How to Become a Notary: Essential Steps to Start

Learning how to become a notary is more straightforward than you might think, and it’s a legitimate side hustle or career pivot that opens doors in legal, real estate, and financial sectors. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or transition into a professional notary role, the path forward involves understanding state requirements, completing training, and building a client base. Let’s walk through exactly what you need to do to get started.

Check Your State Requirements

Here’s the real deal: notary requirements vary dramatically by state. What works in California won’t work in New York, and that’s why your first step is hitting your state’s Secretary of State website. Each state controls notary licensing, so you need to understand the specific rules where you live or plan to work.

Some states require you to be a resident, while others don’t. Some have age minimums (typically 18), and others require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A few states demand you work under a sponsoring employer, while others let you operate independently. Spend 20 minutes researching your state’s official requirements—this groundwork saves headaches later.

Meet Basic Qualifications

Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and have no felony convictions. Some states have additional requirements like a clean background check or specific residency periods. Check whether your state requires you to be employed or self-employed, or if you can work as an independent notary public.

If you’ve had legal issues in your past, contact your state’s notary board directly. They’re usually helpful about clarifying whether old convictions disqualify you. Transparency now prevents rejection later. You’ll also want to confirm whether your state allows notaries to work remotely or if you need a physical office location.

Complete Notary Training Course

While not all states require formal training, taking a notary course is smart regardless. These courses teach you the actual job—understanding documents, identifying fraud, knowing when to refuse a notarization, and following proper procedures. Most courses run 2-8 hours and cost $20-$100.

You can find courses through your state’s notary association, community colleges, or online platforms. Look for courses that cover your specific state’s laws, not generic national material. The investment in proper training builds your credibility with clients and protects you legally. If you’re serious about building a notary business, this education is non-negotiable.

Pass the Notary Exam

Many states require you to pass an exam before getting commissioned. These tests typically cover your state’s notary laws, document requirements, identification procedures, and ethical responsibilities. Some states make the exam optional but still recommend it. The passing score is usually 70-80%, and you get multiple attempts if needed.

Study materials are available through your state’s notary board or the training course you take. The exam isn’t designed to trick you—it’s checking that you understand the fundamentals of your job. Take it seriously, review the material thoroughly, and don’t rush through practice tests. Most people pass on their first attempt when they prepare properly.

Apply for Your Commission

This is where you officially become a notary public. You’ll submit an application to your state’s Secretary of State or notary board with your exam results, proof of residency, background check authorization, and application fees (typically $25-$150). Processing times vary from 1-6 weeks depending on your state.

Some states require you to have a sponsoring employer sign off on your application. Others ask for references or proof of good moral character. Read the application instructions carefully and submit everything at once—incomplete applications get returned and delay your timeline. Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.

Get Bonded and Insured

A notary bond is essentially insurance that protects the public if you make mistakes. Most states require bonds ranging from $500-$15,000. You purchase this through an insurance company, and it typically costs $50-$200 for a four-year term. This is mandatory in most states, so budget for it in your startup costs.

Professional liability insurance is separate from your bond and protects you personally if someone sues for damages. It’s not always required, but it’s smart protection for your business. Combined, bonding and insurance might cost $200-$400 total for your initial four-year term. That’s cheap protection for a professional service you’re offering.

Obtain Your Official Seal

Your notary seal is your official stamp that goes on documents. You can’t legally notarize anything without one. Purchase your seal from an authorized vendor in your state (your Secretary of State’s office has a list). Seals typically cost $20-$50 and come as either embossers or rubber stamps, depending on state requirements.

Your seal will include your name, the state, your commission number, and expiration date. Order it only after you receive your official commission—the commission number must be correct. Keep your seal secure and maintain a record of its use. Some states require you to register your seal with the Secretary of State’s office.

Build Your Notary Business

Now that you’re commissioned, it’s time to get clients. Start by telling everyone you know—friends, family, coworkers, your real estate agent, your attorney. Many notaries build steady business through word-of-mouth referrals. Create a simple website or social media presence listing your services, availability, and rates.

Consider specializing in high-demand services like loan signings, real estate documents, or apostille services. Partner with local title companies, law firms, or mortgage brokers who regularly need notary services. You can also register with gig platforms that connect notaries with clients needing remote or in-person notarization. Like any service business, your reputation is everything—be reliable, professional, and thorough with every client.

Understand Your Responsibilities

As a notary, you’re legally responsible for verifying signer identity, confirming they’re signing willingly and knowingly, and ensuring documents are authentic. You must refuse to notarize if something seems fraudulent or if the signer appears coerced. Your job is to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of documents.

Keep detailed records of every notarization in a journal, including the date, document type, signer name, ID type, and signature. This journal is legally required in most states and protects you if questions arise later. Never notarize a blank document, never notarize for family members (most states prohibit this), and never sign documents as a witness and notary on the same document. These rules exist to protect everyone involved.

Maintain Compliance and Renewal

Your notary commission typically lasts 4-6 years, depending on your state. Mark your renewal date on your calendar—missing it means you can’t legally work as a notary. Renewal usually involves updating your application, paying renewal fees, and sometimes retaking the exam or completing continuing education.

Stay informed about changes to your state’s notary laws. Join your state’s notary association for updates and training resources. Keep your bond current and your seal in good condition. Professional notaries treat this like any licensed profession—with ongoing attention to compliance and skill development. The effort you put into staying current protects your reputation and keeps you legally solid.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a notary?

The timeline depends on your state, but typically you’re looking at 4-12 weeks from start to commission. You can usually complete training and the exam within a week or two, but the application processing and bond setup take the bulk of the time. Some expedited states process applications in 2-3 weeks, while others take 6-8 weeks.

How much does it cost to become a notary?

Total startup costs typically range from $150-$400. This includes training ($20-$100), application fees ($25-$150), exam fees (usually included with training), bonding ($50-$200), and your seal ($20-$50). Some states have higher fees, but you’re looking at a relatively low barrier to entry compared to other professional licenses.

Can I become a notary without an employer?

In most states, yes. You can work as an independent notary public without being employed by a law firm, bank, or other company. However, some states require you to have a sponsoring employer or work under specific circumstances. Check your state’s requirements before assuming you can work independently.

Do I need to renew my notary commission?

Yes, absolutely. Your commission expires after 4-6 years depending on your state. Renewal typically involves reapplying, paying renewal fees, and sometimes completing continuing education or retaking the exam. Plan for renewal costs in your budget and don’t let your commission lapse if you want to keep working.

How much can I charge for notary services?

States set maximum fees for notarizations, typically $2-$15 per signature. Some states allow higher fees for specialized services like loan signings or traveling to the client. Check your state’s fee schedule to understand what you can legally charge. Building volume is key to making notary work profitable.

Can I notarize for family members?

Most states prohibit notarizing for family members due to conflict of interest concerns. Check your specific state’s rules, but assume you can’t. This protects the integrity of the notarization and prevents legal complications. It’s one of the clearest ethical boundaries in notary work.