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In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Kansas, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into simple.
Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include all state-required notary supplies and a your surety bond, plus four years of notary hotline phone support.
Becoming a Notary in Kansas
In order to become a notary in Kansas, you will need to complete a few simple steps.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
In order to be eligible to apply to be a notary in Kansas, applicants are required by law to be:
- At least 18 years of age
- A legal resident of Kansas or a bordering state who regularly carries out business in Kansas
- Not disqualified from being granted commission under state law
Note: Prior felony convictions or revocations of other professional licenses may prevent you from being eligible to apply for notary commission.
Step 2: Purchase a Surety Bond
Next, you’ll need to purchase a notary bond valued at $12,000 and maintain it throughout the duration of your commission as a Kansas notary public.
This bond needs to be granted by an entity licensed to do business in Kansas, such as a surety bond company or an insurance company.
Note: If you need to change the bond on your file with the Secretary of State, you can fill out the Notary Change of Status Form NC.
Recommended Course
Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include all state-required notary supplies and a your surety bond, plus four years of notary hotline phone support.
Step 3: Get Your Notary Supplies
Before completing the application form, the final step you must take is to get yourself a notary stamp; this is used to authenticate your notarial acts.
You can buy your notary seal stamp from any standard office supply store as long as it includes the following:
- Your name exactly as it appears on your application form
- The words “notary public”
- The words “State of Kansas”
- Your commission expiration date (or a blank space for you to write this date)
Make sure to keep this seal safe as you will need it shortly as part of your application for a notary commission.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
With all the above completed, you’ll be ready to get started on your Notary Public Appointment Form (Form NO).
A Form NO that has been completed properly should contain all of the following:
- All its questions answered in full
- A copy/impression of your notary seal
- A properly completed oath of office section
- The attorney-in-fact’s signature from your surety company (Section C)
- The Kansas notary bond (Section C) completed by your surety company.
- A $25 application fee
You must submit your application form (along with all the above) by mail to the following address:
Kansas Secretary of State
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 S.W. 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
Note: You can contact the Kansas Secretary of State by calling (785) 296-4564 or by emailing notary@ks.gov.
Step 5: Receive Your Notary Certificate
After the Secretary of State processes your application and the accompanying documents, your notary commission certificate, wallet card, and handbook will be delivered to your home address.
Once you receive these items from the Secretary of State, you will officially be able to begin notarizing documents. Congratulations!
Note: For further clarification on any part of the application process, be sure to check out the Kansas Notary Handbook.
Step 6: Protect Yourself with Errors and Omissions Insurance
While not required by law, it’s a good idea to consider protecting yourself with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.
This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential mistakes or omissions that you might make as you perform notarial acts.
It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.
Step 7: Purchase a Course (Optional)
Even though this last step is not a legal requirement, you should note that many applicants in Kansas choose to invest in a training course. This is because it can offer several benefits, such as:
- Understanding the Law: Notary laws can be complex and vary from state to state. A course can help ensure that Kansas notaries fully understand the relevant laws and how to apply them correctly
- Professional Development: A course can enhance professional skills, making a notary more effective and competent in their role
- Reducing Liability: By better understanding the rules and best practices, notaries can reduce the risk of making errors that could result in legal action
- Increased Confidence: A training course can boost a notary’s confidence by giving them a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise to draw from
- Staying Updated: Laws and procedures change over time. A course can help notaries stay current with any changes in relevant regulations and practices
So, while it’s not mandatory in Kansas, many aspiring notaries find value in such courses. It’s a personal decision based on individual comfort and professional goals.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include all state-required notary supplies and a your surety bond, plus four years of notary hotline phone support.
How to Become a Notary in Kansas FAQ
What disqualifies you from being a notary in Kansas?
In Kansas, you can be disqualified from becoming a notary if you’re under 18 years old, lack legal residence in Kansas, or have had a professional license revoked in the past. For a more detailed list of the notary requirements in Kansas, see our article on How to Become a Notary in Kansas.
What is required on a notary stamp in Kansas?
Under Kansas notary law, a notary public’s stamp must include certain pieces of information, including the notary’s name, the words “Notary Public” and “State of Kansas,” and the commission expiration date (among other things). In addition to this, the stamp should also be legible and capable of producing a photographic reproduction.
How long is a Kansas notary good for?
In Kansas, commissions are valid for four years — after this period, each notary public must renew their commissions before the expiration date to continue offering notarial services. It is essential to submit a renewal application to the Kansas Secretary of State’s office in a timely manner to avoid any lapses. See the Kansas Notary Public Handbook for more information.
What is the hardest state to become a notary?
California is generally considered to be one of the more challenging states to become a notary due to its rigorous requirements and difficult exam. However, the most important factor influencing how difficult it is to become a notary is how prepared an applicant is. Make sure you’re prepared by reading our article on How to Become a Notary.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Kansas?
The only mandatory costs of becoming a notary in Kansas are the $25 application filing fee, the surety bond, and the cost of obtaining the necessary supplies (e.g., your notary journal and seal, etc.). However, the overall cost will vary depending on how much you choose to spend on optional extras such as notary training courses or studying to become an electronic notary.
For all related articles, have a look at our How to Become a Notary page.