Necessary Requirements to Become a Notary

The 8 Basic Requirements to Become a Notary Public

Before diving into state-by-state differences, here are the core requirements you’ll encounter almost everywhere in the U.S.

1. Be at Least 18 Years Old

Every state requires notaries to be legal adults.

2. Be a Legal Resident (or Work in the State)

Most states require residency, though some allow applicants who are employed within the state.

3. Have No Disqualifying Criminal History

Background checks are common, and offenses involving fraud or dishonesty can disqualify you.

4. Complete a Notary Education Course (If Required)

Some states require training to ensure you understand proper procedures and legal responsibilities.

5. Pass a Notary Exam (If Required)

Certain states test your knowledge of notary laws and best practices before approving your commission.

6. Submit a State Application

You’ll need to apply through your state’s commissioning authority, typically the Secretary of State.

7. Obtain a Notary Bond (If Required)

Many states require a surety bond to protect the public from potential mistakes.

8. Receive Your Commission and Purchase Supplies

After approval, you’ll need a notary seal or stamp and, in many cases, a journal to begin performing notarial acts.

Notary Requirements by State

To see all the comprehensive information and resources for your state select your state below:

Become a Notary Public — Choose Your State

Select your state below to view your state-specific notary requirements and resources.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how requirements vary across all 50 states and Washington D.C.

State	Age	Residency	Background	Training	Exam	Bond	Notes
Alabama	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	County approval
Alaska	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Lt. Gov approval
Arizona	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond required
Arkansas	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Clerk filing
California	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Strict
Colorado	18	Resident/Work	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Online system
Connecticut	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	No	May test
Delaware	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	No	Court approval
Florida	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Education req.
Georgia	18	Resident/Work	Yes	Yes	No	No	County filing
Hawaii	18	Resident	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Exam req.
Idaho	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Simple
Illinois	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond
Indiana	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	No	Yes	E-notary opt.
Iowa	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Online
Kansas	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond
Kentucky	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	No	No	Clerk
Louisiana	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Complex
Maine	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	No	Judge
Maryland	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Training
Massachusetts	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	No	Governor
Michigan	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	No	Yes	English req.
Minnesota	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond
Mississippi	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Clerk
Missouri	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond
Montana	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Training
Nebraska	19	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Age 19
Nevada	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Strict
New Hampshire	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	No	Appointed
New Jersey	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	No	No	Simple
New Mexico	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	RON laws
New York	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	Yes	No	Exam
North Carolina	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Training
North Dakota	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Online
Ohio	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Testing
Oklahoma	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond
Oregon	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Course
Pennsylvania	18	Resident/Work	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Education
Rhode Island	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	No	No	Court
South Carolina	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	No	No	Legislative
South Dakota	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond
Tennessee	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	No	Yes	County
Texas	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	$10k bond
Utah	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Online exam
Vermont	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	No	Judge
Virginia	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	No	No	Online
Washington	18	Resident/Work	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond
West Virginia	18	Resident	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Training
Wisconsin	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond
Wyoming	18	Resident	Yes	No	No	Yes	Bond
Washington D.C.	18	Resident/Work	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Strict