How to Become a Notary

No. Eligibility, training, exams, surety bonds, fees, and commission terms are set at the state level and differ widely. Some states require a course or exam while others do not, and bond requirements range from none to several thousand dollars. Always confirm the current rules with your own Secretary of State or commissioning authority.

It depends on your state. Many states require notaries to post a surety bond that protects the public, but the required amount varies and some states do not require one at all. A surety bond is not the same as errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects you personally and is usually optional.

Commission terms are set by each state and commonly run four years, though some states use shorter or longer terms. You must renew before your commission expires to keep notarizing. Check your commission certificate or your Secretary of State for your exact expiration date.

Most U.S. states have enacted permanent remote online notarization (RON) laws, but the specifics — approved technology, registration steps, and whether you must first hold a traditional commission — differ by state. A few states still restrict or are phasing in RON. Confirm your state's current RON rules with your Secretary of State before registering.

Yes. Beyond the per-notarization fees set by your state, many notaries add income through loan-signing work and remote online notarization. Once you're commissioned — and set up as an online notary where your state offers it — you can join USA Notary to receive assigned, paid online signings.

First become a commissioned notary in your state, then complete your state's remote online notarization registration if it offers one — which may include choosing an approved technology provider and obtaining a digital certificate. Requirements vary by state, so follow your Secretary of State's process. Texas is one example covered in our state guide.