Free Notary Tool

Notary Requirements by State

Find everything you need to know about becoming a notary in your state — exam requirements, bond amounts, fees, education, and more.

All States

Alabama $25,000 bond • 4 years Alaska $1,000 bond • 4 years Arizona $5,000 bond • 4 years Arkansas $7,500 bond • 10 years CaliforniaExam $15,000 bond • 4 years Colorado $10,000 bond • 4 years Connecticut No bond • 5 years Delaware No bond • 2 years District of Columbia $2,000 bond • 5 years Florida $7,500 bond • 4 years Georgia No bond • 4 years Hawaii $1,000 bond • 4 years Idaho $10,000 bond • 6 years Illinois $5,000 bond • 4 years Indiana $5,000 bond • 8 years Iowa No bond • 3 years Kansas $7,500 bond • 4 years Kentucky $1,000 bond • 4 years LouisianaExam $10,000 bond • Life (with good behavior) Maine No bond • 7 years Maryland No bond • 4 years Massachusetts No bond • 7 years Michigan $10,000 bond • 6-7 years Minnesota No bond • 5 years Mississippi $5,000 bond • 4 years Missouri $10,000 bond • 4 years MontanaExam $10,000 bond • 4 years Nebraska $15,000 bond • 4 years NevadaExam $10,000 bond • 4 years New Hampshire No bond • 5 years New Jersey No bond • 5 years New Mexico $10,000 bond • 4 years New YorkExam No bond • 4 years North CarolinaExam $10,000 bond • 5 years North Dakota $7,500 bond • 6 years Ohio No bond • 5 years Oklahoma $1,000 bond • 4 years OregonExam $10,000 bond • 4 years Pennsylvania $10,000 bond • 4 years Rhode Island No bond • 4 years South Carolina No bond • 10 years South Dakota $5,000 bond • 6 years Tennessee $10,000 bond • 4 years Texas $10,000 bond • 4 years UtahExam $5,000 bond • 4 years Vermont No bond • 4 years Virginia No bond • 4 years Washington $10,000 bond • 4 years West Virginia $2,500 bond • 5 years Wisconsin $500 bond • 4 years Wyoming $500 bond • 4 years

Quick Comparison

State Exam Bond Term Education App Fee Journal
Alabama No $25,000 4 years None $25 No
Alaska No $1,000 4 years None $20 No
Arizona No $5,000 4 years None $43 Req
Arkansas No $7,500 10 years None $20 No
California Yes $15,000 4 years 6 hrs $40 Req
Colorado No $10,000 4 years None $10 No
Connecticut No — 5 years None $60 No
Delaware No — 2 years None $25 No
District of Columbia No $2,000 5 years None $75 No
Florida No $7,500 4 years None $25 No
Georgia No — 4 years None $36 No
Hawaii No $1,000 4 years None $10 No
Idaho No $10,000 6 years None $30 No
Illinois No $5,000 4 years None $10 No
Indiana No $5,000 8 years None $50 No
Iowa No — 3 years None $30 No
Kansas No $7,500 4 years None $26 No
Kentucky No $1,000 4 years None $10 No
Louisiana Yes $10,000 Life (with good behavior) None $35 Req
Maine No — 7 years None $50 No
Maryland No — 4 years None $56 No
Massachusetts No — 7 years None $60 No
Michigan No $10,000 6-7 years None $10 No
Minnesota No — 5 years None $120 No
Mississippi No $5,000 4 years None $25 No
Missouri No $10,000 4 years None $25 Req
Montana Yes $10,000 4 years None $25 Req
Nebraska No $15,000 4 years None $30 No
Nevada Yes $10,000 4 years 2 hrs $35 Req
New Hampshire No — 5 years None $75 No
New Jersey No — 5 years None $25 No
New Mexico No $10,000 4 years None $25 No
New York Yes — 4 years None $60 No
North Carolina Yes $10,000 5 years 6 hrs $50 No
North Dakota No $7,500 6 years None $25 No
Ohio No — 5 years 3 hrs $15 No
Oklahoma No $1,000 4 years None $25 No
Oregon Yes $10,000 4 years None $40 Req
Pennsylvania No $10,000 4 years 3 hrs $42 Req
Rhode Island No — 4 years None $30 No
South Carolina No — 10 years None $25 No
South Dakota No $5,000 6 years None $30 No
Tennessee No $10,000 4 years None $12 No
Texas No $10,000 4 years None $21 Req
Utah Yes $5,000 4 years None $10 Req
Vermont No — 4 years None $30 No
Virginia No — 4 years None $35 No
Washington No $10,000 4 years None $30 No
West Virginia No $2,500 5 years None $20 No
Wisconsin No $500 4 years None $20 No
Wyoming No $500 4 years None $5 No

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a notary public? +

The process varies by state but generally involves: meeting age and residency requirements, completing any required education, applying to your state’s commissioning authority, obtaining a surety bond (if required), purchasing a notary seal/stamp, and taking an oath of office. Some states also require passing an exam.

How long does it take to become a notary? +

In most states, the process takes 2–6 weeks from application to receiving your commission. States requiring an exam or education course may take 4–8 weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

How much does it cost to become a notary? +

Total startup costs typically range from $50 to $200, including application fees ($5–$120), surety bond ($50–$100 for 4 years), notary seal/stamp ($15–40), and optional E&O insurance ($200–$400/year). States requiring education courses may add $50–$150.

Which states require a notary exam? +

As of ${year}, states that require a notary exam include California, Colorado (for RON), Louisiana, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. Requirements can change, so always verify with your state.

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