How to Become a Notary in North Dakota 2026: Complete ND Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in North Dakota

North Dakota does not require an exam to become a notary public. The application process is straightforward and handled through the Secretary of State's FirstStop Portal. North Dakota authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON) under NDCC Chapter 44-06.1, effective 2020.

North Dakota Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become a North Dakota Notary?

• No exam required - Simple application process
• No mandatory education - Learn at your own pace
• Low application fee - Only $36
• Remote Online Notarization - Serve clients anywhere via RON
• Border state reciprocity - Non-residents may qualify
• Online application - Apply through FirstStop Portal

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Step-by-Step: How to Become a North Dakota Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a North Dakota notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be able to read and write English
• Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
• Be a North Dakota resident, OR
• Be a non-resident who has a place of employment or practice in North Dakota, OR
• Reside in a border county in a state that extends reciprocity to North Dakota residents
• Have no disqualifying criminal history

Step 2: Obtain Your Surety Bond

Before applying, obtain a $7,500 surety bond:

• Bond Amount: $7,500
• Bond Term: 4 years (matches commission term)
• Typical Cost: $35-$70 for the 4-year term
• Where to obtain: Insurance companies, surety bond providers, or notary supply companies

Important: The bond protects the public from financial loss due to notary error, negligence, or misconduct. It does NOT protect you - consider Errors & Omissions insurance for personal protection.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Apply through the North Dakota FirstStop Portal at firststop.sos.nd.gov:

Required Information:

1. Full legal name
2. Physical residence address (not PO Box)
3. Contact information
4. Business/employment information (if applicable)

Required Documents:

1. Completed Notary Public Application (online)
2. Notary Bond (SFN 19355) - $7,500 covering your commission term
3. $36 application fee - payable to the Secretary of State

Step 4: Submit Application and Bond

Submit your completed application, bond, and fee through the FirstStop Portal or by mail:

Mail to: Secretary of State State of North Dakota 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 108 Bismarck, ND 58505-0500

Step 5: Wait for Approval

• The Secretary of State's office reviews your application
• Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks
• You'll receive your Commission Certificate once approved

Important: You may not begin performing notarial acts until the commencement date listed on your commission certificate.

Step 6: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Seal (Required):

• Must include: "Notary Public," "State of North Dakota"
• Must include: Your name exactly as commissioned
• Must include: Commission expiration date
• Must be surrounded by a border (plain rectangular or circular)
• Cost: $25-$50

Notary Journal (Recommended for traditional notarizations, Required for RON):

• Not required by law for traditional notarizations (but recommended)
• Required for remote online notarizations
• If tangible: Must be a permanent, bound register with numbered pages
• If electronic: Must be permanent, tamper-evident format
• Cost: $15-$30

North Dakota Notary Fees

North Dakota sets a maximum notary fee by state law:

Note: Travel fees are not state-mandated but may be charged if the signer agrees in advance. Travel fees are separate from the notarial act fee.

North Dakota-Specific Requirements

Seal Requirements

Your North Dakota notary seal must include:

• "Notary Public"
• "State of North Dakota"
• Your name exactly as commissioned
• Your commission expiration date
• A border surrounding the information (rectangular or circular)

Electronic Seal (for RON):

• Same content requirements as physical seal
• Must comply with your RON platform requirements

Journal Requirements

Traditional Notarizations:

• Journal not required by law
• However, maintaining a journal is recommended for personal protection

Remote Online Notarizations:

• Journal required for all RON acts
• Must include audio-visual recording of the session
• Both journal and A/V recordings must be retained for 10 years

Recommended Journal Entries:

• Date and time of notarial act
• Type of act performed
• Document description
• Signer's name and address
• ID verification method
• Fee charged

Journal Format Requirements (if maintained):

• Tangible: Permanent, bound register with numbered pages
• Electronic: Permanent, tamper-evident electronic format complying with Secretary of State rules

Certificate Requirements

Every notarial certificate must include:

• Your official seal impression
• Your signature
• Date of notarial act
• Statement indicating the type of notarization

For RON: Certificate must include a statement that the notarial act was performed using communication technology.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in North Dakota

North Dakota authorized electronic and remote notarizations under NDCC Chapter 44-06.1 (effective 2020).

RON Requirements

To perform remote online notarizations in North Dakota:

1. Be a commissioned ND notary - Must have active commission
2. File a Notary Public Amendment through the FirstStop Portal
3. Indicate your RON provider - Name the communication technology provider you'll use
4. Use approved technology - Must meet state requirements
5. Maintain electronic journal - Required for all RON acts
6. Retain records - Keep journal and A/V recordings for 10 years

RON Amendment Requirements

Before performing RON, you must file a Notary Public Amendment that specifies:

• Whether you'll perform electronic notarizations
• Whether you'll perform remote notarizations
• The name of your technology provider

RON Technology Requirements

• Digital certificate containing your electronic signature
• Electronic seal meeting ND content requirements
• Electronic journal capability
• Audio-visual recording capability
• Real-time communication technology

RON Location Requirements

• Notary must be properly commissioned in North Dakota
• Signer can be anywhere with proper identification verification
• Real-time audio-visual connection required throughout the session

Total Cost to Become a North Dakota Notary

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Residency Exceptions: Border State Residents

North Dakota extends reciprocity to non-residents who:

1. Have a place of employment or practice in North Dakota, OR
2. Reside in a border county of a state that extends reciprocity to North Dakota residents

Border States: Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana

Renewing Your North Dakota Commission

North Dakota notary commissions do not automatically renew:

• Apply for renewal before your expiration date (start 60-90 days early)
• Submit new application, bond, and $36 fee
• A new commission certificate will be issued
• There is no grace period - acting as notary with expired commission is prohibited

Name Changes

If your name changes during your commission:

• File a Notary Public Amendment through FirstStop Portal
• Pay a $10 filing fee
• Update your seal and journal to reflect your new name

Errors & Omissions Insurance

While not required by North Dakota law, Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is recommended:

• Protects you from liability for unintentional errors
• Remember: Your bond protects the public, not you
• Covers legal fees and damages if you're sued
• Typically costs $20-$50 per year
• Available from notary supply companies and insurance providers

Start Your North Dakota Notary Career Today

North Dakota offers one of the simplest paths to becoming a notary public - no exam, no mandatory education, and an efficient online application process. With Remote Online Notarization capability and border state reciprocity, North Dakota notaries have flexible options for serving clients.

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