Notary Public
Kansas
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
$12,000
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedPurchase a notary stamping device (ink stamp or impression seal) meeting Kansas requirements.
Obtain a $12,000 surety bond from a Kansas-licensed insurance company.
Swear the oath of office before an existing notary.
Submit completed application forms, stamping device impression, bond, and $25 fee to the Kansas Secretary of State.
Await approval and activation of your commission.
A notary journal is mandatory (since January 1, 2022) and must be retained for 10 years.
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a legal resident of Kansas OR a resident of a bordering state who regularly carries on a business or profession in Kansas or is regularly employed in Kansas.
Citizenship
U.S. citizen
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo education course required for traditional notary commission. Must be able to read and write English. RON/IPEN authorization requires completing the SOS-provided free training course.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam required for traditional tangible notary commission. An exam is required only for electronic notarization (IPEN/RON), provided free by the Secretary of State.
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$12,000
$12,000 surety bond from a Kansas-licensed insurance company, written for a 4-year term covering the dates of the notary's commission.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is optional and not state-mandated.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredInk stamp or impression seal required. Must contain: notary's name (exactly as on application), 'notary public', and 'State of Kansas'. May include 'My Commission Expires (date)' but must NOT include the county name. Electronic stamps for IPEN/RON must also include commission number and expiration date.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $25 |
Bond Premium Cost varies by bonding company for the 4-year, $12,000 surety bond | $40-$80 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Application ($25) + bond ($40-$80) + stamp ($20-$40). No education costs. | $85-$145 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Complete all steps required for initial application: purchase new stamp, obtain new bond, swear oath, submit forms and $25 fee.
Renewal Fee
$25
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Effective January 1, 2022, Kansas notaries may perform remote online notarizations (RON). This is optional. Notary must be physically located in Kansas during the transaction; signer can be remote.
Additional Requirements
Complete free SOS-provided training course and exam, print certificate, submit Notary Public Change of Status Form NC, course training certificate, and $20 fee to the Secretary of State. Must use SOS-approved technology provider and maintain mandatory audiovisual recordings.
Important Notes
What Makes Kansas Unique
Kansas has a notably high $12,000 surety bond requirement. The state also provides free RON/IPEN training and exams through the Secretary of State, which is uncommon. The stamp specifically must NOT include the county name.
Kansas has a relatively high surety bond requirement at $12,000 compared to many states.
A notary journal has been mandatory since January 1, 2022 and must be retained for 10 years.
No exam is required for traditional notarization, but electronic notarization (IPEN/RON) requires a free SOS exam.
The stamp must NOT include the county name.
Must be able to read and write English.
RON/IPEN training and exam are provided free of charge by the Secretary of State.