Legal Careers
How to Become a Notary Public
To become a notary public, you meet your state's basic rules (usually 18 or older and a state resident), apply to your Secretary of State or similar office, and pay a filing fee. Some states also require a short training course, an exam, a background check, and a surety bond. Most people finish in 2–8 weeks and spend about $50–$500, depending on the state.
- Time to start
- 2–8 weeks in most states
- Typical cost
- $50–$500 (state fees, training, bond, stamp)
- Median pay
- Not tracked by BLS; income set by state per-act fee limits
- Education
- No degree required; state-approved course in some states
- License / certification
- Notary commission from your state (usually the Secretary of State)
- Job outlook
- No BLS projection; steady demand for real estate, legal, and remote online notarizations
Steps to become a notary public
Check your state's requirements
Go to your Secretary of State's notary page (in a few states it is another office, such as the lieutenant governor or county clerk). Note the minimum age, residency rules, training, exam, bond, and fees. Requirements differ a lot by state, so do not rely on another state's rules.
Complete required training
About ten states, including California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, require an approved course before you apply. Courses usually take 3–6 hours and are available online. Even if your state does not require training, a short course helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Pass the state notary exam, if required
States such as California, New York, and North Carolina require a written exam. Most exams are multiple choice, take about an hour, and are based on your state's notary handbook. Read the official handbook and take practice tests before your date.
Submit your application and fees
Fill out the application, pay the filing fee, and complete any background check or fingerprinting your state requires. Some states, like New York, let you apply online. Processing usually takes a few days to several weeks.
Get your surety bond and take the oath
Many states require a surety bond, often between $500 and $25,000 in coverage, which usually costs well under $100 for the full term. You then take your oath of office, often at the county clerk's office, within the deadline your state sets. Consider errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects you rather than the public.
Buy your stamp and journal
Order a notary seal or stamp that meets your state's format rules, and a bound notary journal if your state requires one (many professionals keep one anyway). Keep both locked up when you are not using them. Start notarizing for your employer, community, or your own mobile notary business.
Expand into signing agent or online work (optional)
To earn more, many notaries become loan signing agents, who handle mortgage closing documents for title and escrow companies. Lenders and title companies usually expect a signing agent certification, a background screening, and E&O insurance. Most states now also authorize remote online notarization (RON), which requires a separate state registration and an approved platform.
Find a state-approved notary course
In states that require training, you must use a state-approved provider; elsewhere a short course is optional but helps you avoid mistakes.
- State-approved notary training course (online)
- Notary exam prep course and practice tests
- Notary signing agent certification course
- Remote online notary (RON) training
- Community college notary workshop
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| State application or commission fee | $10 | $120 | New York, for example, charges $60 plus a $15 exam fee |
| Required training course | $0 | $200 | Only in states that require it |
| Surety bond | $20 | $150 | Premium for the full term; only in states that require a bond |
| Notary stamp or seal | $20 | $60 | |
| Notary journal | $10 | $40 | |
| Background check or fingerprints | $0 | $100 | Only in some states |
| E&O insurance (optional) | $25 | $150 | Per term, depending on coverage |
| Loan signing agent certification and screening (optional) | $150 | $400 | Private, not a state requirement |
| Total | $235 | $1,220 | Timeline: 2–8 weeks in most states |
Exams and how to prepare
State notary public exam
Multiple-choice test on your state's notary laws and procedures, required in states such as California, New York, and North Carolina.
How to prepare: Read your state's official notary handbook and take practice tests; 1–2 weeks of study is typical.
Notary signing agent certification exam (optional)
Private certification exam on loan document procedures, offered by industry organizations such as the NNA; often expected by title companies.
How to prepare: Complete the provider's course; a few days to two weeks.
Prepare for your state notary exam
Only some states require an exam; study your state's official handbook first.
- State notary public exam (California, New York, North Carolina and other exam states)
- Notary signing agent certification exam
Notary Public salary and job outlook
Most notaries hold a commission as part of another job, such as bank, legal, or office work. Independent notaries earn per notarization, capped by state fee limits (often $2–$15 per act, plus travel fees in some states), and loan signing agents are paid per signing. Income varies widely with location and volume.
Printable PDF
Notary Public Starter Kit: 90-Day Action Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a notary?
In most states it takes 2–8 weeks from application to commission. States with required training, exams, or fingerprinting take longer. Processing times depend on your state office.
How much does it cost to become a notary?
Most people spend $50–$500 in total. That covers the state fee, any required course or exam, a surety bond, and a stamp and journal. States with no training, exam, or bond requirement are at the low end.
Do you need a degree to become a notary?
No. Notaries do not need a college degree or high school diploma in most states. You do need to meet the age and residency rules and, in some states, complete training and pass an exam.
Is the notary exam hard?
Most state notary exams are short multiple-choice tests based on the official state handbook. People who study the handbook and take practice tests usually pass. Passing scores vary by state, so check yours.
Can you become a notary with a criminal record?
It depends on the state and the offense. Many states deny commissions for felonies or crimes involving fraud or dishonesty, while some allow applicants after a set time or with restored rights. Disclose everything on your application.
How much do notaries make?
BLS does not track notaries as a separate job, and most notaries notarize as part of another role. Independent notaries charge per act up to their state's fee limit, and loan signing agents are paid per closing, so income depends on volume. Many earn extra income rather than a full salary.
How do you become a mobile notary or loan signing agent?
First get your notary commission. Then take a signing agent course, pass a background screening, buy E&O insurance, and register with signing services and local title and escrow companies. Check whether your state limits travel fees.
Can you become a remote online notary?
Most states now allow remote online notarization. You usually need a regular commission first, then a separate state registration, sometimes extra training, and an approved RON platform. Rules vary by state, so check your Secretary of State's site.
Sources
- National Notary Association: How to become a notary public
- National Notary Association: Notary fees by state
- New York Department of State: Become a Notary Public
- California Secretary of State: Notary Public
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.