Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey toward a unique profession.

In this comprehensive guide on how to become a notary in Utah, 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.

Become a Notary in Utah

In order to become a notary in Utah, you will need to complete a few simple steps.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a notary license in Utah, there are certain requirements to satisfy. Namely, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Utah resident, or be employed in the state, for at least 30 days
• Be able to read, write and understand English
• Either have permanent resident status or be a U.S. citizen (under S.245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act)
• Not have any disqualifying offenses or license revocations

Step 2: Sign Up on the Lieutenant Governor’s Website

Before you can sit your exam, you first need to create an account on the Lieutenant Governor’s website and enter your personal information. Make sure that you have the following with you:

• Your Social Security Number
• Driver’s license
• Home address (and mailing address if different)
• Business name, address, and phone number

This step officially creates your application, so ensure you satisfy all of the eligibility requirements outlined above and double check your information is correct before continuing.

Note: You will be immediately directed to take the test once you have finished creating your account.

Step 3: Register and Take the Notary Public Exam

Next, you will need to take (and pass) the Notary Public Exam.

The online exam is made up of 35 multiple-choice questions for a total of 65 available points (10 questions are worth 4 points and 25 questions are worth 1 point).

You will receive your test results immediately after you’ve finished the exam and paid the $95 test and administration fee.

To become a notary, you’ll have to pass with 61 points or higher — if you don’t pass, you can retake it within 30 days from the date of your first test.

In order to ensure that you pass your exam on your first attempt, we recommend purchasing a third-party education course. This can help you get accustomed to the exam material that you will be tested on as well as introduce you to pivotal aspects of Utah’s notary laws.

Step 4: Complete a Mandatory Background Check

After you pass the Utah Notary Public Exam, you will need to complete a mandatory background check.

Simply follow the steps as indicated and submit a waiver for a criminal background check.

Don’t worry if you don’t hear back about the results of your background check, you won’t be alerted when the check has been completed so will need to continue without your results.

Step 5: Purchase a $5,000 Surety Bond

Next, you need to obtain an official notarial bond in the sum of $5,000, which has been written for a four-year term.

You can do this by contacting an insurance company licensed to issue notarial bonds or by searching for “notary bonds” online. Make sure to use the date of your commission as the date on your bond.

Note: Notary bonds should cost $50.

This bond provides protection to the Utah public from any financial losses your negligence as a notary public might cause. Surety companies cover the losses caused to the public by a notary, who later repays any funds paid out on their behalf.

Step 6: Notarize Your Oath of Office

The Oath of Office is a constitutional oath that individuals must make before assuming the duties of a notary. You will need to get your notary bond signed and this oath notarized before you can submit them alongside the other required documents to the Lieutenant Governor’s office.

You can typically find the oath of office accompanying your bond, but if you cannot find it, click here for a copy of the oath by itself.

Note: Your application will be rejected if it is submitted without a signed notary bond or notarized oath of office.

Step 7: 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 8: Upload Required Documents

The final step in your application process is to submit these documents to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office.

Note that since mailed documents are no longer accepted, this can only be done through the Online Portal. You will be directed to this online portal once you have completed all of the steps above and uploaded.

Note: If you are having problems uploading your documents online, you can choose to email them instead.

Step 9: Obtain Notary Supplies

Finally, you’ll need to acquire your notary public supplies.

These include your notary stamp or seal (used to affix to documents), as well as your public journal.

Remember that, as a notary, you will serve a vital role in your community. This responsibility requires diligence, precision, and a high ethical standard.

Take your time, follow the steps, and prepare to provide a valuable service.