Who commissions notaries in most states?

In most states the Secretary of State commissions notaries, though a few states use a different authority, such as a Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, or the Governor with legislative endorsement.

Do you need a license or a degree to be a notary?

No. A notary commission is not a professional license and needs no degree. You meet basic eligibility, complete any state-required steps, and apply.

Is there a national notary exam?

No. There is no national exam. Some states require their own assessment or education, while others require none, so the answer depends on your state.

Can you notarize in another state with your commission?

Generally no. A commission authorizes you to notarize within the state that issued it, though you may notarize documents that will be used elsewhere.

How to Become a Notary by State: Steps, Cost & Requirements

This content is educational and informational, not legal advice. Notary requirements, fees, and terms vary by state and can change, so confirm the details with your state's commissioning authority. We link to official applications; we never sell or submit them for you.

Quick answer: To become a notary you apply to the authority that commissions notaries in your state, usually the Secretary of State. You meet the basic eligibility rules, complete any required education or bond, submit the application with its fee, and receive a commission that lets you notarize. The exact steps, cost, and term depend on your state. Pick your state below for a step-by-step guide.

Choose your state

Each guide covers that state's requirements, the real cost, the official application, renewal, and a free cost checklist. More states are being added regularly.

Texas — new 2026 education rules, $10,000 bond South Carolina — registered voter, no bond, 10-year term

How do you become a notary?

You become a notary by qualifying under your state's rules and filing a commission application with the state. In nearly every state the path is the same five moves: confirm you meet the eligibility rules, complete any required education and pass its assessment, obtain a surety bond if your state requires one, submit the application and fee to the commissioning authority, and receive your commission before buying a seal and, where required, a record journal. What differs from state to state is which of those steps apply and how much each costs.

What does it cost to become a notary?

Becoming a notary usually costs somewhere between $40 and $200, depending almost entirely on your state. The biggest swing factors are whether a surety bond is required and whether you must pay for education. A low-cost state like South Carolina has only a $25 fee, no bond, and no course, while a state like Texas adds a mandatory education fee and a $10,000 bond on top of the filing fee. Each state guide includes a cost checklist so you can total your own figure before you start.

Do all states require a bond, exam, or course?

No, and this is where states differ the most. Some states require a surety bond, some require education or an assessment, and a few require neither. South Carolina, for example, has no bond, no exam, and no course, while Texas introduced mandatory education and an assessment for all applicants and renewals starting in 2026. Because these requirements change with new legislation, the safest move is to read your state's current guide rather than assume the rules match a neighboring state.

How long does a notary commission last?

Most notary commissions last four years, but the term ranges widely by state. Several states use a four-year term, others run five or seven years, and a few are much longer; South Carolina commissions run ten years, among the longest in the country. Your commission's expiration date is set when the state processes it, and renewing on time matters because a lapsed commission means you cannot notarize until you reapply.

Becoming a notary: frequently asked questions

Who commissions notaries in most states?: In most states the Secretary of State commissions notaries, though a few states use a different authority, such as a Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, or the Governor with legislative endorsement.
Do you need a license or a degree to be a notary?: No. A notary commission is not a professional license and needs no degree. You meet basic eligibility, complete any state-required steps, and apply.
Is there a national notary exam?: No. There is no national exam. Some states require their own assessment or education, while others require none, so the answer depends on your state.
Can you notarize in another state with your commission?: Generally no. A commission authorizes you to notarize within the state that issued it, though you may notarize documents that will be used elsewhere.

Published June 13, 2026 by the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: state Secretary of State notary offices and state notary statutes. Requirements vary by state; confirm current rules with your state's commissioning authority.