7.2 Becoming an eNotary: Application, Training & Approved Solutions
Key Takeaways
- Only an Arkansas notary in good standing may apply for electronic authority.
- Act 1047 sets a $20 filing fee and permits at most two examination attempts in a twelve-month period before the applicant must repeat the application process.
- The electronic commission runs concurrently with the traditional commission; it is not a separate two-year term.
- Electronic notaries must complete refresher training every two years and use an approved solution provider.
7.2 Becoming an Arkansas eNotary
An Arkansas electronic or online notary is not a separate class of person who skips traditional commissioning. The applicant must already be an Arkansas notary in good standing and then register electronic capability with the Secretary of State.
Application requirements
Act 1047 requires an application stating the intent to become an electronic or online notary, an attestation that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony, and a $20 filing fee. The current online checkout may include a convenience charge; use the live portal for the exact payment total.
The applicant must successfully complete a Secretary of State-approved training course and pass the approved examination. Act 1047 contains a specific attempt limit: an applicant may attend the examination up to two times in a twelve-month period. If the applicant does not pass during that period, the application process must be repeated.
That rule belongs to the eNotary exam. It should not be copied into the traditional-exam section, whose current handbook does not publish the same attempt rule.
Sequence
- Maintain an active traditional Arkansas commission and good standing.
- Submit the online electronic-notary amendment or application and required attestation and fee.
- Complete the electronic-notary training.
- Pass the approved examination within the statutory attempt rule.
- Receive the electronic commission certificate.
- Select and enroll with one or more solution providers from the Secretary of State's current approved list.
- Obtain the electronic signature, seal, and provider credentials and follow provider onboarding before performing an act.
The handbook states that the provider supplies the electronic signature and seal after the applicant has received the certificate of electronic commission. Provider procedures vary, so the notary must satisfy both state requirements and the selected provider's approved process.
Term and renewal
The electronic commission runs concurrently with the traditional commission and expires on the same date. It begins when the applicant successfully passes the required electronic exam and cannot extend beyond the expiration of the traditional commission's surety bond.
This is not a two-year electronic credential. The two-year number applies to refresher training. Electronic notaries must complete Secretary of State training every two years. If refresher training is not completed by the due date, the solution provider suspends access until the training and required amendment are completed.
| Item | Duration or rule |
|---|---|
| Traditional commission | Ten years |
| Electronic commission | Concurrent with traditional commission; same expiration |
| Refresher training | Every two years |
| Electronic exam attempts | Up to two in a twelve-month period before repeating the application |
Renewing electronic authority follows the amendment process described by the handbook: remain in good standing, complete training and exam requirements, upload the training certificate through the applicable amendment, and select approved provider solutions.
Approved providers
The Secretary of State publishes an approved-solution-provider list. A standard PDF editor, ordinary e-signature tool, or consumer video service is not enough. Providers are approved to offer electronic, online, or both kinds of solutions. The notary must know which capability the chosen product supports.
The current Secretary of State RON page also states that an eNotary in good standing may use RON with an approved provider without a separate additional RON registration. The provider must supply the secure audio-video, identity, credential analysis, recording, and document functions required for online acts.
Loss of good standing
Electronic authority depends on the traditional commission. If the traditional commission is revoked, the electronic commission is simultaneously revoked and the provider is notified to remove access. Expiration, information changes, and renewal must be handled through both the state process and any provider requirements.
The electronic application also requires current contact and location information. The handbook requires notice within 30 days when the name, county of commission, residential address, qualifying out-of-state work address, or electronic-notary email information changes. File the state amendment and also complete the chosen provider's update process. Updating only the software account does not update the official commission record.
Before the first live act, practice within the provider's training environment. Know how to choose the correct certificate, confirm the final record, recover from a failed connection, preserve the recording, and contact provider support without exposing the notary's private credentials.
Source anchor: Arkansas Secretary of State, Arkansas Notary Public Handbook (rev. 1-2025), “How is this done in Arkansas?” and “Term and Renewal”; Act 1047 of 2021, A.C.A. § 21-14-304; Secretary of State approved-provider page.
How long does an Arkansas electronic notary commission last?
What happens if an eNotary applicant does not pass within the allowed two exam attempts in twelve months?
When should the new eNotary enroll with an approved solution provider?