Arkansas Notary Public Guide

Becoming a notary public in Arkansas requires meeting state eligibility requirements, submitting an application, and following the commissioning process.

Steps to Becoming an Arkansas Notary Public

Meet Arkansas Notary Eligibility Requirements
Complete the Arkansas Notary Public Application
Obtain the Required Endorsements
Submit Your Application and Fee
Receive Your Notary Commission Certificate
Take the Oath of Office
Purchase a Notary Seal and Journal

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Become a Notary public today!

Arkansas Notary Public Process

Becoming a Notary Public in Arkansas allows you to provide essential services for legal, financial, and business transactions. An Arkansas Notary Commission is valid for ten years before requiring renewal.

Cost to Become a Notary in Arkansas

The total cost varies based on required and optional supplies. Below is a cost breakdown:

Item	Cost	Details
Application Fee	$20	Paid to the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Notary Seal or Stamp	$20 - $50	Required for performing notarizations in Arkansas.
Notary Journal	$15 - $40	Recommended for keeping records of notarizations.
Surety Bond	$50 - $100	Arkansas requires a $7,500 surety bond.
Training Course	$25	Online training covering Arkansas notary laws and best practices.
Total Cost	$110 - $235	Varies depending on supplies and training.

Arkansas Commission Processing Time

The Arkansas Secretary of State typically processes notary applications within 7-10 business days. Processing times may vary depending on workload and application volume.

Arkansas Notary Requirements

To qualify as a Notary Public in Arkansas, applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of Arkansas or have a place of business in the state
Have no felony convictions or crimes involving fraud or dishonesty
Be able to read and write in English

Who Is Ineligible to Become a Notary in Arkansas?

Certain individuals are not eligible to become a Notary Public in Arkansas, including:

Those with felony convictions related to fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude
Applicants who have been previously revoked or denied a commission due to misconduct

Notary Training Requirements

Is training required in Arkansas? No, Arkansas does not require training, but an optional Notary Public Course is recommended to understand state laws and best practices.

Is an exam required to become a Notary in Arkansas? No, Arkansas does not require a notary exam for commissioning.

Arkansas Notary Supplies

To perform notarizations in Arkansas, Notaries need:

Notary Seal or Stamp – Must include the notary’s name and commission expiration date.
Notary Journal – While not required, it is strongly recommended for maintaining accurate records of notarial acts.

Renewing an Arkansas Notary Commission

Arkansas Notary commissions last ten years. To renew:

Submit a renewal application before your commission expires.
Pay the required renewal fee to the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Arkansas

Arkansas allows Notaries to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) under specific regulations. To become a Remote Notary:

Hold an active Arkansas Notary Commission.
Register with the Arkansas Secretary of State for RON approval.
Use an approved RON technology provider.
Follow Arkansas’s remote notarization laws.
Arkansas RON Notaries may charge a fee for remote notarizations as permitted by state law.

Conclusion

Becoming a Notary Public in Arkansas is a great opportunity to serve your community and expand your professional skills. By following the step-by-step application process, securing the necessary supplies, and understanding state requirements, you can start your notarial career with confidence.