Loading...
Loading...
How to become a notary public in Kentucky. Commission term: 4 years. Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
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
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
$1,000
Bond Required
surety bond
You must be a legal resident of Kentucky (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.
Submit your application to the Kentucky Secretary of State. Application fee: $10 (SOS filing fee).
Obtain a $1,000 surety bond. $1,000 surety bond filed with county clerk within 30 days of receiving commission. Bond cost: $20-$40.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Kentucky requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $69-$109.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 4 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in Kentucky. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of, or have a place of employment or practice in, the Kentucky county where the application is submitted.
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
Not RequiredNo education course required.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam required.
Browse Notary Public study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Surety Bond
Required$1,000
$1,000 surety bond filed with county clerk within 30 days of receiving commission.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal/stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $10 (SOS filing fee) |
Bond Premium Approximate premium for $1,000 bond | $20-$40 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost $10 SOS + $19 county fees + bond + seal | $69-$109 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Submit application and $10 fee to Kentucky SOS
Receive commission certificate
Obtain $1,000 surety bond
File bond and take oath at county clerk within 30 days ($19 county fee)
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Submit new application and fee to SOS. File new bond with county clerk.
Renewal Fee
$10 (SOS) + $19 (county)
Regulatory Board
Kentucky authorizes remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with Kentucky's RON requirements.
What Makes Kentucky Unique
Kentucky has one of the lowest bond requirements at $1,000 and no exam or education requirements.
Kentucky has one of the lowest bond requirements at $1,000.
County clerk fees of $19 cover recording, bond preparation, and oath.
No exam or education required.
Notary requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Kentucky
See how Kentucky compares: Notary License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare notary requirements across all states →
Notary licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure notary is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Kentucky compare to other states for notary? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your notary license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
Moving to Kentucky? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Notary license to Kentucky →
Transfer your Notary license from Kentucky to: Illinois → | Indiana → | Missouri → | Ohio → | Tennessee → | Virginia → | West Virginia →
Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.