Requirements for a notary public commission in the United States in 2026

Becoming a commissioned notary public in the United States allows you to serve as an impartial witness for the signing of important documents, administer oaths, and deter fraud. The commission is issued at the state level, meaning the exact requirements, fees, and process vary depending on the state where you live or work.

This guide covers the core requirements that apply across most states, highlights where rules differ, and walks you through the steps from application to receiving your commission. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing commission, understanding what documents and steps are involved will help you complete the process without delays.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

A notary public commission is an official appointment granted by a state government that authorizes an individual to perform notarial acts. These acts include witnessing and authenticating signatures on legal documents, administering oaths and affirmations, certifying copies of documents, and taking depositions.

The commission is relevant to anyone who wants to work as a notary — whether independently, as part of a law firm, real estate office, bank, or other business. It is also required before you can legally charge a fee for notarial services.

The official body responsible for issuing notary commissions is the Secretary of State’s office in most states. In some states, the responsibility falls to the governor’s office, the county clerk, or another designated state agency. You must apply in the state where you are a legal resident or, in some states, where you are primarily employed.

Documents required

The documents listed below are required in most states. Always confirm the exact list with your state’s Secretary of State or the relevant commissioning authority, as requirements vary.

Identity and eligibility documents

Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport) — original required at the time of oath
Proof of legal residency or employment in the state (utility bill, lease agreement, or employer letter — requirements vary by state)
Completed notary public application form — obtained from your state’s Secretary of State website
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (required in some states; a passport or green card may be requested)

Background check and eligibility

Background check authorization form — required in many states, including California, Florida, and Texas; some states conduct the check automatically upon application
Disclosure of any prior criminal convictions — typically included in the application form; a felony conviction may disqualify an applicant depending on the state

Bond and insurance

Notary surety bond — mandatory in most states; the bond amount varies (commonly $500 to $15,000 depending on the state); must be obtained from a licensed surety company before the commission is issued
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance certificate — not universally required but strongly recommended and mandatory in some states

Education and exam

Certificate of completion of a state-approved notary education course — required in states such as California, Colorado, and New York
Passing score on a state notary exam — required in California and a small number of other states; proof of passing is submitted with the application

Payment

Application fee payment — check, money order, or online payment depending on the state

Note: All documents submitted as part of the application must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Copies are generally acceptable for the application, but original documents are typically required when you take your oath of office.

Steps to complete the procedure

The steps below reflect the standard process in most states. Specific steps may differ — always verify with your state’s Secretary of State.

Check your state’s eligibility requirements. Visit your state’s Secretary of State website to confirm the minimum age (usually 18), residency or employment requirements, and any disqualifying factors such as felony convictions.
Complete any required education or training. If your state requires a notary education course, enroll in and complete a state-approved course before submitting your application. Some courses are available online.
Pass the notary exam (if required). States such as California require applicants to pass a written exam administered at approved testing centers. Register for the exam through your state’s Secretary of State website.
Obtain a notary surety bond. Purchase a surety bond from a licensed insurance or bonding company in the required amount for your state. You will need the bond certificate to include with your application.
Complete and submit the application. Download or complete the notary public application form on your state’s Secretary of State website. Submit it — along with your bond certificate, exam results (if applicable), education certificate (if applicable), and application fee — either online, by mail, or in person at the Secretary of State’s office.
Pass the background check. If your state requires a background check, it will be initiated after your application is received. Processing time for this step varies.
Receive your commission certificate. Once approved, your state will mail your commission certificate. In some states, approval is communicated online.
File your bond and take your oath of office. In most states, you must file your surety bond and take an oath of office at your county clerk’s office within a set deadline after receiving your commission (commonly 30 to 60 days). Bring your original commission certificate and a valid photo ID.
Purchase your notary seal and journal. After completing the oath, purchase an official notary seal (stamp) and a notary journal (required in many states) before performing any notarial acts.

Estimated total time: From application submission to being ready to notarize, the process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the state and background check processing times.

Fees and timelines

Application fee: Typically $10 to $60, depending on the state (e.g., approximately $40 in California, $15 in Texas, $60 in New York)
Notary education course fee: $20 to $100 if required by your state
Notary exam fee: Approximately $20 to $40 where applicable
Surety bond cost: Varies by state bond amount; typically $30 to $100 for a 4-year bond from a surety company
Oath of office filing fee: $10 to $30 at the county clerk’s office in most states
Notary seal and journal: Approximately $20 to $60 for supplies purchased from an approved vendor
Processing time: Generally 4 to 8 weeks from application submission to receiving the commission certificate
Commission validity: Most states issue commissions for 4 years; some states (e.g., Maine, Massachusetts) issue commissions for 7 years; a few states issue shorter terms
Renewal: You must apply for renewal before your commission expires; the renewal process is similar to the initial application and may require a new bond and, in some states, a refresher course

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Missing the oath of office deadline. Most states require you to file your bond and take your oath within 30 to 60 days of receiving your commission. Missing this window can void your commission entirely, forcing you to reapply. Mark the deadline on your calendar as soon as you receive your commission certificate.
Submitting an application with incomplete or inconsistent information. Errors such as mismatched names, missing disclosures about prior convictions, or unsigned sections are among the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected. Review every field carefully before submitting.
Purchasing a surety bond for the wrong amount. Bond amounts are set by state law and vary widely. Buying a bond for less than the required amount will result in your application being rejected. Confirm the exact amount on your state’s Secretary of State website before purchasing.
Skipping required education or exam steps. Some applicants assume education and exam requirements do not apply to them. In states where these are mandatory, submitting an application without the required certificate or exam score will cause rejection. Always check current state requirements before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Can I notarize documents in a state other than the one that issued my commission? Generally, no. A notary commission is valid only within the state that issued it. Some states have reciprocity agreements, and remote online notarization (RON) laws may allow cross-state notarizations in certain circumstances. Check your state’s specific rules.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to become a notary public? Not in all states. Many states allow lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to apply. Some states require U.S. citizenship. Check the eligibility requirements for your specific state.

What happens if I move to a different state after receiving my commission? Your commission is tied to the state that issued it. If you move to another state, your existing commission typically becomes invalid for notarial acts in the new state. You would need to apply for a new commission in your new state of residence.

Is a notary journal required? A notary journal (also called a notary record book) is mandatory in many states, including California and Colorado. Even where not legally required, keeping a journal is strongly recommended as it provides a record of every notarial act you perform and can protect you in case of a dispute.

Can I perform remote online notarizations (RON)? Remote online notarization is now authorized in the majority of U.S. states. However, it requires a separate authorization or registration in most states, specific technology platforms, and in some cases additional training. If you want to perform RON, check whether your state requires a separate RON authorization beyond the standard commission.

What to do next

The most important documents to have ready are your completed state application form, a valid government-issued photo ID, and your notary surety bond certificate. Your first concrete step is to visit your state’s Secretary of State website, confirm current eligibility requirements, and download the official application form.

Requirements for notary public commissions are set at the state level and can change. Before submitting your application, verify all current requirements — including fees, bond amounts, education mandates, and deadlines — directly with your state’s Secretary of State office or the designated commissioning authority in your state. Do not rely solely on third-party sources.

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