How to Become a Notary Public in Iowa

This guide outlines all eligibility rules, steps, costs, timelines, and optional Remote Online Notary (RON) registration in Iowa—presented with no links.

Steps to Becoming a Notary Public in Iowa

Meet eligibility requirements
Complete an approved notary education course and exam
Submit the Notary Application and pay the fee
Purchase a $7,500 surety bond and oath certificate
Receive your notary commission certificate
Purchase your notary seal and journal
Optionally register as a Remote Online Notary (RON)
Renew your notary commission every four years

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Iowa Notary Public Process

Commissions are valid for four years
New applicants must complete approved training and pass the exam
The bond, oath, and application are submitted together
Once commissioned, notaries can perform acknowledgments, oaths, affidavits, certificates, and certified copies

Cost to Become a Notary in Iowa

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

Item	Cost	Details
Application Fee	$30	Paid with application
Education Course & Exam	$25–$50	Required for first‑timers
$7,500 Surety Bond & Oath	$25–$55	Bond with official oath
Notary Seal/Stamp	$10–$30	Rubber stamp required
Notary Journal	$10–$50	Required for recordkeeping
Total Estimated Cost	$100–$215+	Varies based on supplies

Commission Processing Time

After submitting the application, bond, oath, and payment, processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on state workload.

Iowa Notary Requirements

To qualify as a notary in Iowa, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of Iowa, or a nonresident employed in Iowa
Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Be able to read, write, and speak English
Have no felony convictions, unless rights have been officially restored
Not have had a notary commission revoked in the past 10 years

Notary Training & Exam Requirements

Training is mandatory for all first-time notary applicants
Complete an approved course covering statutes, procedures, and ethics
Pass a closed-book exam to demonstrate proficiency
Certain officials (e.g., judges) may be exempt

Bond, Oath & Application Process

Obtain a $7,500 surety bond along with an official oath form
Submit the bond, oath, application, and fees together
Keep documentation for your records

Iowa Notary Supplies

To perform notarizations in Iowa, Notaries need:

Notary Seal or Stamp – Must include your name, “Notary Public,” “State of Iowa,” commission expiration date, and county
Notary Journal – Must record each notarization with date, time, type of act, document description, signer’s name, ID type, and fee if any

Renewing an Iowa Notary Commission

Notary commission lasts four years
Renew before expiration by submitting a bond, oath, application, and fee
Training/exam may be waived if applied near the expiration date
Order a new seal reflecting updated term

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Iowa

To register as a RON Notary in Iowa:

Maintain an active traditional notary commission
Complete additional RON-approved training
Use a compliant remote notarization platform
Keep an electronic journal with secure audit logs
Follow identity verification and record-retention standards

Conclusion

Becoming a Notary Public in Iowa involves state-approved training, bonding, application, and obtaining proper supplies. Optional Remote Online Notarization registration expands your ability to notarize digitally. Once commissioned, you’ll be equipped to perform official notarial acts across Iowa for four years. Let me know when you’re ready to move on or need a script version!