Notary Public Fees by State 2026: What It Actually Costs to Get Commissioned

Becoming a notary public is one of the most affordable professional credentials available. Unlike many licensed professions that require thousands of dollars in education and fees, most states allow you to become a commissioned notary for well under $200 in total costs. However, the exact amount depends on where you live: some states charge as little as $20 in application fees, while others require education courses, exam fees, and higher bond premiums that push the total higher.

This guide provides a complete cost breakdown for all 51 states we currently track, including application fees, bond costs, seal expenses, and education costs where applicable. All data is sourced from official state commissioning authorities and verified for accuracy.

What Makes Up the Cost of Becoming a Notary?

The total cost to become a notary public includes several components. Not every state requires all of these, which is why costs vary:

1. Application fee ($10-$60): The fee paid to the state to process your notary application. This is the one fee every state charges, though the amount varies considerably.
2. Surety bond premium ($20-$100): Most states require notaries to obtain a surety bond that protects the public. You do not pay the full bond amount -- you pay a small annual premium to a surety company. For example, a $10,000 bond might cost $30-$50 in premium. 29 of 51 states we track require a bond.
3. Notary seal or stamp ($15-$40): Nearly every state requires a notary seal or stamp. These are purchased from private vendors and typically cost $20-$30.
4. Education course ($30-$200): Only 22 of 51 states require education. Where required, courses range from a few hours to several hours and are often available online at affordable prices.
5. Exam fee ($20-$50): Only 29 of 51 states require an exam. Where required, the exam fee is typically modest.
6. Background check / fingerprinting ($15-$125): Some states require a background check or fingerprinting as part of the application process. Costs vary depending on the state and provider.

Notary Cost by State: Complete Table

The table below shows the application fee and total estimated cost for all 51 states we track, sorted from least expensive to most expensive (by the low end of the total estimated cost range). Click any state name to view the full requirements and cost breakdown.

Note: Total estimated costs include application fees, bond premiums, seal costs, and education costs (where required). Ranges reflect variation in provider pricing and optional expenses. All figures sourced from official state commissioning authorities.

Key Cost Statistics

Most Affordable States to Become a Notary

The following states have the lowest total estimated costs to become a notary public. These states typically do not require education or an exam, and have modest application fees and bond requirements:

1. Iowa -- $50-$70 (no education or exam required)
2. South Carolina -- $50-$70 (no education or exam required)
3. South Dakota -- $50-$70 (no education or exam required)
4. Vermont -- $50-$70 (no education or exam required)
5. Georgia -- $60-$120 (education required: varies hours)

Most Expensive States to Become a Notary

On the other end of the spectrum, some states have higher costs due to education requirements, higher application fees, mandatory background checks, or larger bond amounts:

1. Louisiana -- $320-$500+ (education required: varies hours) (bond: $50,000)
2. California -- $250-$400 (education required: 6 hours) (bond: $15,000)
3. Hawaii -- $186-$226 (bond: $1,000)
4. Utah -- $165-$185 (bond: $5,000)
5. Ohio -- $165-$225 (education required: varies hours)

Even in the most expensive states, the total cost to become a notary is modest compared to most professional licenses. A single loan signing appointment ($75-$200) can cover the entire cost of becoming commissioned.

Tips for Reducing Your Notary Costs

• Shop around for education courses. If your state requires education, compare prices from multiple approved providers. Online courses are almost always cheaper than in-person alternatives. Watch for promotional discounts and bundle deals.
• Compare bond prices. Surety bond premiums vary between providers. Get quotes from at least two or three surety companies before purchasing. Many online providers offer competitive rates and instant issuance.
• Buy a basic seal. You do not need the most expensive stamp. A standard self-inking notary stamp that meets your state's specifications typically costs $15-$25. Avoid premium upgrades unless you have a specific need.
• Look for package deals. Some providers bundle the bond, seal, and supplies together at a discount. The National Notary Association and similar organizations offer starter packages that can save $10-$30 compared to buying everything separately.
• Ask your employer. If you are becoming a notary for your job (common in banking, law offices, real estate, and government), your employer may reimburse some or all of the costs. Many employers cover the application fee and bond premium at minimum.
• Pass the exam on the first attempt. If your state requires an exam, invest time in preparation. Retake fees add up, and the delay costs you potential earning time.

Ongoing Costs After Commissioning

The costs above cover getting your initial commission. There are a few ongoing costs to be aware of:

• Renewal fees: When your commission expires (typically every 2-10 years depending on the state), you will need to pay renewal fees and obtain a new bond. Renewal costs are generally similar to or slightly less than initial commissioning costs.
• Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance ($50-$200/year): While not required in most states, E&O insurance protects you against claims of negligence or errors. It is strongly recommended if you perform notarial acts regularly, especially for loan signings.
• Journal and supplies: Notary journals (required in some states, recommended in all) cost $10-$30. You may also need replacement ink pads for your stamp periodically.
• RON technology platform fees: If you plan to perform remote online notarizations in a state that allows it, you will need to subscribe to an approved technology platform, which typically costs $15-$40 per month.

Is Becoming a Notary a Good Investment?

Given the low barrier to entry (under $200 in most states), a notary commission offers an excellent return on investment, especially if you plan to offer mobile notary or loan signing services. Mobile notaries typically charge $25-$75 per appointment plus travel fees, while loan signing agents earn $75-$200 or more per signing.

Even if you become a notary primarily to serve your employer or community, the nominal cost makes it one of the most accessible professional credentials available. With 29 states requiring no education and 22 states requiring no exam, the time investment is equally minimal for most applicants.

Next Steps

Find your state in the table above and click through to see the complete cost breakdown, application steps, and requirements. You can also explore our other notary guides:

• How to Become a Notary in 2026: State-by-State Guide
• Remote Online Notarization (RON): Which States Allow It?

Education & Training Costs (Not Included Above)

The cost table above reflects government fees, bond premiums, and seal costs. Education course fees are included in the total estimate only for states that require education. Most states do not require any education to become a notary, making it one of the most accessible credentials available. In states that do require education, courses are typically available online for $30 to $200 depending on the number of hours required. If you plan to specialize in loan signing, additional training courses ($100 to $300) are recommended but not required by the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

All cost data in this article is sourced from official state Secretary of State offices, Governor's offices, and other state commissioning authorities. Fee estimates for bonds, seals, and education courses reflect typical market pricing from major providers.

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

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