Things You'll Need:
- Notary application Notary public exam study guide Background check Bonding agent Licensing fees
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Step 1
Apply to become a notary public in your state. While some states differ, the Office of the Secretary of State or Secretary of the Commonwealth normally handles notary applications and licensing. You can find a complete listing of Secretaries of State or Secretaries of the Commonwealth for all 50 states in the Resources section at the end of this article.
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Step 2
Schedule an appointment to take the notary public exam. Your state may offer the exam only on certain days of the week, or once a month. Schedule your exam early, so you can plan how long you have to study.
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Step 3
Pay the necessary licensing and examination fees. These are usually payable at the time of application.
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Step 4
Complete a background check. Notaries are responsible for notarizing legal documents that may eventually be contested in court. You may be asked to testify in court cases. Only individuals with a clear criminal history can become notaries.
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Step 5
Become bonded. In some states, you can pay the bond fees for yourself; other states require you to be bonded by a bonding agent. Check with your state for specific requirements.
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Step 6
Study the notary public examination materials provided by your state. While some states still issue booklets containing this information, many states post the notary guidelines online.
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Step 7
Connect with a notary public association in your area. Joining a notary association is a great way to find a mentor and learn about the job of a notary. The National Notary Association is the oldest notary association in the United States and can help you with every step on your journey to becoming a notary public. The American Society of Notaries is a nonprofit notary association that can help you become a notary and find work as a notary.
