How to Become a Notary Public in Georgia

This guide covers all requirements, costs, timelines, and eligibility criteria you need to commission as a Notary Public in Georgia.

Steps to Becoming a Notary Public in Georgia

Meet Georgia Notary eligibility requirements
Purchase a $10,000 surety bond
Complete and submit the Notary Public application online
Pass a short notary qualification test (if required by county)
Take the oath of office before a notary or county official
Receive your Notary commission certificate
Purchase your official seal and journal
Renew your commission every four years

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Georgia Notary Public Process

Notary commissions in Georgia are valid for four years. The Secretary of State oversees appointments. Notaries are authorized to perform acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, execute jurats, and certify copies.

Cost to Become a Notary in Georgia

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

Item	Cost	Details
Application Fee	$10	Paid to the Secretary of State
$10,000 Surety Bond	$30–$60	Required for issuance
Notary Certification Test (if required)	$0–$15	Test fee varies by county
Notary Seal/Stamp	$15–$35	Must meet state design standards
Notary Journal	$20–$50	Required for official recordkeeping
Total Estimated Cost	$75–$170+	Varies depending on county and supply costs

Commission Processing Time

Once you submit your completed application, bond, and oath, processing usually takes 5–10 business days, depending on workload and verification checks.

Georgia Notary Requirements

To qualify, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a Georgia resident (or a resident of a bordering state who works in Georgia)
Be a legal U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Be able to read and write English
Have no felony convictions; those with felony history must show official restoration of civil rights

Bonding & Application

Purchase a $10,000 surety bond from a licensed provider
Complete the online application, upload your bond, and pay the $10 fee
Some counties require passing a qualifying test on notary law; check with your county
Once appointed, you will receive a commission certificate by mail or electronically

Oath of Office

Take the oath before a Georgia notary, judge, or clerk of superior court. Your bond and oath are filed at the county courthouse. Only after filing may you begin notarial duties.

Georgia Notary Supplies

To perform notarizations in Georgia, Notaries need:

Notary Seal or Stamp – Must include your name, “Notary Public,” county, and commission expiration date
Notary Journal – Georgia requires maintaining a journal of all notarial acts, recording date, signer, type of act, and fee

Renewing a Georgia Notary Commission

Notary commissions must be renewed every four years:

File a renewal application and pay the $10 fee
Purchase a new $10,000 surety bond
Take and file the oath of office again
Order a new seal reflecting the updated term expiration date

Conclusion

Becoming a Notary Public in Georgia involves eligibility verification, bonding, application submission, oath filing, and obtaining proper supplies. Once commissioned, you’ll hold a trusted public office with a four-year term and legal authority to notarize in Georgia.