--- title: "How to Become a Notary Public: General Steps in Any State" description: "The usual path to a notary commission: eligibility, training, application, bond or insurance, oath, supplies and first-week habits, with notes on how states…" url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/how-to-become-a-notary-public-general-steps" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # How to Become a Notary Public: General Steps in Any State Becoming a notary is a modest process compared with most professional licenses, but the details vary by state. Here is the common path, so you know what to expect before you start. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** States usually require notary applicants to be at least eighteen, live or work in the state, read and write English and be free of certain criminal convictions, and some ask for a clean record on fraud or dishonesty. Details vary by state. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) · [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) **Free tools:** [Notary fees by state](/notary/fees-by-state) · [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) The steps most states share. For your state's fee, exam and forms, see [how to become a notary in your state](/notary/become-a-notary/other-states); in New Jersey, [the New Jersey steps](/notary/become-a-notary/how-to-qualify). ## Check eligibility States usually require applicants to be at least eighteen, to live or work in the state, to read and write English, and to be free of certain criminal convictions. Some states ask for a clean record on fraud or dishonesty. Some require citizenship or lawful residence. Building a notary business? [The loan signing agent course](/courses/loan-signing-agent). Look up the commissioning office for your state and read the current handbook before you pay for anything. Some states let you hold a commission if you work in the state but live next door, while others require residency. Read this rule carefully if you commute across a state line. ## Training and exams Some states require a short course, an exam or both. Others require neither. Even where training is optional, it is worth doing, because the mistakes new notaries make are predictable and avoidable. Good courses cover identification, certificates, journals and refusals. Keep your handbook. You will use it often during your first year. ## Apply and pay fees Applications are usually filed with a state office, often online. You will provide your name, address, background questions and references or endorsements if required. Fees are set by the state, so check the current amount. In New Jersey, notaries are commissioned by the State Treasurer. Answer every question honestly. An error or omission can lead to denial. Keep a copy of your application and every confirmation page. If the office has a question months later, you will be glad you saved them. ## Bond, insurance and oath Some states require a surety bond. Others require none. A bond protects the public, not you. Errors and omissions insurance, which is optional in most places, protects you if a claim is made. Compare what each covers before buying. After approval, you generally take an oath of office and file it as the state directs. Your commission is not active until that step is done. ## Buy supplies You will need an official stamp that meets your state's format, a bound journal if one is required or recommended, and a good pen. Order from a vendor who follows your state's rules. Do not buy supplies before you know the format. Practice stamping on scrap paper and filling in the journal with sample entries. Join a local or state notary association if one exists. The members often share tips on forms, pricing and dealing with unusual requests. ## Start with good habits Read your handbook again after the oath. Ask an experienced notary to answer questions. Begin with simple signings, such as acknowledgments for friends' routine papers, but avoid conflicts and family documents. Never stamp a document without the signer present. A strict habit now prevents trouble later. Tell friends and coworkers what you can and cannot do. Explaining early that you cannot give legal advice avoids awkward moments later. ## Common questions **How long does it take to become a notary?** It depends on the state and the processing time. Some are quick, and others take weeks. **Do I need a lawyer's help to apply?** No. The application is designed for the general public. Notaries are not lawyers and should not give legal advice. ## More notary guides - [First-Month Checklist for a New Notary in New Jersey](/notary/guides/first-month-checklist-for-a-new-nj-notary) - [Notary Commission Renewal and Ongoing Requirements](/notary/guides/notary-commission-renewal-and-ongoing-requirements) - [Notary Bond vs Errors and Omissions Insurance](/notary/guides/notary-bond-vs-errors-and-omissions-insurance) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### New Jersey Notary Starter Kit The paperwork a new notary has to build from scratch, ready to print or edit: a journal laid out for what New Jersey's manual says to record, checklists, forms and client emails. [See what's inside ($29)](/toolkits/nj-notary-starter-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/nj-notary-starter-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund Document pack ### New Jersey Notary Starter Kit The paperwork a new notary has to build from scratch, ready to print or edit: a journal laid out for what New Jersey's manual says to record, checklists, forms and client emails. [See what is inside ($29)](/toolkits/nj-notary-starter-kit) Also in the [Notary Business Bundle](/toolkits/notary-business-bundle): 3 products for $59 instead of $77 separately. Built from the State of New Jersey Notary Public Manual. Check current rules with the state. Or start with the [free 5-part email course](/notary/start-a-notary-business-email-course). Working notary? Get [free rule-change alerts](/notary/rule-change-alerts). ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)