Interested in becoming a notary public and curious about how quickly you can get started? You’re in the right place!

In this How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary article, we’ll help you swiftly launch your career by exploring the key factors determining the length of your notary application, such as:

• The basic requirements you will need to meet
• Whether you need to take a notary training course and/or exam
• How state-specific regulations can lengthen this process

In addition to this, by the end of this article you should also have a better understanding of both a notary’s responsibilities and potential earnings.

Becoming a Notary

While the specific steps may differ depending on your state, the general process tends to remain similar.

Requirements and Qualifications

Before you can begin the notary commissioning process, you will normally need to make sure you satisfy your state’s individual eligibility requirements.

Typically, this requires you to be over the age of 18, be a resident of the state, and not have any felony convictions — though your particular state may have additional requirements.

Typical Application Process

First, you’ll normally need to fill out an application and submit it along with a filing fee to the Secretary of State. In some jurisdictions, you’ll also need to undergo a training course or successfully pass an examination before filing your notary bond and oath of office.

After receiving your notary commission, all that’s typically left to do is buy the necessary supplies, such as an official notary seal and a notary journal.

While not a legal requirement, getting Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is also highly recommended for notaries in all states.

Notary Application Process Timeline

Becoming a notary shouldn’t take very long — in most states, the application process outlined above will normally take between two and six weeks.

In fact, most of the time spent in the process of becoming commissioned is likely to be dedicated to waiting for your application to be processed by the Secretary of State office.

In states where training courses are required, they can typically be completed fairly quickly and conveniently. Many states even offer the option to complete both your notary training and exam online.

State-Specific Notary Regulations

While it is generally true that the notary commission process shouldn’t take too long, this is highly dependent on the specific state in which you’re applying.

Moreover, there are a number of states with irregular steps in their commission process that can greatly increase the total time required. Some of these states have been outlined below:

• Arkansas — Applicants need to submit two oath of commission certificates once approved: one with the Recorder of Deeds and another with the Secretary of State
• Connecticut — Applicants need to complete a jurat, writing sample, and Certificate of Character
• Hawaii — Applicants need to submit a Letter of Justification and a Letter of Character
• Indiana — Applicants need to obtain their Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Record
• Maryland — Applicants must wait for their senator to approve their applications and for the Secretary of State to send their notary commission to the county clerk’s office
• Minnesota — Applicants need to register their commission certificate with their specific county
• New Hampshire — Applicants need to complete and notarize the Criminal Record Release Authorization Form
• New Mexico — Applicants need to complete a notary Stamp Registration Form
• Ohio — Applicants need to get a criminal record check
• Utah — Applicants need to complete a mandatory background check
• Washington D.C. — Applicants need to get a Letter of Request

In all of these states, each of the irregular steps outlined above can add significant processing time before you can start working as an active notary public.

What is a Notary

Notaries are public servants authorized by the Secretary of State to oversee the signing of important papers, administer oaths/affirmations, and certify acknowledgments or other such written instruments.

What Does a Notary Do

A notary public’s primary duty is to prevent fraud. They do this by checking a few key things from the people signing important papers, namely:

• Who they really are
• If they truly want to sign (and aren’t being forced or pressured)
• If they understand what’s in the document or contract

Some common examples that often need a notary public to be involved include property ownership papers, powers of attorney (which let someone else make decisions for you), and wills.

How Much Does a Notary Make

Each state has its own set of regulations that dictate the maximum amounts notaries are permitted to charge up until for each notarial act.

This typically falls somewhere within the $5–$25 range across all states except in the following states, in which there is no commission fee:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Tennessee
• Vermont

Ultimately, this means that the amount a notary can make is dependent on a number of factors, such as the state they’re working in, the number of clients they serve, and the demand for their services.