Notary Public Commission Requirements by State
Notaries public are commissioned by each state, usually via the secretary of state, to verify signatures. Terms run two to six years; some require a course. The exact hours, fees and exams are set by each state's board - here is the state-by-state breakdown, sourced from official licensing authorities.
Last updated August 7, 2026. Licensing rules change - confirm with the official board before applying.
National exam basics
Notaries are commissioned by each state (often by the secretary of state). Requirements vary from a simple form to a course and exam.
Notary Public Commission requirements by state
FAQ
Do I need to take a course or exam to become a notary?
It depends on your state. California, Texas, and New York require a course, while most other states only require an application, background check, and fee.
How long is a notary commission?
Most commissions run four years. Pennsylvania issues three-year terms and a few states run five or six-year terms.
Do I need a surety bond?
Many states require a $10,000 or higher surety bond, and some require an errors and omissions policy before your oath is filed.
Do I file anything with my county?
Most states require you to file your oath of office and bond with the county clerk where you live or work before you can act as a notary.