How to Become a Notary Public in Iowa
Iowa does not require an exam to become a notary public. The application process is straightforward, handled through the Iowa Secretary of State. Iowa is one of the easiest states to become a notary, with no bond requirement and no mandatory education.
Iowa Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Residency | Iowa resident OR employed in Iowa (bordering state resident) |
| Exam Required | No |
| Education Required | No |
| Surety Bond | Not required |
| Commission Term | 3 years (residents) / 1 year (non-residents) |
| Application Fee | $30 |
Why Become an Iowa Notary?
- No exam required - Simple application process
- No bond required - Lower startup costs
- RON authorized - Remote Online Notarization available
- Reasonable fees - Can charge "reasonable" amounts for services
- Growing demand - Constant need for notary services
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Step-by-Step: How to Become an Iowa Notary
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To become an Iowa notary public, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Be a resident of Iowa OR have a place of employment in Iowa (if residing in a bordering state)
- Be able to read and write English
- Not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud or dishonesty
Step 2: Complete the Application
Apply through the Iowa Secretary of State:
- Visit the Iowa Secretary of State website
- Complete the Notary Public Application form
- Applications can be submitted online via the Fast Track system
- Pay the $30 application fee
Mailing Address (if submitting by mail): Iowa Secretary of State Notary Division 321 E. 12th Street Des Moines, IA 50319
Step 3: Receive Your Commission
Once approved:
- You'll receive your Commission Certificate
- Your commission is valid for 3 years (residents) or 1 year (non-residents)
- You may begin notarizing after obtaining your seal
Step 4: Purchase Notary Supplies
After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:
Official Notary Seal (Required):
- Rubber stamp or embosser format
- Must be clear and photographically reproducible
- Cost: $20-$50
Required Seal Information:
- Your name as commissioned
- "Notarial Seal"
- "Iowa"
- Commission number
- Commission expiration date (or blank line for date)
Notary Journal (Recommended):
- Not required for traditional notarizations
- Required for remote online notarizations
- Cost: $15-$40
Iowa Notary Fees
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Notarial acts | Reasonable fee (no state maximum) |
| Remote Online Notarization | Set by RON platform |
| Travel fees | By prior agreement |
Important Notes:
- Iowa law permits a "reasonable fee" for notary services
- No state-mandated maximum for traditional acts
- Fees should be agreed upon before performing the notarial act
Iowa-Specific Requirements
Seal Requirements
Your Iowa notary seal must meet specific requirements:
Format Options:
- Rubber ink stamp
- Embosser
Required Information:
- Your name exactly as commissioned
- "Notarial Seal"
- "Iowa"
- Commission number
- Commission expiration date (or blank line)
Security:
- Maintain exclusive control of your seal
- Notify SOS within 15 days if lost, stolen, or compromised
- Destroy or disfigure your seal when your commission ends
Certificate Requirements
Every notarial certificate must include:
- Your official seal impression
- Your signature
- The date of the notarial act
- Proper notarial wording for the act type
Journal Requirements
Traditional Notarizations:
- Journal is not required but strongly recommended
- Helps protect you in case of disputes
Remote Online Notarizations:
- Electronic journal is mandatory
- Audio-visual recording required for each RON session
- Must retain records as required by law
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Iowa
Iowa authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing notaries to perform notarial acts remotely via audio-video communication. RON became legal in Iowa in July 2021 under Senate File 475.
Becoming an Iowa Remote Notary
To perform RON in Iowa:
- Hold a valid Iowa notary commission in good standing
- Complete an SOS-approved RON training course within 6 months prior to your first remote act (currently NNA offers this course for $30)
- Submit "Application for Approval to Perform Remote Notarizations" (no fee for this form)
- Contract with an SOS-approved RON technology provider
- Obtain electronic seal, e-journal, and digital certificate (often provided by RON vendor)
RON Technology Requirements
RON platforms must provide:
- Continuous audio-visual communication
- Identity verification (credential analysis + knowledge-based authentication)
- Session recording capability
- Tamper-evident electronic records
- Electronic seal affixation
Note: Generic video apps (Skype, Zoom) are not approved for RON in Iowa.
RON Location Requirements
- The notary must be physically in Iowa during the RON session
- The principal can be anywhere globally (with conditions for international principals)
- For international principals: the act must not be prohibited by the foreign state, and the matter must have a U.S. connection
Electronic Journal Requirements (for RON)
If performing remote notarizations, you must maintain an electronic journal:
Required Entries:
- Date and time of the act
- Type of notarial act
- Document title/description
- Principal's full name
- Identity verification method used
- Fees charged
Recording Requirements:
- Audio-visual recording of each notarial act is mandatory
- Only the actual notarial act should be recorded (not identity verification processes)
- Records must be retained as required by law
Total Cost to Become an Iowa Notary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Notary Seal | $20-$50 |
| Journal (optional for traditional) | $15-$40 |
| Total Estimated | $50-$120 |
For RON (additional):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| RON Training Course | $30 |
| RON Application | Free |
| RON Platform | Varies ($20-$50/month) |
| RON Additional Total | $30+ |
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Complete application | 1 day |
| Processing time | 1-2 weeks |
| Order supplies | 3-5 days |
| Total | 1-3 weeks |
Renewing Your Iowa Commission
Iowa notary commissions are valid for 3 years (residents) or 1 year (non-residents).
Renewal Process:
- The Secretary of State sends expiration notices approximately 60 days before expiration
- Apply for renewal up to 60 days before expiration
- Complete a renewal application
- Pay the $30 renewal fee
- Online renewal via Fast Track Filing is the preferred method
Important Notes:
- If you don't renew before expiration, you must apply as a new notary
- Purchase a new seal with your updated expiration date
Special Considerations
No Bond Required
Iowa is one of the few states that does not require a surety bond. However, the state strongly recommends obtaining Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance for personal liability protection.
Bordering State Residents
If you reside in a bordering state (Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Illinois) but work in Iowa, you may qualify for an Iowa notary commission:
- Commission term is 1 year (instead of 3 years for residents)
- Must have a regular place of employment in Iowa
Maintaining Your Commission
To keep your commission in good standing:
- Safeguard your seal
- Report any address changes to the Secretary of State
- Renew before your commission expires
Start Your Iowa Notary Career Today
Iowa offers one of the simplest paths to becoming a notary public. With no exam, no education requirement, and no bond needed, you can start your notary career quickly and affordably.