Vermont Notary Public Exam Overview
The Vermont State Jurisprudence Exam is required for all first-time notary public applicants in Vermont. This exam requirement has been in effect since February 1, 2021. The exam tests your knowledge of Vermont's notarial statutes and administrative rules.
The good news? The Vermont Notary Exam is an open-book exam, allowing you to reference Vermont's notarial laws during the test.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 40-50 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 1-2 hours |
| Passing Score | Varies (typically 70-75%) |
| Exam Format | Open-book, online |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Commission Term | 2 years (fixed biennial term) |
| Surety Bond | Not required |
Why Become a Vermont Notary?
- No bond required - One of few states without a bond requirement
- Open-book exam - Reference materials allowed during test
- No stamp required - Seal/stamp is optional in Vermont
- Remote notarization - Vermont allows Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Reasonable fees - No statutory fee caps, set your own rates
Start Your Vermont Notary Exam Prep
Ready to begin studying? Understanding Vermont's notarial laws is key to passing the Jurisprudence Exam.
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. Notary Commission Requirements (20%)
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Must be a resident of Vermont OR have a place of employment or practice in Vermont
- Not disqualified under Section 5342 of Chapter 103, Title 26
Application Process:
- Create account on Office of Professional Regulation's Online Services Platform
- Complete online notary application
- Download and complete the VT State Jurisprudence Exam
- Upload completed exam answer sheet
- Pay $30 non-refundable application fee
2. Types of Notarial Acts (25%)
Acknowledgments:
- Signer acknowledges signing the document
- Signer must appear before the notary
- Most common notarial act
Jurats (Verification on Oath or Affirmation):
- Signer swears or affirms content is true
- Must sign in notary's presence
- Notary administers oath/affirmation
Oaths and Affirmations:
- Verbal pledge of truthfulness
- Oath - religious invocation
- Affirmation - non-religious pledge
Witnessing Signatures:
- Notary witnesses the signing
- Signer signs in notary's presence
Copy Certification:
- Certifying copies of certain documents
- Cannot certify vital records (birth, death, marriage)
3. Identification Requirements (20%)
Acceptable Forms of ID:
- Current state-issued driver's license or ID card
- Current U.S. passport
- Current foreign passport with USCIS stamp
- Current U.S. military ID
Personal Knowledge:
- Notary personally knows the signer
- Should be reserved for well-known individuals
Credible Witnesses:
- One or two credible witnesses who know the signer
- Witnesses must present satisfactory ID to notary
4. Vermont-Specific Laws (20%)
26 V.S.A. Chapter 103 - Notaries Public:
- Know the key sections of Vermont notary statutes
- Understand prohibited acts
- Commission requirements and terms
Prohibited Acts:
- Cannot notarize your own signature
- Cannot notarize when you have a financial interest
- Cannot notarize for immediate family members in certain situations
- Cannot certify vital records
- Cannot provide legal advice
- Cannot notarize incomplete documents
Disqualification Provisions (Section 5342):
- Understand what disqualifies someone from being a notary
5. Notarial Certificates and Records (15%)
Certificate Requirements:
Every notarial certificate must include:
- Type of notarial act performed
- Date of notarial act
- State and county/jurisdiction
- Notary's signature
- Notary's printed/typed name
- Notary's commission number
- Notary's title ("Notary Public")
- Commission expiration date
Seal/Stamp (Optional in Vermont):
If NOT using a stamp:
- Must clearly print or type ALL required information on certificate
If using a stamp, it must contain:
- Notary's name (as on commission)
- "Notary Public"
- "Vermont"
- Commission number
- Must NOT include VT State Seal/coat-of-arms
Journal (Recommended but not required):
- Not legally required for traditional notarizations
- Strongly recommended for protection
- Required for Remote Online Notarization records
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Vermont notary statutes (26 V.S.A. Chapter 103) | 3-4 |
| Week 1 | Types of notarial acts | 2-3 |
| Week 2 | Identification requirements | 2-3 |
| Week 2 | Prohibited acts and disqualification | 2-3 |
| Week 2 | Notarial certificates and procedures | 2-3 |
| Week 2 | Practice with open-book format | 2-3 |
Total recommended study time: 14-19 hours
Vermont Notary Exam Tips
1. Use the Open-Book Format Wisely
Since Vermont's exam is open-book:
- Prepare your reference materials - Have Vermont statutes organized and accessible
- Know where to find information - Don't waste time searching during the exam
- Don't rely solely on references - Understand concepts to answer efficiently
- Tab important sections - Mark frequently referenced laws
2. Focus on Vermont-Specific Rules
Key Vermont differences from other states:
- No bond required - Vermont doesn't require a surety bond
- No stamp required - Seal is optional if you print/type all info
- Two-year commission term - Fixed biennial period ending January 31 of odd years
- No statutory fee maximum - Set reasonable fees
3. Know the Commission Cycle
Vermont's unique commission system:
- All commissions expire January 31 of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027)
- This is a fixed term, not rolling 2 years from your commission date
- Plan your application timing accordingly
4. Understand Exemptions
Certain professionals are exempt from the exam:
- Vermont-licensed attorneys
- Certain Judiciary-related employees
Town clerks, assistant town clerks, and Justices of the Peace have the application fee waived but generally still require the exam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not preparing references - Organize materials before the exam
- Rushing through questions - Use your time wisely with open-book format
- Ignoring Vermont-specific rules - Focus on VT statutes, not general notary knowledge
- Not understanding commission terms - Know the biennial cycle
- Confusing optional vs. required elements - Stamp is optional; certificate info is required
After Passing Your Exam
- Complete your application if not already done
- Pay the $30 application fee (non-refundable)
- Wait for processing (3-5 business days typically)
- Receive your commission via the online portal
- Purchase notary stamp (optional but recommended)
- Purchase journal (optional but recommended)
- Begin your notary practice - Commission valid until January 31 of next odd year
Renewal Requirements
Important: Renewal requirements differ from initial application:
- Continuing Education Required - 1 hour of approved CE course
- No re-examination - CE course replaces exam for renewals
- Timely renewal - Apply before January 31 expiration
Vermont Notary Fees
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Any notarial act | No statutory maximum |
| Travel fees | Set by notary |
Vermont does not set statutory maximum fees for notarial services. Notaries may charge reasonable fees but must:
- Disclose fees upfront
- Maintain transparency
- Charge fairly
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Vermont
Vermont allows Remote Online Notarization:
- Additional fee: $30 for electronic/remote notary endorsement
- Requirements: Must hold traditional commission first
- Technology: Must use approved platforms
- Records: Must maintain audio-visual recordings for 10 years
Total Cost to Become a Vermont Notary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Surety Bond | $0 (not required) |
| Notary Stamp (optional) | $20-$50 |
| Journal (optional) | $15-$30 |
| Total Estimated | $30-$110 |
Vermont is one of the most affordable states to become a notary!
Start Your Vermont Notary Career Today
The Vermont Jurisprudence Exam is manageable with proper preparation. Take advantage of the open-book format by organizing your reference materials and understanding Vermont's notarial statutes.