State Requirements
How to Become a Notary in Arkansas
Arkansas notary requirements, fees, bond amounts, and step-by-step instructions.
Arkansas Notary Requirements at a Glance
Exam Required
No
Surety Bond
$7,500
Commission Term
10 years
Education Required
None
E&O Insurance
Optional (recommended)
Background Check
Not required
Application Fee
$20
Appointing Authority
Secretary of State
Journal Required
No (recommended)
Remote Online Notarization
Authorized
Steps to Become a Notary in Arkansas
Meet Basic Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Arkansas. You must be a legal U.S. resident with no disqualifying criminal record.
Submit Your Application
Apply through the Secretary of State. The application fee is $20.
Obtain a $7,500 Surety Bond
Arkansas requires a $7,500 surety bond. You can purchase one from a bonding company for approximately $40–$150 for a 10 years term.
Purchase Your Notary Seal & Supplies
Get your official notary seal/stamp, notary journal (if required), and any other supplies needed for your practice.
Take the Oath of Office
Once your commission is approved, take the oath of office as required by Arkansas law. Your commission will be valid for 10 years.
Arkansas Notary Fee Schedule
Maximum fees a notary can charge per act in Arkansas:
| Notarial Act | Max Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $5.00 |
| Jurat (Verification on Oath/Affirmation) | $5.00 |
| Oath / Affirmation | $5.00 |
| Copy Certification | $5.00 |
| Signature Witnessing | $5.00 |
| Protest | $3.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take an exam to become a notary in Arkansas? +
No, Arkansas does not require a notary exam. You can apply directly through the Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Arkansas? +
The application fee is $20. A $7,500 surety bond costs approximately $75–$150. Add $15–40 for a notary seal. Total startup cost is typically $120–$210.
How long is a notary commission in Arkansas? +
A notary commission in Arkansas lasts 10 years. After that, you’ll need to renew by filing a new application and bond (if required).
Can I perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Arkansas? +
Yes, Arkansas authorizes Remote Online Notarization. You’ll need to register as an electronic notary and use an approved RON platform.
More Notary Tools
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