Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey towards a unique profession.
In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Kentucky, 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 items, a surety bond, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
Become a Notary in Kentucky
In order to become a notary in Kentucky, you will need to complete a few simple steps.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
You’ll have to satisfy the following basic requirements in Kentucky if you want to become a notary public:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Be a resident/be employed in the Kentucky county you’re applying for a commission in
- Be able to read and write English
Note: The Kentucky Secretary of State may deny your application for any act or omission that it deems to suggest you demonstrate a lack of honesty, competence, or reliability.
Step 2: Purchase a Surety Bond
After this, you’ll have to purchase and maintain a $1,000 surety bond for a term of four years (the duration of your notary commission).
The purpose of this is to ensure the general public of Kentucky is protected from any financial loss your negligence or improper conduct could cause.
Next, you will need to fill out the Kentucky bond form with the rest of your application form and send it to:
Division of Corporations, Notary Commissions
P.O. Box 821
Frankfort, KY 40602
Note: This notary bond does not provide you with insurance protection, for that you’ll need to purchase a Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy.
This is a type of insurance that 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.
Recommended Course
Have a look at the National Notary Association’s packages, which include all state-required items, a surety bond, and four years of notary hotline phone support.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Next, you’ll need to fill out the Kentucky Notary Public Application for Appointment and file the completed document to the same address as the bond form.
Upon processing your application, your county clerk will be sent your Certificate of Appointment.
Step 4: Take Your Oath of Office
Once your county clerk receives this certificate, you will be emailed with instructions on how to take your oath of office and receive your commission certificate within 10 business days.
From this point, you have 30 days to take your oath of office, post your bond and file your commission.
If you don’t hear from the Secretary of State within these 10 days, you can contact the Office of the Secretary of State to request a new email be sent.
Note: Contact your county clerk if you need any more information on how to complete the commission.
Step 5: Equip Yourself With the Necessary Supplies
Once your notary commission is approved, get yourself set up with the necessary Kentucky notary supplies. These include a Kentucky notary stamp or seal and record book.
The seal is used to authenticate your notarial acts, and the record book is for logging all the services you provide.
Step 6: Purchase a Course (Optional)
Even though this last step is not a legal requirement, you should note that several Kentucky notary applicants choose to invest in a notary 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 notaries fully understand Kentucky notary 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 notary 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 notary regulations and practices
So, while it’s not mandatory in Kentucky, many aspiring notaries find value in such courses. It’s a personal decision based on individual comfort and professional goals.
How to Become a Notary in Kentucky FAQ
How much does it cost to become a notary in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, it costs $10 to submit your application and between $30–$70 to obtain the necessary notary supplies, such as your notary seal stamp and record book. For a greater look into the cost to become a Kentucky notary, see our article on How to Become a Notary in Kentucky.
How do I become a certified notary in KY?
In order to qualify to become a certified Kentucky notary public, you need to meet certain basic criteria, such as being at least 18 years old, a legal resident of Kentucky, and being able to read and write English. To find out more about the Kentucky notary requirements and general application process, see our article on How to Become a Notary.
How do I become a notary online in KY?
Kentucky notaries have been able to offer remote online notarizations since 2020. However, they must also complete an additional registration process in order to qualify. It’s best to refer to the Secretary of State’s website for the most up-to-date advice on the process of becoming an online notary public.
What is the hardest state to become a notary?
The difficulty in becoming a notary varies greatly by state, largely due to differing requirements. That being said, California is often considered one of the most difficult states in which to become a notary, as it requires a proctored examination, a background check, fingerprinting, and mandatory education.
How long is the notary commission in Kentucky?
A Kentucky notary commission is valid for four years. At the end of this period, you’ll have to reapply if you want to continue your service. It’s important to remember to start the renewal process well before your commission expiration date to avoid any interruption in your notary services.
For all related articles, have a look at our How to Become a Notary page.