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How to Become a Notary in Kansas: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
There's something uniquely Kansas about the idea of serving as a notary public here. Maybe it's the fact that in a state where you can drive for an hour and pass through three counties, having someone local who can verify identities and witness signatures matters more than people realize. From real estate closings in Overland Park to farm equipment loans in Dodge City, notaries keep the state's legal and commercial machinery humming. The good news? Kansas has one of the most straightforward notary commissioning processes in the country. No state exam to sweat over, no mandatory training hours to log, and a filing fee that costs less than a nice dinner in the KC Power & Light District. Here's your complete roadmap.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Kansas Secretary of State's office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Kansas?
Kansas doesn't overcomplicate eligibility. You need to check exactly three boxes:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Kansas or employed within the state — this is a nice perk if you live across the state line in Missouri but commute to a Kansas workplace every day
- Have no felony convictions unless you've received a pardon
That's the entire list. The state doesn't run a formal background check during the application process, but the felony question is taken seriously. If something in your past might be an issue, it's worth contacting the Secretary of State's office directly before you apply rather than paying the fee and hoping for the best.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Gather these before you sit down to fill out your application:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- The $25 filing fee
No exam scores to track down. No proof of completing a notary education course. No reference letters from community leaders. Kansas takes a trust-but-verify approach — they expect you to learn the rules on your own time and uphold them professionally. And honestly, that's a responsibility worth taking seriously, because a single sloppy notarization can create legal headaches for everyone involved.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
File your notary application with the Kansas Secretary of State, providing your full legal name, residential address, and county of residence. Pay close attention to name consistency here. The name on your application should match your government-issued ID precisely — not close enough, not "basically the same," but exactly the same. Mismatches between your commission name and your ID are one of those things that seem minor until a signer's attorney starts asking uncomfortable questions about the validity of a notarized document.
Step 2: Wait for Your Commission Certificate
Processing generally takes 1-2 weeks. It's not instant, but you won't be waiting around for months either. Once approved, you'll receive your official commission certificate in the mail. Treat this document like the important piece of paper it is — you'll need it to order your supplies and file your oath.
Your commission lasts for four years. That's a decent stretch of time to establish yourself, whether you're notarizing documents for your employer or building a mobile notary business on evenings and weekends across the Kansas City metro or the Topeka area.
Step 3: Order Your Notary Supplies
Here's a mistake that catches new notaries off guard every single day: ordering supplies before your commission is approved. Resist the urge. Wait until you have that certificate in hand, because your stamp needs to include your exact commission number and expiration date.
Once you're approved, here's what you need:
- A Kansas notary stamp — this must comply with state formatting requirements, including your name, commission number, expiration date, and the words "Notary Public — State of Kansas." Ordering a generic stamp from a random online seller is a quick way to produce notarizations that get challenged later. Get one built to Kansas specifications.
- A notary record book (journal) — Kansas law doesn't require you to keep one, but the Secretary of State strongly recommends it, and for good reason. If a notarization is ever disputed, your journal entry might be the only thing standing between you and a liability claim. For $15-25, it's the cheapest insurance policy you'll ever buy.
Step 4: File Your Oath of Office at the County Level
If there's one step that derails more Kansas notary applicants than anything else, this is it. Your commission from the Secretary of State is not the finish line — it's more like the three-quarter mark. Before you can legally perform a single notarization, you must take your oath of office and file it with your county clerk or designated county office.
And here's the part that catches people: if you don't file this oath, your commission can actually become void. It doesn't happen automatically. The state doesn't remind you. Your county office isn't notified on your behalf. You have to physically go there (or follow whatever procedure your specific county uses) and get it done.
County procedures aren't perfectly uniform across Kansas, so call ahead. What works in Johnson County might not match the process in Shawnee County or Sedgwick County. Find out which office handles it, what hours they're open, and whether there's a filing fee at the county level. Five minutes on the phone can save you a wasted trip.
Mistakes That Get Kansas Notaries in Trouble
Forewarned is forearmed, as they say. Here are the pitfalls that trip up new notaries most often:
- Notarizing before filing the oath — You have zero legal authority to notarize until that county-level filing is complete. Zero. Not even for a "quick favor" for a coworker.
- Stamping without knowing the format rules — Your stamp isn't decorative. Every element is specified for a reason, and leaving one off or getting it wrong can invalidate the notarization.
- Letting the commission lapse — Renewal isn't automatic, and there's no grace period. If your commission expires and you haven't been reappointed, every notarization you perform after that date is technically unauthorized. Set multiple calendar reminders starting 60 days out.
- Notarizing for someone who isn't physically in front of you — Kansas law is clear on this. The signer must be in your physical presence. No exceptions for "I talked to them on FaceTime" or "they sent a photo of their ID." This is one of the fastest ways to get your commission revoked.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Kansas?
Let's talk actual numbers:
- Application fee: $25
- Notary stamp: $15-30
- Notary journal: $15-25
Total estimated cost: $55-$80
That covers your entire four-year commission. When you break it down, you're looking at roughly $14-$20 per year for a professional credential that can supplement your income and make you more valuable to your employer. Compare that to almost any other license or certification, and it's hard to find a better return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process actually take?
Realistically, plan for 2-3 weeks from application to fully operational. The state processes your application in 1-2 weeks, then you need to factor in shipping time for your stamp and journal plus whatever window you need to get to your county office during business hours. If you're in a hurry, order your supplies the same day your commission arrives.
Can I do remote online notarization (RON) in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas is one of the states that authorizes remote online notarization. This means you can notarize documents for signers who are not physically in your presence, as long as you use compliant technology platforms that meet the state's requirements for identity verification, audio-visual communication, and record-keeping. Check the Kansas Secretary of State's website for current approved platforms and specific technical requirements, as these can evolve.
Do I really need errors and omissions insurance?
Kansas doesn't require it by law, but here's the reality: E&O insurance is so affordable that skipping it is hard to justify. It covers you if you make an honest mistake — say, accidentally notarizing a document where the signer's ID didn't quite match, or filling out a certificate incorrectly. Without it, you're personally on the hook for legal defense costs and any damages awarded. Even seasoned notaries with decades of experience carry E&O policies.
What can I charge for a notarization?
Kansas notaries are authorized to charge up to $5 per notarization. Whether you actually charge is your call. Plenty of employer-notaries don't charge their own company, while mobile notaries typically build their pricing around travel fees plus the per-notarization amount. Just make sure you're transparent about your fees upfront — surprising someone with a bill after the fact is unprofessional and can lead to complaints.
How does renewal work?
The renewal process mirrors the initial application. You'll submit a new application to the Secretary of State, pay the $25 fee, receive a new commission certificate, order updated supplies with your new expiration date, and file a new oath at your county office. Start the process at least 60 days before your current commission expires to avoid any gap in your authority.
Key Things to Remember
- Remote online notarization is authorized in Kansas, giving you flexibility to serve signers who can't meet in person — but you must use approved, compliant technology platforms.
- A journal isn't legally required, but the Secretary of State and every major notary association strongly recommend keeping one. It costs almost nothing and can be your best defense if something is ever questioned.
- Physical presence matters for traditional notarizations. Even with RON available, any in-person notarization still requires the signer to be right there in front of you — no workarounds, no shortcuts.
- The county oath filing is non-negotiable. Skip it, and your commission is effectively worthless no matter what your state certificate says.
Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Kansas earn $75–$200 per appointment. The most comprehensive training available.
RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization — Kansas supports remote notarization. Learn how to notarize documents online and reach clients anywhere.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Kansas 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.
