Becoming a notary public is more straightforward than most people expect — but the paperwork, fees, and state-specific rules can trip you up if you go in blind. Missing one requirement means starting over, and that costs time.
This guide walks you through exactly what a notary application is, who needs one, what it costs, and how to complete the process from start to finish — including the newer remote online notary (RON) pathway.
What Is a Notary Application?
A notary application is the official form you submit to your state government to become a commissioned notary public. It's how you formally request the legal authority to witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify documents.
Every state has its own application — there's no single federal form. You apply through your state's commissioning authority, which is typically the Secretary of State's office. Once approved, you receive a notary commission that authorizes you to perform notarial acts within your state.
The notary application itself is just one piece of a larger process. You'll also need to meet eligibility requirements, complete any required training, pass an exam in some states, and obtain a surety bond before your commission becomes active.
Who Needs to Apply for a Notary?
Anyone who wants to legally perform notarial acts needs to submit a notary application. That includes:
- Real estate professionals who regularly handle closings and property documents
- Loan signing agents who need commission status before working with title companies
- Legal and administrative staff at law firms, banks, and government offices
- Healthcare workers handling advance directives and consent forms
- Small business owners who frequently need documents notarized and want to handle it in-house
- Individuals who want to earn supplemental income as a mobile or online notary
You do not need to be a notary to get a document notarized. If you're looking to have something notarized — not become a notary — you simply bring your document to an existing commissioned notary.
Requirements to Become a Notary
State requirements vary, but most states share a common baseline. Here's what the notary application process typically demands:
Common Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of the state where you're applying (some states allow non-residents who work in-state)
- Have no felony convictions, or have had rights restored after conviction
- Be able to read and write in English
State-Specific Requirements
Some states add extra layers:
- Mandatory training courses — California, New York, and Colorado require completion of an approved notary education course
- Written exam — California requires passing a state-administered exam
- Surety bond — Most states require a bond ranging from $500 to $15,000 before your commission activates
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance — Not required everywhere, but strongly recommended
Check your state's Secretary of State website for the exact list. Requirements shift, and working from outdated information is one of the most common reasons notary applications get rejected.
How to Apply for a Notary License
Here's the step-by-step notary application process that works in most states:
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Confirm your eligibility: Check your state's age, residency, and background requirements before filling out anything. If you have a prior conviction, look up whether your state allows applicants with restored rights.
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Complete any required training: If your state mandates a notary education course, finish it before submitting your notary application. Keep your certificate of completion — you'll need to attach it.
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Obtain your surety bond: Most states require this before your application is approved. Contact a licensed bonding company or insurance provider. Bonds are generally inexpensive — often under $50 for a four-year term.
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Fill out the notary application form: Download the official form from your state's Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely and accurately. Errors or omissions are a common rejection reason.
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Submit your application with fees: Mail or submit your notary application online, depending on your state. Include the required fee and any supporting documents (training certificate, bond information, ID copy).
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Pass your exam (if required): California applicants take a state-administered exam after submitting their notary application. Check whether your state requires this step.
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Receive your commission certificate: Once approved, you'll receive your official notary commission by mail. Processing times vary — see the timeline section below.
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Purchase your notary supplies: You'll need an official notary stamp or seal and a notary journal. Some states specify the exact format your seal must take.
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File your oath of office: Many states require you to file an oath of office with your county clerk before you can legally begin performing notarial acts. Don't skip this step — it's the final activation.
Notary Application Process and Timeline
Processing times depend heavily on your state and whether you applied online or by mail.
Typical Timeline by Stage
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Eligibility check and prep | 1–3 days |
| Training course (if required) | 3–6 hours (self-paced) |
| Surety bond purchase | Same day to 2 days |
| Application review by state | 2–8 weeks |
| Commission certificate delivery | 1–2 weeks after approval |
| Oath of office filing | Same day (at county clerk) |
| Total time to active commission | 4–12 weeks |
California and New York tend to run on the longer end due to exam scheduling and higher application volumes. States like Texas and Florida often process notary applications faster. Online submission typically cuts a week or two off the review period compared to mailing a paper form.
Pro Tip: Apply 6–8 weeks before you actually need your commission. Rushing the process isn't possible — the state sets its own pace.
Notary Application Costs and Fees
The total cost to become a notary varies by state, but most people spend between $50 and $200 to complete the full notary application process.
Here's what you're typically paying for:
- State application fee: Ranges from $10 to $120 depending on the state
- Notary education course: Free to $100, depending on provider and state requirements
- Surety bond: Usually $30–$75 for a standard 4-year bond
- Notary stamp and seal: $20–$50 from an office supply or specialty notary supplier
- Notary journal: $10–$30
- E&O insurance (optional but recommended): $25–$100 per year
California sits near the higher end of total costs. States with minimal requirements — like Florida — are on the lower end. Contact your state's Secretary of State office for the exact current fee schedule, as these figures change.
Remote Online Notary (RON) Application Requirements
A Remote Online Notary (RON) commission allows you to notarize documents entirely online using audio-video technology. It's a separate authorization from your standard notary commission in most states.
As of 2024, over 40 U.S. states have enacted remote online notarization laws. The RON notary application process builds on your existing commission — you generally need to be a commissioned notary first.
What the RON Application Adds
- State RON registration or application: Many states require a separate RON authorization form submitted to the Secretary of State
- Approved RON platform: You must use a state-approved technology platform that meets security and identity verification standards
- Identity proofing technology: RON sessions require Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) and credential analysis — the platform handles this, but you need to understand the process
- Digital certificate or electronic seal: Your electronic notary seal must meet state specifications for RON sessions
- Training on RON procedures: Some states require RON-specific training before you can perform remote sessions
RON vs. Traditional Notary Application
| Requirement | Traditional Notary | Remote Online Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Base commission required | Yes | Yes (prerequisite) |
| Separate state authorization | No | Often required |
| Technology platform | Not needed | State-approved platform required |
| Electronic seal | Not needed | Required |
| Identity verification method | In-person, physical ID | KBA + credential analysis |
| Geographic reach | Within state | Can serve signers nationwide (varies) |
Platforms like BlueNotary are built specifically for this workflow. BlueNotary handles the technology requirements — the audio-video session, identity verification, and tamper-evident document sealing — so notaries can focus on the legal act itself rather than the technical setup.
If you're pursuing a RON notary application, your state's Secretary of State website will list approved platforms and any additional registration steps specific to remote online notarization.
Common Questions About Notary Applications
How long does a notary commission last?
Most states issue commissions for four years. Some states, like California, issue two-year terms. When your commission expires, you go through a notary renewal process — typically a simplified version of the original notary application. You'll pay renewal fees, update your bond, and in some states, complete refresher training.
Can I submit a notarized application for my notary paperwork?
Some states require that your notary application itself be notarized before submission. This creates a bit of a catch-22 for first-time applicants. The solution: find a currently commissioned notary to witness your signature on the application. This is a standard request and any active notary can handle it.
What happens if my notary application is rejected?
States typically notify you in writing with a specific reason. Common causes include incomplete forms, missing supporting documents, outstanding background issues, or unpaid fees. You can usually correct the issue and resubmit — the state will tell you whether you need to pay the application fee again.
Do I need a notary application for each state I want to work in?
Yes. Notary commissions are state-specific. If you want to notarize documents in two different states, you need a separate notary application and commission in each. RON commissions in some states allow you to serve signers located in other states, but your commission itself is still issued by a single state.
Is notary renewal the same as the original application?
The notary public renewal process is similar but usually simpler. You'll fill out a renewal form, pay a renewal fee, and update your surety bond. Some states waive the exam for renewals. Start the renewal process at least 60 days before your commission expires — working with an expired commission is illegal.
Conclusion
The notary application process is manageable once you know what your state requires. Confirm eligibility, gather your documents, and submit everything together to avoid delays.
If you're pursuing a RON commission, complete your remote online notarization sessions through BlueNotary — a state-approved platform that handles identity verification, secure audio-video sessions, and tamper-evident document sealing so you can start notarizing remotely without building your own tech stack. Ready to get started? Visit BlueNotary to learn more.
