Iowa Notary Guide
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.
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.