Notary Public
Vermont
Notary Public Commission Requirements
2 years (fixed term, all commissions expire January 31 of odd-numbered years)
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
Yes
Exam Required
state exam
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
Application Process
VerifiedEnsure you meet eligibility requirements (age 18+, VT resident or employed in VT, U.S. citizen/permanent resident)
Pass the basic open-book notary exam on Vermont laws (online, multiple-choice)
Sign and submit a notarized Oath or Affirmation of Office (uploaded as part of online application)
Submit the online application with $30 non-refundable fee
Wait for the commission to be processed and approved
Obtain notary seal/stamp if desired (optional if credentials are printed/typed on documents)
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Vermont or have a place of employment or practice in Vermont
Citizenship
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo initial education or training course is required for new applicants. However, renewing notaries must complete 1 hour of SOS-approved continuing education prior to renewal. Vermont-licensed attorneys and specified Judiciary employees are exempt from the renewal CE requirement.
Exam
RequiredFirst-time applicants must pass a basic open-book notary exam on Vermont laws. The exam is online, consists of approximately 40-50 multiple-choice questions covering Vermont's notarial statutes, administrative rules, and ethics. Vermont-licensed attorneys and specified Judiciary employees are exempt.
Administered by: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Not RequiredSurety bond is not required for Vermont notaries.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is not mandatory but many notaries voluntarily purchase it for legal protection.
Seal / Stamp
Not RequiredA seal/stamp is required only if the notary chooses not to print or type their credentials on the document. If used, must display: name, 'Vermont', 'Notary Public', commission number, and optionally the expiration date.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $30 |
Bond Premium No bond required | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Seal is optional if credentials are printed/typed. If purchased, cost varies by vendor. | $0-$30 |
Total Estimated Cost Application fee ($30) plus optional seal ($0-$30). No bond or education costs for initial commission. | $30-$60 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
2 years (fixed term, all commissions expire January 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Process
Complete 1 hour of SOS-approved continuing education, then submit a renewal application with $30 fee. All commissions expire January 31 of odd-numbered years. Vermont-licensed attorneys and Judiciary employees are exempt from CE.
Renewal Fee
$30
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Vermont adopted Administrative Rules for Notaries Public effective February 26, 2025, allowing remote online notarization and electronic notarization. Available via Special Endorsement; applicants must first obtain a traditional notary commission.
Additional Requirements
Requires a Special Endorsement from the Secretary of State at an additional $30 fee. Must first hold a traditional notary commission.
Important Notes
What Makes Vermont Unique
Vermont has one of the shortest and most unusual commission terms: all commissions expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years regardless of when issued, meaning a new commission obtained in late 2025 would expire January 31, 2027. Vermont also does not require a seal or stamp if the notary prints or types their credentials on documents. The state does not set a statutory maximum fee for notarial services, giving notaries flexibility in pricing. RON is very new, having become available February 26, 2025.
All Vermont notary commissions expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years, regardless of when issued
This means commissions can be less than 2 years depending on when you apply
Vermont is one of the few states where a notary seal/stamp is optional (can print/type credentials instead)
Notary commissions are administered by the Office of Professional Regulation
Vermont does not set a statutory maximum fee for notarial services
Vermont-licensed attorneys and specified Judiciary employees are exempt from the exam and renewal CE
RON became available February 26, 2025 via new Administrative Rules
RON Special Endorsement costs an additional $30