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How to Become a Notary in Arkansas: Your Complete Guide (2026)
Arkansas has a way of doing things that's refreshingly straightforward — and becoming a notary here is no exception. Whether you're a real estate agent in Fayetteville, a paralegal in Little Rock, or a small business owner in Hot Springs looking to serve your community, the Natural State gives you one of the best deals in the country: a ten-year commission that costs less than a nice dinner out. But don't let the simplicity fool you — there are a few landmines in the process that can derail your commission if you're not paying attention. This guide covers every requirement, every fee, and every step you need to walk through to get it right the first time.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Arkansas Secretary of State's office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Arkansas?
Arkansas doesn't put up a lot of barriers to entry, but you do need to clear a few basic hurdles before you can start stamping documents:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Arkansas (or employed in AR)
- Have no felony convictions unless pardoned
That employment clause is worth noting — you don't actually have to live in Arkansas to be commissioned here. If you work in the state and your employer needs you to perform notarizations, you can qualify as a non-resident notary. And if you have a felony in your past, don't automatically assume you're ineligible. A full pardon restores your ability to serve as a notary. Reach out to the Secretary of State's office before you apply so there are no surprises.
What You'll Need to Get Started
There's nothing worse than getting halfway through an application and realizing you're missing something. Gather these items upfront and you'll sail through the process:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- A $7500 surety bond (typically $30-50)
- Completion of a state-approved notary education course
- The $20 filing fee
Once you've got these lined up, the actual steps move quickly.
Step 1: Complete Required Education
Unlike some states that hand you a commission based on a bare-bones application, Arkansas actually wants you to know what you're doing before you start notarizing. You'll need to complete a state-approved notary education course — typically around $30 — before you can submit your application.
The course covers the practical stuff that matters: proper identification procedures, what constitutes a lawful notarization, the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat, and the specific responsibilities and limitations Arkansas places on its notaries. It's not just box-checking — this is knowledge you'll use every single time you perform a notarization, and it's what separates confident notaries from the ones nervously Googling procedures while a signer waits.
Step 2: Complete the Application
The application goes directly to the Arkansas Secretary of State. You'll provide your full legal name, residential address, and the county where you reside. Pay close attention to how your name appears on this form — it needs to match what's on your government-issued ID. Mismatches are one of the most common reasons applications get held up, and it's an entirely preventable problem.
Step 3: Submit with Bond and Fee
Your application isn't complete without two additional items:
- A $7500 surety bond
- A $20 filing fee
Let's talk about that bond for a second, because it's one of the most misunderstood parts of becoming a notary. A surety bond is not insurance that protects you. It's financial protection for the public — if you make a mistake that causes someone financial harm, the bond provides a way for them to recover. You'd still be on the hook to repay the bond company. Most notary supply vendors sell bonds, and at $30-50 for a $7500 bond, the cost is minimal.
Step 4: Receive Your Commission
After you submit everything, processing typically takes 2-3 weeks, though it can fluctuate depending on how many applications the Secretary of State's office is handling. Once approved, your commission certificate arrives by mail.
And here's where Arkansas really stands out: your commission is valid for ten years. That's one of the longest commission periods in the nation. Most states make you renew every four or five years, so Arkansas essentially gives you a decade of notary authority before you need to think about reappointment. It's a significant perk that makes the upfront effort feel even more worthwhile.
Step 5: Get Your Notary Supplies
With your commission certificate in hand, you're almost to the finish line — but you need the right tools before you can legally perform any notarizations. You'll need two essential items:
- A Arkansas notary stamp — must meet state requirements for format and content
- A notary record book (journal) — required by Arkansas law for every notarial act
Your stamp isn't something to buy on a whim. Arkansas has specific requirements for what must appear on it, and a stamp that doesn't meet those standards can cause perfectly valid notarizations to be rejected or challenged. Order from a supplier that specializes in Arkansas notary stamps and understands the state's formatting rules. The extra few minutes of research saves potential headaches down the road.
Your journal is equally important — Arkansas law requires you to record every notarial act, no exceptions. A good quality bound journal with tamper-resistant pages is the standard choice for most Arkansas notaries.
Browse Notary StampsStep 6: File Your Oath of Office
If there's one step that sinks more Arkansas notary commissions than anything else, it's this one. Within 30 days of receiving your commission certificate, you must take the oath of office and file it with the appropriate county office.
This is not optional. This is not a "do it when you get around to it" situation. If you miss that 30-day window, your commission can become void — meaning you'd have to start the entire process from scratch, including paying all the fees again. The filing itself is usually quick and inexpensive, but the consequences of skipping it are serious. Put it on your calendar the day your commission arrives.
Common Mistakes New Arkansas Notaries Make
Forewarned is forearmed. Here are the pitfalls that catch new Arkansas notaries off guard:
- Not filing the oath within 30 days — the single most costly mistake you can make
- Not keeping a journal — Arkansas requires it for every notarial act, without exception
- Using an incorrect stamp format — non-compliant stamps create real problems for signers
- Letting your commission expire — even with ten years, reappointment takes time, so don't procrastinate
- Notarizing without the signer physically present — this is grounds for commission revocation in Arkansas, regardless of how well you know the person
How Much Does It Cost to Become an Arkansas Notary?
Let's lay out the actual numbers with no hidden costs:
- Surety bond: $30-50
- Application fee: $20
- Education course: $30
- Notary stamp: $15-30
- Notary journal: $15-25
- County filing fee: $5-15
Total estimated cost: $115-170
That's your complete, out-of-pocket cost to become a fully equipped Arkansas notary with a commission that lasts a full decade. When you break it down annually, you're looking at roughly $12-17 per year — a remarkably low cost for a credential that adds real value to your resume and your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take in Arkansas?
From submitting your application to being fully ready to notarize with supplies and a filed oath, plan on about 2-3 weeks. Add a little buffer for mail times, especially if you're in a more rural part of the state where mail delivery can be slower.
Can I notarize documents online in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas has operational remote online notarization (RON), which means you can perform notarizations over a video call using an approved platform. This requires meeting additional technology and registration requirements beyond the standard notary commission, but it's a legitimate option if you want to serve clients who can't meet in person.
Do I need errors & omissions insurance in Arkansas?
It's not legally required, but most experienced Arkansas notaries will tell you it's a smart move. Remember — your surety bond protects the public, not you. If you make an honest mistake and someone comes after you financially, errors & omissions insurance is what covers your legal costs and any settlements. For a relatively small annual premium, it's peace of mind that's hard to argue against.
How do I renew my notary commission in Arkansas?
Start the reappointment process well before your ten-year commission expires. The renewal process mirrors the initial application — you'll complete another education course, submit a new application with a fresh bond, and pay the $20 filing fee. Don't let your commission lapse before starting this process, or you'll have a gap where you legally can't perform notarizations.
How much can I charge for notarizations in Arkansas?
Arkansas notaries can charge up to $5 per notarization. If you're also authorized to perform marriage ceremonies, you can charge up to $25 for that service. Keep in mind that if you're notarizing documents as part of your regular employment, your employer's policies may restrict whether you can accept fees — it's worth clarifying that upfront.
State-Specific Notes
- Remote online notarization (RON): Arkansas has operational RON, giving notaries the flexibility to serve signers remotely through approved technology platforms.
- Ten-year commission: Arkansas is one of the longest commission periods in the country — take advantage of it by staying current on notary law throughout your term.
- Oath filing is non-negotiable: The 30-day deadline for filing your oath of office is one of the strictest requirements in Arkansas notary law. Treat it as your top priority the moment your commission arrives.
Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Arkansas earn $75–$200 per appointment. The most comprehensive training available.
RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization — Arkansas supports remote notarization. Learn how to notarize documents online and reach clients anywhere.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Arkansas notary commission into a profitable business.
How to Market Your Notary Business — get clients from day one with proven strategies.
How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
