Last updated: February 2026 | Data sources: National Notary Association (NNA), State Secretary of State offices
How to Become a Notary Public: Overview
Becoming a notary public is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to start a side hustle or add a valuable credential to your career. With approximately 4.4 million notaries in the United States and the mobile notary services market alone projected to reach $1.88 billion by 2031, demand for notarial services continues to grow — especially with the rise of Remote Online Notarization (RON).
The process is straightforward: in most states, you can become a commissioned notary public in 2 to 8 weeks for a total cost of $50 to $350. Some states require an exam, others don't. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Quick Facts: Becoming a Notary Public
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Time to Get Commissioned | 2-8 weeks |
| Total Cost | $50-$350 (varies by state) |
| Exam Required? | Only in some states (CA, NY, CO, CT, HI, LA, ME, MT, NE, NC, OH, OR, UT) |
| Education Required | High school diploma or equivalent (most states) |
| Commission Term | 4-10 years (varies by state) |
| Minimum Age | 18 in most states |
| Number of U.S. Notaries | ~4.4 million |
| Mobile Notary Market | Projected $1.88 billion by 2031 |
13 states require a notary exam — and our free practice tests cover all of them. Find your state and start practicing today. Browse State Notary Exam Prep --> — AI-powered questions with instant explanations.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Notary
Step 1: Meet Your State's Basic Requirements
While specific requirements vary, most states require:
- Age: At least 18 years old (19 in some states)
- Residency: Be a resident of the state OR have a place of business in the state
- Legal status: Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Background: No felony convictions (especially fraud, forgery, or dishonesty)
- Language: Ability to read and write in English
Step 2: Complete Required Education (If Applicable)
Some states require you to complete a notary education course before applying:
| State | Education Required | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| California | Yes — mandatory 6-hour course | 6 hours |
| Colorado | Yes — approved training | 6 hours |
| Florida | Yes — approved 3-hour course | 3 hours |
| Missouri | Yes — as of 2024 | Varies |
| Nevada | Yes — approved course | 4 hours |
| Ohio | Yes — 3-hour course for new notaries | 3 hours |
| Oregon | Yes — approved training | 6 hours |
| Pennsylvania | Yes — 3-hour course | 3 hours |
| Texas | Yes — education course (required as of 2026) | 2 hours |
| Most other states | No education required | — |
Step 3: Pass the Notary Exam (If Required)
Only certain states require you to pass a notary exam. Here are the states that do:
States requiring a notary exam:
- California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Utah
Exam details (typical):
- Format: Multiple-choice (20-40 questions)
- Passing score: 70-80%
- Cost: $20-$40 exam fee
- Topics: Notarial acts, identification requirements, record keeping, conflict of interest, fraud prevention, state-specific laws
- Proctored: Yes — at testing center or during education course
California Notary -->Free exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Where to apply: Your state's Secretary of State office (or equivalent agency)
- Application fee: $20-$120 depending on the state
- Required documents: Completed application, proof of education (if required), exam results (if required)
- Background check: Some states require fingerprinting and a background check
- Processing time: 1-6 weeks
Step 5: Obtain a Surety Bond
Most states require notaries to purchase a surety bond. This is NOT insurance for you — it protects the public if you make an error or commit misconduct.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Required in most states? | Yes |
| Bond amount | $5,000-$25,000 (varies by state) |
| Your cost (premium) | $30-$100 for the full commission term |
| Where to purchase | Insurance companies, NNA, online bond providers |
Example bond requirements:
- Texas: $10,000 bond
- California: $15,000 bond
- New York: No bond required (one of few states)
- Florida: $7,500 bond
- Ohio: No bond required
Step 6: Get Your Notary Stamp/Seal and Journal
- Notary stamp/seal: Required in all states. Cost: $15-$40
- Notary journal/record book: Required in most states. Cost: $10-$25
- Some states require both a rubber stamp AND an embosser
Step 7: Take the Oath of Office
Most states require you to take an oath of office, which may need to be:
- Filed with your county clerk
- Taken before another notary or authorized official
- Completed within a certain timeframe after receiving your commission
Step 8: File Your Commission
Once you have your commission certificate, bond, stamp, and oath on file, you're ready to start performing notarizations!
State-by-State Requirements: Major States
| State | Age | Exam? | Education? | Bond | Term | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 18 | Yes | 6-hour course | $15,000 | 4 years | $40 |
| Texas | 18 | No | 2-hour course (as of 2026) | $10,000 | 4 years | $21 |
| Florida | 18 | No | 3-hour course | $7,500 | 4 years | $25 |
| New York | 18 | Yes | No | None | 4 years | $60 |
| Illinois | 18 | No | No | $5,000 | 4 years | $10 |
| Ohio | 18 | Yes (as of 2019) | 3-hour course | None | 5 years | $15 |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | No | 3-hour course | $10,000 | 4 years | $42 |
| Georgia | 18 | No | No | None | 4 years | $38 |
| Michigan | 18 | No | No | $10,000 | 6-7 years | $10 |
| North Carolina | 18 | Yes | No | $10,000 | 5 years | $50 |
| Colorado | 18 | Yes | 6-hour course | None | 4 years | $10 |
| New Jersey | 18 | Yes | 6-hour course | — | — | $25 |
| Maryland | 18 | Yes | State course | — | — | $25 |
| Virginia | 18 | No | No | — | — | Varies |
| Minnesota | 18 | No | No | — | 5 years | Varies |
| Missouri | 18 | No | Required course | $10,000 | 4 years | $25 |
| Oregon | 18 | Yes | Required course | — | 4 years | $40 |
| Connecticut | 18 | Yes (100% required) | No | None | 5 years | $120 |
| Nevada | 18 | Yes | 3-hour course | $10,000 | — | $35 |
| Louisiana | 18 | Yes | HS diploma | $10,000 | — | $35 |
| Kentucky | 18 | No | No | $1,000 | — | $10 |
| Hawaii | 18 | Yes | No | $1,000 | 4 years | $30 |
| Iowa | 18 | No | Required course (first-time) | None | 3 years | $30 |
| Nebraska | 19 | Yes (85% to pass) | No | $15,000 | — | $30 |
| Utah | 18 | Yes (online) | No | $50 | — | $95 |
| Maine | 18 | No | No | None | 7 years | $50 |
| Montana | 18 | Yes | 4-hour course | $25,000 | 4 years | $25 |
| Arizona | 18 | No | No | — | — | Varies |
Total Costs to Become a Notary
| Cost Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $10-$120 | One-time state fee |
| Education/course | $0-$150 | Only required in some states |
| Exam fee | $0-$40 | Only required in some states |
| Surety bond | $0-$100 | Premium for full commission term |
| Notary stamp/seal | $15-$40 | Required in all states |
| Journal/record book | $10-$25 | Required in most states |
| Background check | $0-$75 | Not required in all states |
| Total | $50-$350 | Most notaries spend $100-$200 |
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Remote Online Notarization allows notaries to perform notarizations via secure video conference rather than in person. This is a rapidly growing area of the industry.
States That Allow RON (as of 2026)
As of 2026, 47 states plus D.C. have enacted Remote Online Notarization laws — approximately 90% of the country.
States where RON is NOT fully available (as of 2026):
- California — Law enacted (SB 696) but full implementation delayed until January 1, 2030
- Georgia — Pending legislation (HB 289, SB 425)
- Mississippi — Only allows TWIN and IPEN, not full RON; legislation pending
- Alabama — Allows Remote Ink Notarization (RIN) only, not full RON
- Delaware — RON restricted to licensed attorneys
- Rhode Island — Limited temporary RON only
All other states have active RON laws, including all major states: Texas, Florida, Virginia, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Nevada, Colorado, and more.
RON Requirements (Typical)
- Must hold a current traditional notary commission
- Complete additional RON-specific education/training
- Register with your state as a RON notary
- Use an approved RON technology platform (e.g., Notarize, OneNotary, Nexsys)
- Identity verification through knowledge-based authentication (KBA)
- Audio-video recording of all sessions
Choosing a RON Platform
| Platform | Best For | Per-Notarization Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notarize | Individual notaries; highest volume | $25 (U.S.) / $79 (intl.) | Industry leader; 24/7; on-demand witnesses; advanced fraud detection |
| OneNotary | Budget-friendly; occasional use | $25 + $10/additional doc | Simple interface; nationwide; documents accessible 7 days |
| DocuSign Notary | Enterprises (200+ docs/year) | $50-$480/month (plans) | Integrates with DocuSign ecosystem; you supply your own notaries |
| Nexsys Clear Sign | Real estate/lending only | Varies by closing company | Approved by major underwriters; not for general notarial acts |
Recommendation for new RON notaries: Start with Notarize for the best combination of volume, features, and fraud protection.
RON Income Potential
- Per notarization fee: $25-$50+ (vs. $5-$15 for traditional)
- Volume: Can perform more notarizations per day without travel
- Availability: Can serve clients nationwide (where permitted)
Notary Signing Agent: Higher Income Opportunity
A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a notary who specializes in handling loan document signings for real estate transactions. This is the highest-paying notary specialty.
How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- First become a notary public in your state
- Complete NSA training (recommended: NNA Signing Agent Certification or similar)
- Pass a background check (required by signing services and title companies)
- Get Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance ($25,000-$100,000 coverage; costs $100-$200/year)
- Register with signing services (SigningOrder, Notary Rotary, SnapDocs, etc.)
NSA Income Potential
| Level | Income Potential | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time NSA | $500-$2,000/month | 2-4 signings per week |
| Full-time NSA | $3,000-$8,000/month | 8-15+ signings per week |
| Experienced NSA | $75,000-$150,000/year | High-volume markets, reverse mortgages |
| Per signing fee | $75-$200 | Varies by market and loan type |
Notary signing agents earn $75-$200 per signing — that's $3,000-$8,000/month full-time. Your notary commission is the first step. Pass the exam, get commissioned, then add NSA training. Start FREE Notary Exam Prep -->
Signing Agent Training: Which Course Is Best?
| Training Program | Cost | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NNA Signing Agent Certification | $65-$250 | Industry-recognized certification + background check | Required by most title companies; start here |
| Loan Signing System | $297-$797 | Comprehensive business-building + marketing strategies | Agents who want to earn $75K+; best for serious career |
| Sign & Thrive | $49/month | Ongoing community + relationship training | Budget-friendly ongoing support |
Recommended path: Get NNA certified first (many companies require it), then add Loan Signing System for business skills.
NSA vs. Regular Notary Income
| Factor | Regular Notary | Notary Signing Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Per-act fee | $2-$15 | $75-$200 per signing |
| Annual income potential | $1,000-$10,000 (part-time) | $25,000-$150,000 |
| Typical work | Acknowledgments, jurats, oaths | Loan document packages |
| Training required | State requirements only | Additional NSA certification |
| Insurance needed | Optional (recommended) | Required (E&O insurance) |
How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary?
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Complete education (if required) | 1-2 days |
| Take and pass exam (if required) | 1 day |
| Submit application | 1 day |
| Background check processing | 1-4 weeks |
| Receive commission | 1-4 weeks |
| Purchase supplies | 1-3 days |
| Total | 2-8 weeks |
Renewing Your Notary Commission
Notary commissions are not permanent — they expire and must be renewed:
- Commission terms: 4-10 years depending on the state (most common: 4 years)
- Renewal process: Similar to initial application (updated education, exam, bond)
- Start early: Begin the renewal process 2-3 months before expiration
- Fees: Similar to initial application fees
Tips for Success as a Notary
- Market yourself — Tell everyone you know. Business cards, social media, and Google Business Profile are essential
- Specialize — Notary signing agents earn significantly more than general notaries
- Get E&O insurance — Protects you from claims of errors or omissions
- Keep meticulous records — A journal protects you legally and professionally
- Know your state laws — Violations can result in commission revocation and legal liability
- Consider mobile notary services — Travel to clients for an additional fee ($25-$75+ travel fee)
- Explore RON — Remote online notarization is growing rapidly and offers higher per-act fees
E&O Insurance: Do You Need It?
No state legally requires E&O (Errors & Omissions) insurance for notaries. However, it's strongly recommended — and many title companies and signing services won't hire you without it.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Required by law? | No — but required by most signing services |
| What it covers | Protects YOU from claims of errors, omissions, or negligence |
| Recommended coverage | $25,000 (general notaries); $100,000 (signing agents) |
| Cost | $40-$200/year (general); $450+/year for $500K+ coverage |
| Top providers | Colonial Surety, The Hartford, Notaries.com (Travelers), Insureon |
Important distinction: E&O insurance protects you. Your surety bond protects the public. They serve different purposes — you may need both.
Start Your Notary Career Today
Becoming a notary is quick, affordable, and opens doors to earning potential — especially as a notary signing agent.
Your FREE exam prep resources:
- California Notary Exam Prep -->
- New York Notary Exam Prep -->
- Colorado Notary Exam Prep -->
- Browse All Notary Exam Prep --> — Find your state
- All 150+ FREE Exam Prep Courses -->
What you get — 100% free:
- Practice questions tailored to your state's notary exam
- AI-powered explanations for every wrong answer
- Study plans that focus on your weak areas
- Mobile-friendly — study anywhere, anytime
4.4 million Americans are notaries — and the mobile notary market alone is worth $1.88 billion. Whether you want a side hustle or a $150K career as a signing agent, it starts with your notary commission. Start Your FREE Notary Exam Prep --> — No credit card, no catch.