For Notaries · Georgia
How to Become a Notary in Georgia
To become a notary in Georgia, you must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and live or work in the county where you apply. No surety bond is required. Complete a GSCCCA-approved training course, then apply through your county's Clerk of Superior Court and pay the $40-$55 fee. Commissions last four years.
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
Georgia stands out from most states: notaries are appointed locally by the Clerk of Superior Court in your county of residence, not by the Secretary of State, and no surety bond is required. Since January 1, 2025, however, every applicant must first complete a state-approved notary training course. This guide walks through Georgia's exact eligibility rules, costs, four-year term, and where remote online notarization currently stands for Georgia notaries.
Georgia Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Eligibility | At least 18 years old; a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the United States; a legal resident of the Georgia county where you apply (or a resident of a bordering state who is employed or conducts business in Georgia); able to read and write English; and able to provide an operating telephone number at application. |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | Not required. Georgia does not require notaries to post a surety bond. Many notaries still choose optional errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance to protect themselves against liability for unintentional mistakes. |
| State filing fee | $40-$55 (set by each county's Clerk of Superior Court) |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Notary education | Required. As of January 1, 2025, applicants must complete a GSCCCA-approved notary training course before the initial appointment and within 30 days before each renewal. |
| Exam | Not required (no proctored exam) |
As of January 1, 2025, Georgia notary applicants must complete a GSCCCA-approved notary education course before their initial appointment and within 30 days before each renewal appointment. — GSCCCA — General Notary Information
How to Become a Notary in Georgia: Step by Step
- 1
Confirm you're eligible
You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and a legal resident of the Georgia county where you apply. Georgia also lets residents of a bordering state apply through the county where they are employed or conduct business. You must be able to read and write English.
- 2
Complete the required notary training
Since January 1, 2025, Georgia requires new and renewing applicants to complete a notary education course approved by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA), offered online at elearn.gsccca.org. Finish it before you apply and keep your certificate of completion.
- 3
Complete your notary application
Fill out the Georgia notary public application with your personal information and county of residence. Because Georgia requires no surety bond, there is no bond form to file — but have your training certificate ready to submit with the application.
- 4
File with the Clerk of Superior Court and take the oath
Submit your application and training certificate to the Clerk of Superior Court in your county of residence, pay the application fee (about $40-$55 depending on the county), and take the oath of office.
- 5
Get your seal and start notarizing
Once appointed, you receive a four-year commission. Order a Georgia notary seal or stamp and, while a journal is not mandated statewide, keep a record of your notarial acts as a best practice before you begin notarizing.
Remote Online Notarization in Georgia
Georgia has not enacted an operative remote online notarization (RON) law, so Georgia-commissioned notaries cannot yet register to perform online notarizations. RON bills (HB 289 and SB 8) were advancing in the 2026 legislature but had not become law as of mid-2026. Georgia does recognize valid RON performed by notaries commissioned in states that authorize it.
Not operative as of July 2026 — RON legislation (HB 289 / SB 8) was pending, so no Georgia online-notary registration or state online fee exists yet.
Walk through the Georgia remote online notarization process →
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Georgia
Georgia has not yet made remote online notarization operative for its notaries, so today the practical path is a traditional commission. Here's how the two compare for when RON goes live.
| 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 Georgia? | Yes | Not yet — authorized but not operative |
| 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 Georgia?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| County application fee | About $40-$55 (varies by county) |
| Surety bond | Not required (no bond premium) |
| GSCCCA-approved training course | Varies by provider |
| Notary seal/stamp & supplies | Varies |
| Online (remote) notary | Not available yet in Georgia |
See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.
Turn Your Georgia Commission Into Income
Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with paid signing work — and the moment Georgia makes remote online notarization available to you, you can add assigned, paid remote signings through the platform. Learn how Georgia notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Georgia 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 South Atlantic 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
- Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) — General Notary Information
- GSCCCA — Notary Public Application
- American Society of Notaries — Georgia Notary Requirements
This guide summarizes public requirements from Georgia'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.