If you’ve begun researching how to become a notary but are still unsure how to proceed, you’ve come to the right place. Remitly is always working to provide you with the resources you need, whether it’s about finances or maybe even a career change to a notary public. A notary license opens the door to flexible career opportunities that allow you to serve your community and create a work environment that fits your schedule.
Our guide will break down everything about the process, from cost to the supplies you’ll need, so you can take the steps necessary to build a new future for yourself.
What does a notary public do?
So that we’re all on the same page, let’s first look at what exactly a notary does.
At its core, a notary is an impartial witness appointed by the state. Their job is to verify identities, administer oaths, and confirm that the signers willingly enter the legal agreements at hand. This impartial role protects against fraud and ensures the integrity of important documents.
Sitting next to my mother during a virtual notarization, the notary stated that only my mother was to answer his questions and asked her in multiple ways if she understood what she was signing—to make sure she was protected. Although I was only on the call to assist her with the computer, it was great to see the notary going above and beyond—doing their due diligence even through a computer screen. At that moment, I realized how many people can and have been taking advantage of—and why notaries are so important for legal matters.
Take real estate, for example. Buying a house involves stacks of paperwork, much of which requires notarization.
Without notaries, transactions worth hundreds of thousands of dollars would be far more vulnerable to fraud.
Other areas where notaries are indispensable:
- Financial services—loan documents, refinancing, debt agreements
- Legal processes—wills, affidavits, and powers of attorney
- Business agreements—contracts and vendor agreements
- Family matters—adoption forms, guardianship transfers, and school paperwork
If you’d like to do a deeper dive into the role of a notary, the National Notary Association offers excellent resources on training, supplies, and a knowledge center that discusses various topics to help new and experienced notaries.
Are you eligible for a notary license?
Before you start making a list of supplies or paying fees, it’s important to know whether or not you’re even eligible to become a notary. In the US, most people are, though requirements vary by state.
And like any career, credentials don’t always carry over, so if you’re considering becoming a notary but also thinking of relocating to another country like Spain, know that to be a notary in Spain requires a law background and a five-year degree.
If you’re in New York but in the midst of moving to California, be sure to look at California’s requirements, so there are no issues with gaining your certification or performing your work once you’ve settled in your new state.
Basic requirements
Across most states, eligibility comes down to a few straightforward factors:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a legal resident in the states where you apply (though in some cases, being employed by the state may also be allowed, or if you’re in a neighboring state).
- You must not have any criminal convictions or felonies.
State-specific rules
Every state has its own rules for notary applicants, and while many overlap, some states have much stricter requirements than others.
According to the National Notary Association, twenty-one states, including Washington, D.C., require completion of a training course, and twenty-seven states require applicants to pass an exam.
Requirements also differ after certification. For example, in Washington, D.C., certified notaries are expected to maintain a paper journal to document every notarization. This is a safeguard to ensure proper records exist if the notary is ever called into court.
Since state rules can vary widely, consider looking into all possible options for yourself. Many states allow residents in neighboring states to become certified.
If you find your state’s requirements, specifically the cost, too overwhelming, you might be able to start your journey elsewhere and pursue certification in your own state later on once you’ve gained some experience.
Step-by-step process to get your notary license
Getting your notary license is a gateway to different opportunities. With a certification in hand, you can soon find yourself working part-time at the county clerk’s office or full-time as a mobile notary (where you travel to your clients and perform notarizations).
Though the notary application process and certification can feel daunting within specific states, the payoff is a new career with a whole lot of possibilities.
Step 1: Research your state’s requirements
No state is exactly like another, so whether you choose your own state or a neighboring one, the first step in your notary journey is understanding your state’s requirements to set yourself up for success.
Some states have much higher costs to become a notary. If you’re in California pursuing certification, you might need to budget and plan accordingly to complete all requirements within the state’s timeline, as fees are much higher than those in a state like Maine.
Step 2: Complete required education and training
Even if your state doesn’t require a course, it’s not a bad idea to consider taking one. Notary errors can easily invalidate documents and create liability issues, so investing extra time might pay off later.
Both Notary New York and the Colorado Secretary of State offer free training courses online, where you’ll learn about specific laws and technical details to help you pass your exam.
Training typically covers identification rules, proper journal use, and state-specific procedures. The great part is that many courses range from one-hour online refresh courses to six-hour in-person ones, meaning you can choose the course that best fits your schedule and needs.
Step 3: Submit your application
Once you’ve gathered all the information to become certified, it’s time to formally apply!
With a few steps, you’ll be on your way to being a notary public:
- Completing the official state application
- Submitting proof of residency and identification
- Paying fees
- Undergoing a background check if required
Processing can take a couple of weeks to a couple of months, so consider timing when scheduling exams or any courses you may need.
Step 4: Secure your bond and insurance
If you’re like me, you thought notaries just watched you sign a document—but as I learned, it’s so much more than that. Most states require surety bonds. These are financial guarantees that protect the public if you make a mistake.
In California, surety bonds are required as part of the certification process for bonds of $15,000 USD. But don’t worry, the fee for the bond itself is usually around $100 USD and lasts for four to ten years.
To further protect yourself, consider researching and purchasing Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. While surety bonds protect the public, this E&O insurance protects you in case you’re challenged in court.
Step 5: Order your notary supplies
You’ve passed your course and exams, paid your fees, and covered yourself with bonds and insurance—now for supplies!
There are a few absolute essentials you’ll need to start taking clients:
- Notary seal
- Journal
- Certificate forms
If you want to be even more prepared, you can consider fraud UV pens, an ID checking guide, and a notary bag to keep organized. With these supplies plus the essentials, you can begin notarizing documents for clients and building your new career.
Costs and timeline breakdown
Costs and timelines vary by state; some require courses while others require exams. Many states, like New York, will let you know ahead of time what your payments cover, such as the cost of the exam and journal.
It’s best to check the specific requirements of the state with official websites like the National Notary Association if you’re serious about understanding what is needed to become a certified notary.
Here is a brief breakdown of a few states to give an idea of cost and commitment:
| State | Estimated cost range | What costs cover | Timeline |
| California | $335-$595 USD | Application, course, surety bond of $15,000 USD, notary journal, stamp, oath, course, fingerprints, and photo | 6 months |
| Maine | $50 USD + additional costs depending on vendor | Bonds, tools, and courses | 4-6 weeks |
| New York | $107-$132 USD | Application, exam, oath, and notary journal | 4-6 weeks, but can be less depending on the county |
| Ohio | $202 USD | Application, course, oath, criminal check, seal | 6 months from receiving a criminal records check to completing the requirements for certification |
Tips for success as a new notary
Getting commissioned is just the beginning. Building a career or a reliable side business requires professionalism and consistency.
One of the best ways to stay informed about best practices is to continue your educational training. Join or follow different associations, such as The National Association of Secretaries of State, The National Notary, or The American Society of Notaries.
These associations contain a wealth of resources and information, along with courses and workshops that enable you to continue your education and strategically find clients. Don’t underestimate word of mouth or be afraid to ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on Google when starting out. This credibility and trust can go a long way in helping you build a loyal client base.
Another tip that will help is meticulous record-keeping. Properly maintained notary journals and records protect you if you’re ever questioned in court. They also allow you to see your growth and identify areas for improvement as you take on more clients. As you grow in this position, consider specializing in a niche area. For example, becoming a loan signing agent will allow you to target your clients more precisely and charge higher prices due to your expertise in this field.
Finally, don’t forget about renewal deadlines. Most states require you to renew your notary license every four years (check your state requirements). This ensures you’re up-to-date and performing best practices for your clients and community.
Get started on your notary journey today
With the job market changing and remote work still going strong, becoming a notary public might just be the career shift or extra income you’ve been looking for. Yes, time and money are involved, but becoming a notary isn’t just earning a license—it’s so much more, and is a trustworthy resource for your community.
Taking the steps for certification means opening up doors to many opportunities, including working and building a business for yourself.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a notary public?
Timelines vary from state to state, with some states like New York taking 4 to 6 weeks, and others taking up to six months.
Criminal checks, courses, and exam dates can take time to schedule and complete, so it’s best to look into your state to gain a better idea of timing.
How much does becoming a notary cost?
Costs can vary greatly. While Maine has a $50 USD fee, not including any additional expenses incurred for requirements, California’s costs can be as high as $595 USD.
Do I need training?
Twenty-one states, such as California and Maine, require training, while twenty-seven states, like New York, only require an exam.
How often do I need to renew my notary license?
In most states, like New York, you’ll need to renew your license every four years.
Can I work as a mobile notary?
Once certified, if you prefer to move around your city or county, you can work as a mobile notary instead of working from an office with clients coming to you.