to your practice.
- What changes: video sessions replace in-person meetings and digital seals replace stamps
- What stays the same: identity checks, fraud deterrence, and statewide jurisdiction
- When traditional comes first: hold a valid commission before applying for online authorization
How much does it cost to become a notary public?
Costs range from under $100 to more than $600 depending on your state, covering fees, bonds, and training.
How long does the commissioning process take?
Processing usually takes 2 to 10 weeks from application to receiving your commission.
Can serving as a notary be a side job?
Many notarize part-time, but income varies by state and volume. No reliable nationwide salary figure exists.
Getting started is straightforward. Check your Secretary of State website for state-specific rules, complete any required training, and submit your application. Once commissioned, you can decide whether to add online services based on local demand.