How to Become a Notary Public (2026)
State-by-state requirements, application fees, bond amounts, and exam rules — all sourced from official state government pages.
How to Become a Notary — Step by Step
Becoming a notary public involves a state government application process. The steps are similar across states, but requirements vary significantly — some states take 2 weeks and cost $30, others require an exam, a large bond, and cost $400+. Here's the universal process:
Check your state's requirements
Every state sets its own rules — fees, bond amounts, exam requirements, and commission terms. Use the state guide below or click your state to see the exact requirements from the official government source.
Complete required education (if your state requires it)
About 15 states require a state-approved education course before you apply. Course lengths vary: 3 hours (Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania), 4 hours (Montana), 6 hours (California, North Carolina, New Jersey). Florida and Texas require courses only for first-time applicants. Courses are available online through state-approved providers and typically cost $20–$80.
Pass the notary exam (if required)
Around 11 states require a written exam: Arizona, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio. Exam fees range from $10 (Hawaii) to $100 (Louisiana). California's exam requires a 70% pass score; Georgia requires 90%. New York attorneys and certain court clerks are exempt.
Obtain a surety bond (if required)
30 states require a surety bond before commissioning. Bond amounts range from $500 (Wisconsin) to $50,000 (Alabama, Louisiana). You purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company — the actual cost is typically $35–$100 for your full commission term, regardless of the bond face value. The bond protects the public from notary errors; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application and pay the fee
File your application with your state's commissioning authority — usually the Secretary of State, though some states use a county office (Georgia files with the Clerk of Superior Court; Tennessee files with the County Clerk; Virginia files with the Secretary of the Commonwealth). Application fees range from $10 (Colorado, Kentucky) to $200+ (Louisiana).
Take your oath of office
Most states require you to take an official oath of office within a set window after receiving your commission (typically 30–90 days). In California, you also file your bond with the County Clerk at this step. In Virginia, you take the oath at your local Circuit Court. Missing the oath deadline can void your commission.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official notary seal/stamp and a notary journal. Most states require a specific seal format — check your state's rules on shape, ink color, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60 total. Some states (like Tennessee) include a stamp with the commission fee.
Get Your Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral offers state-specific training courses, study guides, and exam prep. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Requirements by State — All 50 States
Click any state for the full guide including step-by-step instructions, all fees, and a direct link to the official state government source.
No states match your search.
Total Cost to Become a Notary — What to Budget
The state application fee is just one part of your startup cost. Here's a full breakdown of every potential expense:
| Cost Item | Typical Range | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| State application fee | $10 – $200 | Yes — all states |
| Surety bond (full term) | $35 – $100 | 30 states |
| Education course | $20 – $80 | ~15 states |
| Exam fee | $10 – $100 | ~11 states |
| Notary stamp/seal | $20 – $40 | Yes — all states |
| Notary journal | $10 – $25 | Most states |
| Oath of office filing | $0 – $15 | Most states |
Sources: National Notary Association ↗ · BuySuretyBonds.com — Bond Requirements by State ↗
Cheapest States to Become a Notary
If you only need the commission for occasional personal use, the lowest-cost states are Colorado ($10 fee, no bond), Kentucky ($10 fee, $1,000 bond), and Texas ($21 fee, $10,000 bond). Wisconsin has a $500 bond — the lowest bond amount in any state that requires one.
Most Expensive States to Become a Notary
Louisiana is the most demanding — lifetime exam, $50,000 bond, and total costs of $500+. Alabama also requires a $50,000 bond. Connecticut ($120 application fee) and Minnesota ($120 fee) are the priciest no-bond states.
Turn Your Notary License Into a $75–$200/Signing Business
Notary signing agents complete real estate loan closings — one of the most lucrative uses of a notary commission. Loan Signing System teaches you how to get signings and build a full-time income from your notary license.
Start Your Signing Agent Business →Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Remote Online Notarization (RON) lets you perform notarizations via live audio-video call. It's a separate authorization from your standard notary commission — available in 33 states as of 2026. To become a RON notary, you typically need to:
- Hold a valid traditional notary commission in your state
- Register as an electronic/online notary with your state (extra fee in most states)
- Use a state-approved RON platform (Proof, DocuSign Notary, NotarizeME, etc.)
- Complete any additional state training requirements for RON
States that do not currently permit RON include Georgia, South Carolina, and a handful of others. California has RON legislation pending. Check your state's page below for current status.