Arkansas notary commission
Arkansas notary public: a 25-question exam and a ten-year commission
Get a $7,500 surety bond, create an account on the Secretary of State's online system, pass the 25-question exam (at least 20 correct), and apply online with the $20 fee. Then sign the oath before your county recorder of deeds, usually the circuit clerk, file the bond there, and return a completed oath certificate to the Secretary of State. The commission lasts ten years.
Arkansas eligibility
- A legal resident of Arkansas; a resident of an adjoining state employed or running a business in Arkansas; or the nonresident spouse of a military service member employed or running a business in Arkansas.
- A US citizen or permanent resident alien.
- At least 18, able to read and write English.
- No notary commission revoked in the past 10 years, and no felony conviction.
- You have reviewed the notary law and understand the duties.
Source: Arkansas Notary Public & eNotary Handbook (Rev. 1-2025).
Bond, exam, application, county: the Arkansas order
- Get a $7,500 surety bond. From an authorized surety insurer or a registered Arkansas corporation. Send only a photocopy with the application.
- Create your online account. At bcs.sos.arkansas.gov. You need a new one even if you had an account before January 25, 2024.
- Pass the exam. 25 multiple-choice questions; get at least 20 right or the system won't let you continue. The answers are in the Handbook, and free online training is on the Secretary's site.
- Apply and pay online. $20 by credit or debit card, which adds a convenience fee.
- File at the county, then return a certificate. Take both Oath of Commission Certificates and the original bond to the county recorder of deeds (usually the circuit clerk), sign the oath in the clerk's presence and pay the county fee. Return one completed certificate to the Secretary of State as soon as possible.
Source: Notary Public FAQ; AR SOSE System Manual (notary module).
Arkansas costs the Secretary of State lists
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Online notary training | $0 On the Secretary of State's site. |
| Application | $20 Paid online by card; a card convenience fee is added. |
| $7,500 bond premium | Set by surety The original is filed with the county. |
| County filing | Set by county Paid to the circuit clerk when you take the oath. |
| Seal | Vendor price Must show your county of commission and commission number. |
The Secretary of State's fixed charge is $20 for ten years. The bond premium, the county's filing fee and the seal are priced separately, so ask your circuit clerk before you go.
Source: Notary Public FAQ; AR SOSE System Manual (notary module).
AR starter kit · $29
Arkansas Notary Starter Kit
Arkansas's bond, exam, $20 application and county oath in order, both official answers on fees, ID guidance, seal rules with the county and commission number, eNotary and remote steps, the notario notice, a checklist, a budget and journal pages.
Ten years, then the exam again
An Arkansas commission lasts ten years (Handbook p. 6). To renew, file an amendment in your online account with a new bond and the fee, and pass the exam again. You can't file earlier than 60 days before expiration.
Report changes by amendment within 30 days. A name change goes by mail with a certified copy of the court or marriage document and needs a new seal. Because your seal names your county of commission, moving to another county means transferring the commission through the circuit clerk and buying a new seal.
Source: Arkansas Notary Public & eNotary Handbook (Rev. 1-2025); Notary Public FAQ.
Arkansas eNotary and remote online notarization
Any Arkansas notary in good standing may apply for an electronic commission by online amendment. Complete the eNotary training and pass its exam, and register with a solution provider on the Secretary's approved list; the provider supplies your electronic signature and seal.
The electronic commission runs with your traditional one and can't outlast your bond, and refresher training is required every two years. For remote online notarization you must be in Arkansas; the signer need not be. Approved solutions include secure audio-video, recording of the act and identity-proofing tools.
Source: Arkansas Notary Public & eNotary Handbook (Rev. 1-2025), pp. 20-23; eNotary FAQ, Arkansas Secretary of State.
Two offices, and two official answers on fees
Arkansas splits the work: the Secretary of State approves your application, but you take the oath and file the original bond at the county. Your commission isn't valid until it is filed with both.
On what you may charge, the 2025 Handbook says you don't have to charge, and may charge a reasonable fee disclosed to and agreed by the client before the act (p. 18). Confirm with the Secretary of State before you print a fee sheet.
Arkansas law doesn't list acceptable IDs; the Handbook recommends a government-issued ID with a photo and signature. A journal isn't required but is recommended (p. 8). Your rubber stamp or embosser, in blue or black ink, shows your official name, county of commission, "Notary Public" and "Arkansas", your expiration date and commission number, and must not show the Great Seal or an outline of the state (p. 7).
Source: Arkansas Notary Public & eNotary Handbook (Rev. 1-2025).
Want loan signings, not just walk-in notarizations? The Loan Signing Cheat Sheet explains the documents in a refinance or purchase package, and the Notary Marketing Kit covers getting found by title companies and local clients.
Arkansas notary questions
How hard is the Arkansas notary exam?
It has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least 20 right to continue. The answers are in the Secretary of State's Handbook, and free online training is available.
Do Arkansas notaries retake the exam to renew?
Yes. The exam is required for new and renewing applicants, along with a new bond and the fee.
How much can an Arkansas notary charge?
The 2025 Arkansas Handbook describes a reasonable fee, disclosed to and agreed by the client before the act, and says you don't have to charge. Confirm with the Secretary of State before you set your fee.
Where do I take the Arkansas notary oath?
At your county recorder of deeds, usually the circuit clerk, where you also file the original bond and pay the county fee.
How long is an Arkansas notary commission?
Ten years.
Guides for other states · Becoming a notary in New Jersey
General information from official Arkansas sources, checked November 2026. It is not legal advice, and we are not lawyers. Requirements and fees change, so confirm them with the Arkansas Secretary of State before you apply. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with the State of Arkansas or any county.