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How to become a notary public in Arkansas. Commission term: 10 years. Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
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75% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
10 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
Yes
Exam Required
80%
$7,500
Bond Required
surety bond
You must be a legal resident of Arkansas (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Free online exam via the SOS portal. Must score 80% or higher. Passing score: 80%. Administered by: Arkansas Secretary of State (online).
Submit your application to the Arkansas Secretary of State. Application fee: $20.
Obtain a $7,500 surety bond. $7,500 notary bond is mandatory. Bond cost: $30-$50.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Arkansas requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $70-$110.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 10 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in Arkansas. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a legal resident of Arkansas OR live in a bordering state and work or operate a business in Arkansas.
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
Not RequiredNo separate education course required.
Exam
RequiredFree online exam via the SOS portal. Must score 80% or higher.
Passing score: 80%
Administered by: Arkansas Secretary of State (online)
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Surety Bond
Required$7,500
$7,500 notary bond is mandatory.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal/stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $20 |
Bond Premium Approximate premium for $7,500 bond | $30-$50 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Application + bond + seal + county recording fees | $70-$110 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Create account at bcs.arkansas.gov
Complete the free online exam with 80%+ score
Submit application with $20 fee
Obtain $7,500 surety bond
Take oath certificates and original bond to county recorder of deeds
Sign oath before clerk and swear the oath
File one completed oath certificate with Arkansas SOS
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
10 years
Renewal Process
Same process as initial application. Must pass exam again.
Renewal Fee
$20
Regulatory Board
Arkansas authorizes eNotary and remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Confirmed: eNotary is a separate commission/service with its own dedicated page at https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services-bcs/enotary/
What Makes Arkansas Unique
Arkansas has a 10-year commission term, one of the longest in the nation. The exam is free and online through the SOS portal.
Arkansas has one of the longest commission terms at 10 years.
The exam is free and administered online through the SOS portal.
Commission is not valid until filed with both county and SOS.
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Transfer your Notary license from Arkansas to: Louisiana → | Mississippi → | Missouri → | Oklahoma → | Tennessee → | Texas →
Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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