How to Become a Notary in Idaho 2026: Complete ID Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Idaho

Idaho does not require an exam or education course to become a notary public. The application process is handled through the Idaho Secretary of State, making Idaho one of the more straightforward states for becoming a notary.

Idaho Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become an Idaho Notary?

• No exam required - Simple application process
• No education requirement - Apply directly after meeting basic requirements
• 6-year commission - Longest standard commission term in the U.S.
• RON authorized - Remote Online Notarization available
• Low startup costs - Affordable bond and fees
• Growing demand - Expanding population means more notary needs

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Step-by-Step: How to Become an Idaho Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become an Idaho notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Be a resident of Idaho OR regularly work in Idaho
• Be able to read and write in English
• Have no felony convictions or crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude (unless civil rights have been restored)

Step 2: Obtain Your Surety Bond

Before submitting your application, obtain a $10,000 surety bond:

• Bond Amount: $10,000
• Bond Term: 6 years (matches commission term)
• Typical Cost: $40-$100 for the 6-year term (approximately $50 from many providers)
• Provider: Must be from an authorized surety company

The bond protects the public from potential financial loss due to improper notarial conduct.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Apply through the Idaho Secretary of State:

Online Application (Recommended):

1. Visit the Idaho Secretary of State website
2. Complete the online notary application
3. Upload your surety bond
4. Pay the $30 filing fee

Paper Application:

1. Download and complete the paper application
2. Include your original surety bond
3. Pay the $50 filing fee ($30 + $20 manual processing fee)
4. Mail to the Idaho Secretary of State

Submit to: Idaho Secretary of State Business Services P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0080

Step 4: Receive Your Commission

Once approved:

• You'll receive your Commission Certificate
• Your commission is valid for 6 years
• You may begin notarizing after obtaining supplies

Note: Unlike some states, Idaho does not require filing an oath of office with a county clerk.

Step 5: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Stamp (Required):

• Must be an inked rubber stamp (embossers are not acceptable alone)
• Must have a serrated or milled-edge border
• Rectangular: Maximum 2.25" x 1"
• Circular: Maximum 1.75" diameter
• Cost: $20-$50

Required Stamp Information:

• Your name exactly as commissioned
• "Notary Public"
• "State of Idaho"
• Your commission number
• Expiration date (optional on stamp - if omitted, must be written on documents)

Notary Journal (Recommended):

• Not legally required for traditional notarizations
• Recommended by the Secretary of State
• Required by RON platforms for remote notarizations
• Cost: $15-$30

Idaho Notary Fees

Important Notes:

• Maximum fee is $5.00 per notarial act
• You may charge less or waive fees entirely
• Travel compensation is permitted for actual and reasonable expenses
• Agree on travel fees before the appointment

Idaho-Specific Requirements

Stamp Requirements

Your Idaho notary stamp must:

• Be an inked rubber stamp (required)
• Have a serrated or milled-edge border
• Be capable of clear photographic reproduction
• Include only required information (no graphics or additional text)

Format Options:

• Rectangular: Maximum 2.25" x 1"
• Circular: Maximum 1.75" diameter

Required Information:

• Your name as commissioned
• "Notary Public"
• "State of Idaho"
• Commission number
• Expiration date (optional - can be handwritten if not on stamp)

Certificate Requirements

Every notarial certificate must include:

• Your official stamp impression
• Your signature
• The date of the notarial act
• Proper notarial wording for the act type
• Commission expiration date (if not on stamp)

Record Keeping (Recommended)

While not required by law, maintaining a journal is strongly recommended:

Recommended journal entries:

• Date and time of notarization
• Type of notarial act
• Document description (date and type)
• Signer's printed name and address
• Method of identification used
• ID credential details
• Fee charged (if any)
• Any additional pertinent information

Best Practice: Make entries in ink and contemporaneously (at the time of the act).

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Idaho

Idaho authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing notaries to perform notarial acts remotely via audio-video communication.

Becoming an Idaho Remote Online Notary

To perform RON in Idaho:

1. Hold a valid Idaho notary commission in good standing
2. Apply for RON authorization through the Secretary of State
3. Pay the $20 RON authorization fee (in addition to base notary fees)
4. Select an approved RON technology platform

RON Technology Requirements

RON platforms must be approved by the Secretary of State and provide:

• Continuous, synchronous audio-visual communication
• Identity proofing at sufficient resolution
• Multi-factor authentication
• High-quality recording capability
• Tamper-evident electronic records
• Electronic seal affixation
• Compliant electronic journal

RON Identity Verification

When performing remote notarizations, verify identity through:

• Personal knowledge of the individual, OR
• Satisfactory evidence by oath/affirmation of a credible witness, OR
• At least two types of identity proofing:
  • Dynamic knowledge-based authentication (KBA)
  • Credential analysis of government-issued photo ID

RON Journal Requirements

While traditional notarizations don't require a journal:

• RON platforms typically require and provide an electronic journal
• Electronic journals must be under exclusive notary control
• Records must be secure and tamper-evident

RON Fees

• RON Authorization Fee: $20 (one-time, added to notary application)
• Maximum fee per RON act: $5.00 (same as traditional acts in Idaho)

Total Cost to Become an Idaho Notary

For RON (additional):

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Renewing Your Idaho Commission

Idaho notary commissions are valid for 6 years - the longest standard term in the nation.

Important: Idaho does not have a "renewal" process. You must:

• Submit a new application before your current commission expires
• Obtain a new $10,000 surety bond
• Pay the filing fee again

Recommendation: Begin the reapplication process up to 90 days before your commission expires to avoid any gap in your ability to notarize.

Note: Purchase a new stamp with your updated expiration date and commission number if they change.

Special Considerations

Felony Convictions

If you have a criminal history:

• Felony convictions may disqualify you
• Crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude are particularly relevant
• Civil rights restoration may allow qualification
• Contact the Secretary of State's office for guidance

Non-Resident Notaries

If you're not an Idaho resident but work in Idaho:

• You may qualify for an Idaho notary commission
• Must regularly work within Idaho's borders
• Subject to the same requirements as residents

Lost or Stolen Stamp

If your notary stamp is lost or stolen:

• Notify the Secretary of State immediately
• Order a replacement stamp
• Document the incident for your records

Start Your Idaho Notary Career Today

Idaho makes it easy to become a notary public with no exam or education requirements. The 6-year commission term and RON authorization make Idaho an excellent state for building a notary business.

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