For Notaries · Arkansas
How to Become a Notary in Arkansas
To become a notary in Arkansas, you must be 18 or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and an Arkansas resident who can read and write English. Pass the Secretary of State's free online exam (80% to pass), obtain a $7,500 surety bond, and pay the $20 application fee. Commissions last 10 years.
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
Arkansas stands out for how long its notary commissions last and for requiring an exam up front. The Arkansas Secretary of State's Business and Commercial Services division appoints every notary public in the state. Before you can even open the application, you must pass a free, online multiple-choice exam with a score of 80% or higher. You then post a $7,500 surety bond for the full 10-year term and pay a $20 filing fee. Unlike many states where commissions run four years, one Arkansas commission lasts a full decade before renewal. Once you are commissioned and in good standing, you can add an eNotary endorsement to perform remote online notarizations for signers who appear over live audio-video.
Arkansas Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Eligibility | 18 or older; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien with proof of a Declaration of Domicile; a legal Arkansas resident (or a resident of an adjoining state, or a nonresident military spouse, who is employed in or operates a business in Arkansas); able to read and write English; no felony convictions; and no notary commission revoked in the past 10 years. |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | $7,500 surety bond, filed for the full 10-year commission term |
| State filing fee | $20 application fee, paid to the Arkansas Secretary of State |
| Commission term | 10 years |
| Notary education | No mandatory pre-appointment training course is required for a traditional commission (the online exam is the knowledge check). eNotary applicants must complete American Society of Notaries (ASN) training and exam, plus refresher training every two years. |
| Exam | Required. Before accessing the application, every new (and renewing) applicant must pass a free, online multiple-choice exam administered by the Arkansas Secretary of State, scoring at least 80% (about 24 of 30 questions correct). Applicants get two attempts within a 12-month period. |
Arkansas requires every new notary applicant to pass a free online multiple-choice exam administered by the Secretary of State with a score of at least 80% before they can access the commission application. — Arkansas Secretary of State — Notary Public & eNotary Handbook
How to Become a Notary in Arkansas: Step by Step
- 1
Confirm you're eligible
You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien with a Declaration of Domicile, able to read and write English, and either an Arkansas resident or a qualifying adjoining-state resident or military spouse who works or does business in Arkansas. You cannot have a felony conviction or a notary commission revoked in the last 10 years.
- 2
Pass the free online notary exam
Take the Arkansas Secretary of State's online multiple-choice exam and score at least 80%. You must pass this exam before the system lets you access the commission application. The exam is free, and you are allowed two attempts within a 12-month period.
- 3
Obtain a $7,500 surety bond
Purchase a $7,500 notary surety bond from a licensed bonding company, filed for the full 10-year term. The bond protects the public if you make an error in office; it is not insurance for you, so consider separate errors-and-omissions coverage.
- 4
Submit your application and $20 fee
File your notary application, with proof of your bond, through the Arkansas Secretary of State's Notary Online Filing Portal and pay the $20 application fee. The Secretary of State appoints notaries and issues commissions.
- 5
Receive your 10-year commission and start notarizing
Once approved, you receive a commission valid for 10 years. Order your official notary seal or stamp and a record book (journal), then you're ready to notarize documents across Arkansas.
How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Arkansas
Arkansas has fully operative remote online notarization. A commissioned Arkansas notary in good standing can apply to become an eNotary, complete American Society of Notaries training and an exam, and register with a state-approved RON solution provider to notarize for signers who appear over secure live audio-video. The notary must be physically located in Arkansas; the signer may be elsewhere.
Online / remote notary application fee: $25 eNotary application ($20 filing + $5 convenience), plus roughly $30 for the required ASN training and exam
Operative since April 29, 2021, when Act 1047 (SB 340) permanently authorized online remote notarization.
See how RON is authorized in Arkansas — and state by state →
Walk through the Arkansas remote online notarization process →
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Arkansas
Arkansas allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Arkansas commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.
| Traditional (in-person) notary | Remote online notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the signer appears | In person, in the same room | Over a live, recorded audio-video call |
| Available in Arkansas? | Yes | Available now — register once commissioned |
| What you need | Seal and journal | An approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate |
| Where the work comes from | Local, walk-in and mobile appointments | Nationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary |
What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Arkansas?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State application fee | $20 (fixed by the state) |
| $7,500 surety bond (10-year term) | Premium typically about $35-$55, varies by bonding company |
| Notary exam | Free |
| Seal or stamp, journal & supplies | Varies by provider |
| eNotary / RON add-on (optional) | $25 application + about $30 for ASN training and exam |
See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.
Turn Your Arkansas Commission Into Income
Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how Arkansas notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Arkansas notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.
Join USA Notary as a notaryFrequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Notary in Other States
Requirements differ by state — here are nearby West South Central guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
Connect on LinkedInOfficial sources
- Arkansas Secretary of State — Notary Public & eNotary
- Arkansas Secretary of State — Notary Public & eNotary Handbook (2025)
- Arkansas Secretary of State — eNotary
- National Notary Association — How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Arkansas
This guide summarizes public requirements from Arkansas's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.