How to Become a Notary in 2026: State-by-State Guide

Becoming a notary public is one of the most accessible professional credentials you can earn in the United States. Unlike many licensed professions that require years of education, most states allow you to become a commissioned notary public in a matter of weeks with minimal upfront investment. But the specific requirements vary significantly from state to state: some states require education and an exam, while many do not require either.

This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a notary in 2026, including the general steps, state-by-state requirements, education and exam details, bonding, and remote online notarization (RON). All data is sourced directly from official state government websites and verified for accuracy across 51 states we currently track.

What Does a Notary Public Do?

A notary public is a state-commissioned official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. The primary purpose of a notary is to deter fraud by verifying the identity of the person signing a document and confirming they are signing willingly and knowingly.

Common notarial acts include:

• Acknowledgments: Verifying that the signer is who they claim to be and that they signed the document voluntarily. Used for deeds, powers of attorney, and other real estate documents.
• Jurats (sworn statements): Administering an oath or affirmation and certifying that the signer swore to the truthfulness of the document content. Used for affidavits and depositions.
• Copy certifications: Certifying that a photocopy of an original document is a true and accurate reproduction.
• Oaths and affirmations: Administering oaths for public officials, witnesses, and other purposes.

Notaries work in a wide range of industries, including real estate, banking, law, healthcare, insurance, and government. Many people become notaries as an add-on to their existing job (such as a paralegal, bank teller, or office manager), while others pursue notary work as a standalone business, particularly mobile notary services and loan signing agent work.

General Steps to Become a Notary Public

While the specifics vary by state, the general process to become a notary follows these steps. Not every step applies in every state -- for example, many states do not require education or an exam at all.

1. Check your state's eligibility requirements. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state (or employed there), and free of disqualifying criminal convictions.
2. Complete any required education. Only 22 of 51 states we track require pre-appointment notary education. If your state requires it, you will need to complete an approved course (often available online).
3. Pass the notary exam (if required). Only 29 of 51 states require a notary exam. Where required, the exam typically covers notary law, proper procedures, and identification requirements.
4. Submit your application. File your notary application with the appropriate state authority (usually the Secretary of State or Governor's office), along with any required fees and supporting documents.
5. Obtain your surety bond. 29 of 51 states require notaries to obtain a surety bond, which protects the public against errors or misconduct. Bond amounts vary by state.
6. Purchase your notary seal or stamp. Nearly every state requires a notary seal or stamp that must be applied to every notarized document. Specifications (size, shape, required information) vary by state.
7. File your oath of office (if required). Some states require you to take and file an oath of office with a county clerk or other local official before you can begin performing notarial acts.

State-by-State Notary Requirements

The table below shows the key requirements for every state we track, sorted alphabetically. Click any state name to view the full requirements breakdown, including application steps, fees, and special notes.

Note: Data reflects requirements as of the last verification date for each state. Always confirm current requirements with your state's commissioning authority before applying.

States That Do NOT Require Education or an Exam

One of the most common misconceptions about becoming a notary is that every state requires coursework and a test. In reality, the majority of states do not require either. Of the 51 states we track:

In these states, the process is straightforward: submit your application, pay the fee, obtain your bond (if required), and purchase your seal. You can typically complete the entire process in one to three weeks.

States with No Education Requirement

The following states do not require any pre-appointment education to become a notary:

States with No Exam Requirement

The following states do not require a notary exam:

States That DO Require Education and/or an Exam

A smaller number of states have additional requirements to ensure notaries are properly trained before they begin performing notarial acts. If your state is on this list, plan for additional time and cost in the application process.

States Requiring Education (22 states)

States Requiring an Exam (29 states)

Remote Online Notarization (RON) Overview

Remote online notarization allows notaries to perform notarial acts over a secure audio-video connection, without the signer being physically present. RON gained significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to expand as more states pass enabling legislation.

Currently, 51 of 51 states we track allow RON. States that permit RON typically require notaries to use an approved technology platform, maintain digital journals, and meet additional registration requirements beyond the standard notary commission.

For a complete breakdown of RON laws by state, see our dedicated guide: Remote Online Notarization (RON): Which States Allow It?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary?

The timeline depends heavily on your state. In states with no education or exam requirement, the process can take as little as one to two weeks from application to commission. In states that require education, an exam, and a background check, the process may take four to eight weeks or longer.

How Much Does It Cost?

The total cost to become a notary public varies by state but is generally quite affordable. Most applicants can expect to spend between $50 and $300 in total, including the application fee, bond premium, and notary seal. States that require education or an exam will have slightly higher costs.

For a complete cost breakdown by state, see our dedicated guide: How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary? (All 50 States)

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

The fastest way to get started is to find your state in the table above and click through to see the full requirements, fees, and step-by-step application process. You can also explore our other notary guides:

• How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary? (All 50 States)
• Remote Online Notarization (RON): Which States Allow It?

Sources

All requirements data in this article is sourced from official state Secretary of State offices, Governor's offices, and other state commissioning authorities. Data was cross-referenced with the National Notary Association (NNA) and the American Society of Notaries (ASN) for additional verification.

• National Notary Association (nationalnotary.org) -- state-by-state notary requirements and education resources.
• American Society of Notaries (asnnotary.org) -- notary education and advocacy organization.
• Individual state Secretary of State and commissioning authority websites (cited on each state page).

Data was last verified in February 2026. Requirements can change as state legislatures update notary statutes. We recommend confirming current requirements with your state's commissioning authority before applying.