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A notary public serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, verifying identities and deterring fraud. As businesses and individuals increasingly need documents notarized for real estate transactions, legal affidavits, powers of attorney, and more, the demand for qualified notaries continues to grow across the country.
Becoming a notary public offers a flexible career path or a lucrative side hustle. Many notaries work part-time, setting their own hours and earning additional income outside of their primary employment. Others build full-fledged notary businesses serving law firms, title companies, hospitals, and private clients. With relatively low barriers to entry and the potential to specialize in high-earning niches, commissioning as a notary public remains one of the most accessible professional credentials you can obtain.
This comprehensive guide covers the general requirements to become a notary, specialized career paths, earning potential, and the exact steps to take after you receive your commission. Keep in mind that notary laws vary significantly by state, so always consult your specific state's notary commissioning authority for the most current requirements.
General Requirements to Become a Notary
While each state sets its own notary laws and commissioning process, most states share several common requirements. The following steps represent the typical path to becoming a notary public, though your state may add, remove, or modify certain steps.
Age and Residency Requirements
In nearly all states, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a notary commission. Some states may require applicants to be legal residents of the state where they are applying, while others allow non-residents who are employed or maintain a regular place of business within the state. A few states extend commission eligibility to residents of bordering states under specific conditions.
Criminal Background Considerations
Most states require that applicants have no felony convictions, and some may restrict applicants with certain misdemeanor convictions, particularly those involving dishonesty or moral turpitude. Each state evaluates criminal history differently—some conduct formal background checks, while others rely on applicant self-disclosure. If you have a criminal record, you may want to consult with your state's notary regulating agency to understand how your specific situation may affect your eligibility.
Training and Education
Several states mandate that applicants complete an approved notary education course before submitting an application. These courses typically cover notary laws, proper procedures, acceptable identification, and common pitfalls. Even in states where training is not required, completing a notary education course is generally considered a wise investment to help you perform your duties competently and avoid errors that could result in liability.
Passing a Notary Exam
A number of states require applicants to pass a written notary examination. These exams typically test your knowledge of state notary laws, proper notarization procedures, and ethical standards. Passing scores and retake policies vary by state. In states without a formal exam, the application itself or the required training course may include an assessment component.
Background Checks and Fingerprinting
Many states require a criminal background check as part of the application process. This may involve submitting fingerprints through a state-approved channel, such as a law enforcement agency or an authorized fingerprinting vendor. The background check is typically processed through state and federal databases, and results may take several weeks.
Purchasing a Surety Bond
Most states require notaries to purchase a surety bond before their commission is issued. A notary surety bond is not insurance that protects you—it protects the public from financial harm resulting from errors or misconduct on your part. Bond amounts vary by state, ranging from around $500 to $25,000, though the actual cost to you is typically a small fraction of the bond amount based on your creditworthiness.
Obtaining Your Notary Seal and Supplies
Once your commission is approved, you will generally need to obtain an official notary seal or stamp that complies with your state's specifications. Requirements for what must appear on the seal—including your name, commission number, expiration date, and state—vary. Many notaries also purchase a notary journal to record each notarization, even in states where a journal is not strictly required, as it provides valuable protection against liability.
State-by-State Quick Links
Notary laws, fees, application processes, and renewal requirements differ dramatically from one state to another. What takes a few days in one state may take several months in another. Some states require in-person applications, while others allow you to complete the entire process online.
For your specific state's requirements, visit our Complete State Notary Guides.
Specialized Notary Career Paths
Once you are commissioned as a notary public, you have the opportunity to specialize in areas that typically offer higher earning potential and steady demand. The following career paths are popular among notaries looking to expand their services:
Loan Signing Agent
Loan signing agents are notaries who specialize in guiding borrowers through the signing of loan documents for real estate transactions. This is one of the most lucrative notary specializations, with many full-time signing agents earning significant annual incomes. Learn more about this path in our guide: How to Become a Loan Signing Agent.
Fingerprinting Notary
Some notaries add fingerprinting services to their offerings, serving clients who need inked or digital fingerprints for employment background checks, licenses, certifications, or immigration purposes. For details on this specialization, see How to Become a Fingerprinting Notary.
Hospital Notary
Hospital notaries provide mobile notary services to patients in healthcare facilities who are unable to travel. This niche requires sensitivity, flexibility, and a strong understanding of how to properly identify and notarize documents for individuals who may be elderly, ill, or incapacitated. Read our full guide: How to Become a Notary for a Hospital.
Immigration Notary
Notaries who serve immigrant communities often assist with documents related to immigration filings. It is critical to understand that notaries in the United States are generally not permitted to provide legal advice or act as immigration consultants. If you are interested in this area, make sure you fully understand the boundaries of your role. Learn more: How to Specialize in Immigration Notarizations.
Remote Online Notary
Remote online notarization (RON) allows notaries to perform notarizations entirely online using audio-visual technology and digital tools. RON became widely adopted during the pandemic and is now permanently authorized in a growing number of states. To understand the requirements and technology involved, visit: How to Perform Remote Online Notarization.
How Much Does a Notary Make?
Notary earnings vary widely based on location, specialization, hours worked, and business acumen. Traditional notaries who charge state-permitted fees for standard notarizations may earn modest supplemental income. However, notaries who specialize—particularly loan signing agents, mobile notaries, and remote online notaries—can earn substantially more.
For a detailed breakdown of earning potential across different notary paths, see our article: How Much Does a Notary Public Make?.
Should You Become a Notary?
A notary commission is not the right fit for everyone. While the barriers to entry are relatively low, success as a notary—especially as a business—requires attention to detail, strong customer service skills, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt to changing laws. It is important to weigh the costs of commissioning, supplies, insurance, and ongoing education against the expected income.
To help you evaluate whether this path aligns with your goals, read our in-depth analysis: Should You Become a Notary Public?.
Training and Education
Even when your state does not mandate formal training, investing in quality education can significantly improve your competence and confidence as a notary. The right training can help you avoid costly mistakes, understand complex notarization scenarios, and position yourself for specialized opportunities.
For comparisons and recommendations, explore these resources:
Next Steps After Getting Commissioned
Receiving your notary commission is just the beginning. To turn your commission into a thriving notary practice, you will need to think strategically about building your business, marketing your services, establishing professional relationships, and managing the administrative side of your operations.
Equally important is planning for the future—your notary commission will expire, and allowing it to lapse can mean starting the entire process over from scratch. Most states allow you to begin the renewal process well in advance of your expiration date.
For guidance on growing your notary practice and maintaining your commission, review these articles:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary?
The timeline varies considerably by state. In some states, you can complete the application process and receive your commission in as little as one to two weeks. In other states, the process may take two to three months or longer, especially if a background check or written exam is required. Processing times may also fluctuate based on the volume of applications your state's commissioning authority is handling.
How much does it cost to become a notary?
Costs typically include an application fee, a surety bond, a notary seal or stamp, and a notary journal. Depending on your state, the total cost generally ranges from around $50 to $300 for the initial commission. If you choose to purchase optional supplies, training courses, or errors and omissions insurance, your upfront costs will be higher.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of the conviction and your state's specific regulations. Many states disqualify applicants with felony convictions, particularly those involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude. However, some states consider applications on a case-by-case basis, and a few allow individuals with criminal records to apply if a certain amount of time has passed or if their rights have been restored. Contact your state's notary commissioning authority for specific guidance.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to become a notary?
Most states do not require U.S. citizenship to become a notary public. Typically, you must be a legal resident or meet your state's residency or employment requirements. However, requirements vary, so you should verify the specific eligibility criteria for the state where you plan to apply.
Can I notarize documents in a state where I am not commissioned?
No. A notary public generally may only perform notarizations within the physical boundaries of the state where they hold a current commission. Notarizing documents outside of your commissioning state may result in your commission being revoked and could expose you to legal liability. The exception to this general rule is remote online notarization, which has its own specific interstate rules that vary by state.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Notary laws and requirements vary by state and are subject to change. Always consult your state's notary commissioning authority or a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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