How to Become a Notary in Georgia 2026: Complete GA Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Georgia

Georgia does not require an exam to become a notary public. However, as of January 1, 2025, Georgia requires all new and renewing notaries to complete an educational training course. Applications are processed through the Clerk of Superior Court in your county of residence.

Georgia Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become a Georgia Notary?

• No exam required - Only an education course
• No bond required - One of few states without a bond requirement
• Affordable - Low startup costs compared to other states
• Statewide commission - Serve clients across all 159 Georgia counties
• 4-year commission - Long term reduces renewal frequency
• Growing demand - High population state with constant need for notaries

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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Georgia Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a Georgia notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident
• Be a resident of the Georgia county where you're applying (or a resident of a bordering state who works in Georgia)
• Be able to read and write English
• Have a valid phone number
• Be of good moral character
• Have no disqualifying criminal convictions

Step 2: Complete Mandatory Education Course

Effective January 1, 2025, all notary applicants must complete an educational training course:

Course Requirements:

• Complete training prior to initial appointment
• For renewals, complete within 30 days prior to reappointment
• Course covers notary duties, responsibilities, and Georgia law

Course Content Includes:

• Duties and responsibilities of a Georgia notary public
• Georgia notary laws and regulations
• Proper identification procedures
• Journal requirements for self-filers
• Avoiding unauthorized practice of law

Step 3: Submit Application to Clerk of Superior Court

Apply through the Clerk of Superior Court in your county of residence:

1. Complete the Georgia Notary Public Application
2. Pay the application fee ($40-$55, varies by county)
3. Provide proof of education course completion
4. Submit required identification documents

Note: Each of Georgia's 159 counties may have slightly different procedures and fees. Contact your county Clerk of Superior Court for specific requirements.

Step 4: Take Your Oath of Office

Once approved:

• You'll appear before the Clerk to take your Oath of Office
• Sign the official oath document
• Receive your Commission Certificate
• Your commission is valid for 4 years

Step 5: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Seal/Stamp (Required):

• Rubber stamp or embosser
• Must include: Your name, "Notary Public," your county of appointment, and "State of Georgia"
• Commission expiration date recommended but not required on seal
• Cost: $20-$50

Notary Journal (Conditionally Required):

• Required for notarizations involving "self-filers" (as of January 1, 2025)
• Strongly recommended for all notarizations
• Paper bound book or tamper-evident electronic format
• Cost: $15-$30

Georgia Notary Fees

Important Notes:

• Georgia has one of the lowest maximum notary fees in the country
• Notaries are not required to charge fees
• Must inform clients of fee amount before performing the act
• Travel fees are not regulated but should be reasonable

Georgia-Specific Requirements

Seal Requirements

Your Georgia notary seal must include:

• Your name exactly as commissioned
• The words "Notary Public"
• Your county of appointment
• The name of the state (Georgia or State of Georgia)

Format Options:

• Rubber ink stamp (most common)
• Embosser (authorized but not required)
• Must be capable of photographic reproduction

Important: Keep your seal secure. Report any loss or theft to the Clerk of Superior Court and GSCCCA within 10 days.

Journal Requirements (Effective January 1, 2025)

Georgia now requires journal entries for notarizations involving "self-filers":

What is a Self-Filer? A person who is a party to certain instruments including:

• Deeds
• Mortgages
• Liens
• Maps or plats relating to real estate
• State tax executions and renewals

Exempt from Journal Requirement:

• Insurance agents acting in official capacity
• Licensed attorneys
• Licensed real estate brokers
• Agents of banks or federal credit unions
• Georgia licensed mortgage lenders and servicers
• Public officials performing official duties
• Professional land surveyors in good standing

Required Journal Entries for Self-Filers:

• Signer's name, address, and phone number
• Date, time, and location of the act
• Type of identification used (or notation of personal knowledge)
• Signer's signature in the journal
• Type of notarial act performed
• Type of document notarized

Identification Requirements

For each notarial act, you must verify the signer's identity through:

• Personal knowledge of the individual, OR
• Satisfactory evidence including government-issued photo ID

Acceptable IDs include:

• State driver's license or ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Georgia

Important: Georgia does NOT authorize Remote Online Notarization (RON) as of 2025. The signer must physically appear before the notary in person.

What This Means:

• All notarizations must be performed in-person
• Video conferencing is not permitted for notarial acts
• Both the notary and signer must be physically present in the same location

Note: Check for legislative updates as RON laws continue to evolve nationwide.

Total Cost to Become a Georgia Notary

Note: Georgia does not require a surety bond, which significantly reduces startup costs compared to most other states.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Renewing Your Georgia Commission

Georgia notary commissions are valid for 4 years.

Renewal Process:

• Complete a new education course within 30 days prior to renewal
• Submit reappointment application to your county Clerk
• Pay the renewal fee (same as initial application)
• Take a new oath of office

Important: Apply for renewal before your commission expires. There is no grace period.

Special Considerations

Criminal Background

If you have a criminal history:

• Certain felony convictions may disqualify you
• Convictions involving moral turpitude are particularly relevant
• The Clerk of Superior Court reviews each application individually
• Be prepared to provide documentation and explain your circumstances

Working in Multiple Counties

• Your commission is valid statewide in all 159 Georgia counties
• You may notarize documents anywhere in Georgia
• Your application is filed with the Clerk in your county of residence

E&O Insurance (Recommended)

While Georgia doesn't require a bond or insurance:

• Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance is highly recommended
• Protects you from personal liability for mistakes
• Typical cost: $30-$100 per year

Start Your Georgia Notary Career Today

Georgia offers one of the most affordable and accessible paths to becoming a notary public. With no exam, no bond requirement, and relatively low fees, you can start serving your community in just a few weeks.

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