How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary?

Quick Answer

Becoming a notary public takes 2–6 weeks in most states. The timeline depends on your state's training and exam requirements, application processing speed, and whether you need to obtain a surety bond. Some states like Florida can be completed in under 2 weeks, while states like California or New York with mandatory coursework and exams take 4–6 weeks.

State Requirements Comparison

State	Training Required	Exam Required	Bond Required	Typical Timeline
California	6-hour course	Yes (passing score 70%)	$15,000 bond	4–6 weeks
Texas	None	None	$10,000 bond	2–3 weeks
Florida	3-hour course	None	$7,500 bond	1–2 weeks
New York	2-hour course	Yes	None (filing fee instead)	4–6 weeks
Pennsylvania	None	None	$10,000 bond	3–4 weeks
Ohio	3-hour course	None	None	2–3 weeks
Illinois	None	None	$5,000 bond	3–4 weeks
Colorado	None	None	None (no bond required)	1–2 weeks
North Carolina	6-hour course	None	$10,000 bond	3–4 weeks
Georgia	None	None	None	2–3 weeks

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility (Day 1)

Most states require:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal resident of the state where you're applying
• Have no felony convictions (some states allow it with exceptions)
• Be able to read and write English

Step 2: Complete Required Training (Days 1–7)

About 20 states require a training course before you can apply. Course length ranges from 2 to 6 hours and covers notarial law, proper identification procedures, document types, and journal keeping. Many states accept online courses, which can be completed in a single sitting.

Step 3: Pass the Exam (Day 7–14)

Approximately 10 states require a notary exam. The exam is typically multiple-choice, covers material from the required course, and has a passing score around 70–80%. Most applicants pass on the first attempt.

Step 4: Obtain a Surety Bond (Day 7–14)

Most states require a surety bond to protect the public from notary errors. Bond amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000, but the bond premium you pay is typically only $25–$75 for a 4-year term. You can purchase bonds online from surety companies in minutes.

Step 5: Submit Your Application (Day 14–21)

File your application with the state's commissioning authority (usually the Secretary of State). Include:

• Completed application form
• Proof of training/exam completion
• Surety bond (if required)
• Filing fee ($20–$60 in most states)

Many states now accept online applications, which process faster than paper submissions.

Step 6: Receive Your Commission (Week 3–6)

Processing times vary by state. Once approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You'll then need to purchase your notary supplies — stamp/seal, journal, and acknowledgment certificates.

Commission Length by State

Notary commissions are not permanent. You'll need to renew periodically:

• 4 years: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania
• 5 years: North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado, Michigan
• 7 years: Maine
• 10 years: Massachusetts

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

As of 2025, over 45 states allow Remote Online Notarization, where notarizations are performed via video call. Becoming a RON-certified notary requires additional steps:

• Extra training: 2–4 hour RON-specific course covering identity verification technology and electronic signatures
• Technology requirements: You'll need an approved RON platform (Notarize, DocVerify, Nexsys, etc.)
• Separate application: Most states require a separate RON registration in addition to your traditional notary commission
• Additional time: Add 1–2 weeks to the standard timeline
• Higher fees: RON registration fees are typically $50–$100 on top of the standard notary application fee

RON is especially valuable for notaries who want to serve clients nationwide, as many states allow out-of-state RON sessions.

Costs to Become a Notary

• Training course: $0–$150 (free in some states, up to $150 for comprehensive courses)
• Exam fee: $0–$40 (if applicable)
• Surety bond premium: $25–$75 (for the full commission term)
• Application/filing fee: $20–$60
• Notary stamp/seal: $15–$30
• Journal: $10–$25
• Total: Roughly $75–$300 depending on your state