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How to become a notary public in every state

Notaries are licensed by each state, not nationally, so the training hours, exam, fees and renewal rules depend on where you work. This page compares every state we cover, using each board's own published rules.

Last checked · 108 official sources

On this page
  1. What the state rules have in common, and where they differ
  2. Notary public license requirements by state
  3. Sources

What the state rules have in common, and where they differ

  • We cover notaries in 49 states and DC. Every one of them issues a state license.
  • 6 states set the training or education for the main license in clock hours: from 2 in Texas to 6 in North Carolina.
  • The application or initial license fee the boards list for the main license ranges from $10 (Alabama) to $120 (Minnesota). That is one fee line, not the full cost: exam, fingerprint and license fees are often charged separately, and each state page lists them all.
  • Renewal: 29 states renew every 4 years, 6 states renew every 5 years, 3 states renew every 6 years, 2 states renew every 10 years, 2 states renew every 2 years, 2 states renew every 7 years, 1 state renews every 8 years and 1 state renews every 3 years.
  • 1 board publishes a reciprocity route for the main license, and 1 applies a universal license recognition law to it. Compare transfer routes state by state.

Each state names its credentials differently, and many issue several levels (traditional and electronic or remote). The table compares the license each state page leads with; the state page covers every level.

Notary public license requirements by state

StateMain licenseTraining or experienceExamApplication feeRenewalFrom another state
AlabamaNotary Public +1 more––$101Every 4 years1No reciprocity route1
AlaskaNotary Public +1 more––$402Every 4 years3No reciprocity route3
ArizonaNotary Public–Yes4–Every 4 years5No reciprocity route5
ArkansasNotary Public +1 more–Yes6$207Every 10 years6Military service members and spouses6
CaliforniaNotary Public +1 more–Yes8$409Every 4 years8No reciprocity route8
ColoradoNotary Public +1 more–Yes10$1011Every 4 years12No reciprocity route10
ConnecticutNotary Public–Yes13$12014Every 5 years14No reciprocity route13
DelawareTraditional Notary (Notary Public commission) +2 more–No15$6015Every 2 years15No reciprocity route16
District of ColumbiaDC Notary Public (traditional commission) +2 more–No17$7518Every 5 years19No reciprocity route17
FloridaNotary Public +1 moreTraining 3 clock hours20No21$2521Every 4 years21No reciprocity route22
GeorgiaNotary Public (Georgia notary commission / appointment)–No23$5524Every 4 years23No reciprocity route23
HawaiiNotary Public Commission +1 more–Yes25$2026Every 4 years26No reciprocity route26
IdahoNotary Public +1 more–No27$3027Every 6 years28No reciprocity route27
IllinoisNotary Public +1 more––––No reciprocity route29
IndianaNotary Public +1 more–Yes30$7530Every 8 years30No reciprocity route30
IowaNotary Public (commission as notary public) +1 more––$3031Every 3 years31No reciprocity route31
KansasNotary Public +1 more–No32–Every 4 years33No reciprocity route34
KentuckyNotary Public, State at Large +1 more–No35$1036Every 4 years35No reciprocity route37
LouisianaNotary Public +3 more–Yes38$3538–No reciprocity route39
MaineNotary Public +1 more–Yes40$5041Every 7 years42Other route43
MarylandNotary Public (commission as notary public) +1 more–Yes44$2545Every 4 years46No reciprocity route47
MassachusettsNotary Public (commission as notary public)––$6048Every 7 years48No reciprocity route48
MichiganNot covered yet–––––
MinnesotaNotary Public (commission) +1 more––$12049–No reciprocity route49
MississippiNotary Public +1 more––$2550Every 4 years51No reciprocity route52
MissouriNotary Public +1 more–Yes53$2554Every 4 years53License by endorsement53
MontanaNotary Public +1 moreTraining 4 clock hours55Yes55–Every 4 years56Military service members and spouses56
NebraskaNotary Public (General Notary) +2 more–Yes57$3058Every 4 years59No reciprocity route58
NevadaNotary Public +1 more–Yes60$3561Every 4 years60No reciprocity route60
New HampshireNotary Public––$7562Every 5 years62No reciprocity route62
New JerseyNotary Public +1 more–Yes63$3064Every 5 years64No reciprocity route63
New MexicoNotary Public +2 more–Yes65$3066Every 4 years65No reciprocity route65
New YorkNotary Public +1 more–Yes67$6068Every 4 years69No reciprocity route69
North CarolinaNotary Public +1 moreTraining 6 clock hours70Yes70$5070Every 5 years71No reciprocity route70
North DakotaNotary Public +1 more–No72$3672Every 4 years73Reciprocity agreements72
OhioNotary Public–Yes74––Universal license recognition74
OklahomaNotary Public +1 more–––Every 4 years75No reciprocity route75
OregonNotary public (Oregon notary public commission)–Yes76$4077Every 4 years78No reciprocity route78
PennsylvaniaNotary Public +1 moreTraining 3 clock hours79Yes79$4279Every 4 years79No reciprocity route79
Rhode IslandNotary Public +1 more–Yes80$8081Every 4 years80No reciprocity route82
South CarolinaNotary Public +1 more––$2583Every 10 years84No reciprocity route85
South DakotaNotary Public +1 more––$3086Every 6 years86No reciprocity route86
TennesseeNotary Public +1 more––$1287Every 4 years88No reciprocity route88
TexasNotary Public (Traditional Notary Public) +2 moreTraining 2 clock hours89Yes89$1089Every 4 years89No reciprocity route89
UtahNotary Public (Certificate of Authority of Notary Public) +1 more–Yes90$5591Every 4 years90No reciprocity route90
VermontNotary Public (commission) +1 more–Yes92$3093Every 2 years92No reciprocity route92
VirginiaNotary Public (traditional notary public commission) +1 moreTraining 4 clock hours94No95$4596Every 4 years97No reciprocity route98
WashingtonNotary Public +2 more–No99$40100Every 4 years101No reciprocity route102
West VirginiaNotary Public +2 more–No103$52103Every 5 years104No reciprocity route103
WisconsinNotary Public (four-year commission) +1 more–Yes105$20106Every 4 years106No reciprocity route106
WyomingNotary Public–Yes107$60108Every 6 years107Military service members and spouses107

Training and experience are shown in the unit each state uses (clock hours, hours of on-the-job training, years); they are not converted. "Application fee" is the single application or initial license fee line, not a total.

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Code of Alabama § 36-20-70Alabama LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  2. 6 AAC 88 Notaries PublicAlaska State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  3. AS 44.50 Notaries PublicAlaska State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  4. A.R.S. 41-270 Examination of notary public; feeArizona State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  5. A.R.S. 41-269 Commission as notary public; qualifications; assuranceArizona State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  6. Notary Public and Enotary Public Handbook (2025)Arkansas Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  7. eNotary Public FAQ (December 2020 Edition)Arkansas Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  8. 2026 Notary Public HandbookCalifornia Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  9. Take the ExamCalifornia Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  10. Notary statutes - Title 24 Article 21 Part 5, C.R.S. (SOS reprint)Colorado Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  11. Notary fee scheduleColorado Secretary of StateDated January 16, 2021Checked November 6, 2026
  12. Notary FAQs: Applying and renewingColorado Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  13. General Statutes Chapter 33 Secretary of the State (notaries 3-94a to 3-95b)Connecticut General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  14. Notary Public LicensingConnecticut Office of the Secretary of the StateChecked November 6, 2026
  15. 29 Del. C. ch. 43 subch. I Office and DutiesDelaware General Assembly, Legislative Council (Delaware Code Online)Checked November 6, 2026
  16. Frequently Asked QuestionsDelaware Department of State, Notary Public SectionChecked November 6, 2026
  17. D.C. Code § 1-1231.19 Commission as notary public; endorsement as an electronic notary; qualificationsCouncil of the District of ColumbiaChecked November 6, 2026
  18. 17 DCMR § 2400 Application requirements and process for notary public commission; endorsement as an…District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative IssuancesDated November 3, 2023Checked November 6, 2026
  19. 17 DCMR § 2402 Term of commissionDistrict of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative IssuancesDated November 3, 2023Checked November 6, 2026
  20. Fla. Stat. 668.50 Uniform Electronic Transaction Act (subsection 11 notary education)Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 6, 2026
  21. The 2026 Florida Statutes, Chapter 117 Notaries PublicFlorida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 6, 2026
  22. Notary FAQExecutive Office of the GovernorDated June 21, 2018Checked November 6, 2026
  23. General Notary Information and Notary Public FAQGeorgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative AuthorityChecked November 6, 2026
  24. Fulton County Clerk notary pageFulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate CourtsChecked November 6, 2026
  25. HAR Chapter 5-11 Notaries PublicHawaii Department of the Attorney GeneralDated February 27, 2022Checked November 6, 2026
  26. Notary Manual (website version 2026, updated October 29, 2026)Hawaii Department of the Attorney GeneralDated October 1, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  27. Notary InformationIdaho Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  28. Idaho Notary Public HandbookIdaho Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  29. 5 ILCS 312/2-102Illinois General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  30. Start a BusinessIndiana Secretary of State (INBiz)Checked November 6, 2026
  31. Iowa Code chapter 9B, Revised Uniform Law on Notarial ActsIowa LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  32. K.S.A. 53-5a22Kansas Office of Revisor of StatutesChecked November 6, 2026
  33. NotaryKansas Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  34. Kansas Notary HandbookKansas Secretary of StateDated July 20, 2022Checked November 6, 2026
  35. KRS 423.390Kentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated January 1, 2020Checked November 6, 2026
  36. KRS 423.430Kentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated January 1, 2020Checked November 6, 2026
  37. How to Become a Kentucky Notary PublicKentucky Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  38. La. R.S. 35:191Louisiana State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  39. Notary Frequently Asked QuestionsLouisiana Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  40. 4 M.R.S. §1923Maine LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  41. 5 M.R.S. §87Maine LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  42. 4 M.R.S. §1922Maine LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  43. Notaries Public Frequently Asked QuestionsMaine Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  44. Md. State Govt 18-102Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  45. COMAR 01.02.08.03Maryland Division of State DocumentsChecked November 6, 2026
  46. Md. State Govt 18-103Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  47. Notary FAQMaryland Secretary of StateChecked November 6, 2026
  48. Apply to become a notary publicOffice of the Governor of Massachusetts (mass.gov)Checked November 6, 2026
  49. Minnesota Statutes 2026, chapter 359 Notaries PublicMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  50. SOS Form NP-001 Notary Public Application (9.2026)Mississippi Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  51. Revised Mississippi Law on Notarial ActsMississippi Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  52. Notaries FAQs - MS SOSMississippi Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  53. RSMo Chapter 486 Commissioners of Deeds and Notaries Public (entire chapter)Missouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  54. Form Instructions - Missouri SOS NotaryMissouri Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  55. MCA 1-5-620Montana LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  56. 1-5-619. Notary public qualifications -- commission -- renewals, MCAMontana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated 2025)Checked November 7, 2026
  57. Notary statutes (SOS)Nebraska Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  58. Steps to Obtain an Initial Notary CommissionNebraska Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  59. General Notary Bond FormNebraska Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  60. Notary - Nevada Notary Requirements and InformationNevada Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  61. Notary Public - Washoe CountyWashoe County Clerk's OfficeChecked November 7, 2026
  62. Notary Public | New Hampshire Secretary of StateNew Hampshire Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  63. New Jersey Notary Public ManualNew Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise ServicesDated September 14, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  64. Notary Public Application HelpNew Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  65. NMSA 1978 Chapter 14 Records, Rules, Legal Notices, Oaths (incl. Art. 14A RULONA)New Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource)Checked November 7, 2026
  66. Become a NotaryNew Mexico Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  67. Notary Public Commission (DOS-0033)New York State Business Express (Empire State Development / NYS Department of State license listing)Checked November 7, 2026
  68. A.7755 (2023-2024), amending Executive Law 131-133, 135-c (notary appointment and reappointment)New York State Legislature (NY Senate Open Legislation)Checked November 7, 2026
  69. Notaries - Sullivan County NYSullivan County Clerk, Sullivan County, New YorkChecked November 7, 2026
  70. Initial Application for North Carolina Notary PublicNorth Carolina Department of the Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  71. 18 NCAC 07 Notary Public Division rulesNorth Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, NC Administrative CodeChecked November 7, 2026
  72. N.D.C.C. ch. 44-06.1 Notaries PublicNorth Dakota Legislative BranchChecked November 7, 2026
  73. Become a Notary PublicNorth Dakota Office of the Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  74. Ohio Revised Code 147.01 Appointment and commission of notaries publicOhio Legislative Service Commission (codes.ohio.gov)Dated April 3, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  75. SB 1028 (2025) enrolled — amends 49 O.S. 1, 2 (notaries)Oklahoma LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  76. Notary Practice FAQsOregon Secretary of State, Corporation DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  77. Commission Application/ReapplicationOregon Secretary of State, Corporation DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  78. Oregon Notary Public Guide (2024)Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation DivisionDated 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  79. 57 Pa.C.S. Chapter 3 Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (PDF)Pennsylvania General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  80. Rhode Island Notary Public ManualRhode Island Department of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  81. Apply for a New CommissionRhode Island Department of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  82. Notary Public Application / Renewal FormRhode Island Department of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  83. South Carolina Application/Renewal for Notary Public (June 2024)South Carolina Secretary of State (form hosted by Horry County Legislative Delegation)Checked November 7, 2026
  84. South Carolina Notary Public Reference Manual (2024)South Carolina Secretary of State (manual hosted by Horry County Legislative Delegation)Checked November 7, 2026
  85. S.C. Code Title 26 Chapter 1 - Notaries PublicSouth Carolina Legislature (Legislative Council)Checked November 7, 2026
  86. SDCL Chapter 18-1 Notaries PublicSouth Dakota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  87. Knox County Clerk - Notary PublicKnox County Clerk, Knox County, TennesseeChecked November 7, 2026
  88. Tennessee Code Unannotated (free public access) - search-result excerpts for T.C.A. 8-16-101, -103, -104,…State of Tennessee (Tennessee Code Unannotated, free public access hosted by LexisNexis)Checked November 7, 2026
  89. Texas Government Code Chapter 406, Notary Public; Commissioner of DeedsTexas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes)Dated 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  90. Utah Code Title 46 Chapter 1 Notaries Public Reform ActUtah State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  91. Notary FAQs (incl. Costs & Fees table)Utah Office of the Lieutenant Governor (Notary)Checked November 7, 2026
  92. Notary FAQsVermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional RegulationChecked November 7, 2026
  93. 26 V.S.A. chapter 103 Notaries Public (full text)Vermont General AssemblyDated October 20, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  94. Code of Virginia § 47.1-5.2Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information SystemChecked November 7, 2026
  95. Code of Virginia § 47.1-5Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information SystemChecked November 7, 2026
  96. Notary CommissionsSecretary of the Commonwealth of VirginiaChecked November 7, 2026
  97. Code of Virginia § 47.1-21Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information SystemChecked November 7, 2026
  98. Code of Virginia § 47.1-3Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information SystemChecked November 7, 2026
  99. Notaries public: frequently-asked-questionsWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  100. Notaries public: feesWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  101. RCW 42.45 Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (full chapter)Washington State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  102. WAC 308-30 Notaries public (full chapter)Washington State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  103. Applying for a Notary Public CommissionWest Virginia Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  104. W. Va. Code § 39-4-20West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  105. Notary Public FAQWisconsin Department of Financial InstitutionsChecked November 7, 2026
  106. Wisconsin Notary Public HandbookWisconsin Department of Financial InstitutionsChecked November 7, 2026
  107. Wyoming Statutes Title 32 (Public Officers and Employees), current compiled PDFWyoming LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  108. Wyoming Notary Application with ExamWyoming Secretary of StateDated January 2026Checked November 7, 2026