How to Become a Notary Public in Arkansas
How to Become a Notary Public in Arkansas
Ready to start your journey as a Notary in Arkansas? The state offers one of the longest commission terms—10 years—but has specific steps that must be followed closely. Here’s everything you need to know to apply, qualify, and begin notarizing.
📝 Steps to Become an Arkansas Notary
Check that you meet Arkansas eligibility standards.
Purchase a $7,500 surety bond for your county.
Pass the Notary exam online at the Secretary of State’s website.
Complete and submit your Notary application.
Once approved, you'll receive two oath of commission certificates.
Visit the Recorder of Deeds to take your oath and complete both certificates.
Mail one completed oath back to the Secretary of State.
Receive your Notary certificate and ID card.
Purchase your official Notary seal.
💰 Cost Breakdown
Item Estimated Cost
Application Filing Fee $20
$7,500 Surety Bond ~$50
Recorder of Deeds Fees ~$20
Notary Seal ~$30
Total Estimate ~$120
💡 Note: Some Notary services or document notarizations may carry additional small fees depending on the county.
⏱️ Processing Timeline
The total time to complete the Notary process in Arkansas may range from 2 to 4 weeks. Your commission documents will be mailed via USPS and may take 7–10 business days to arrive before you complete your oath at the Recorder’s Office.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a commission in Arkansas, you must:
Be 18 years or older
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Be a resident of Arkansas, a bordering state who works in Arkansas, or a spouse of a U.S. military member doing business in Arkansas
Be able to read and write English
Have no felony convictions
Not have had a prior Notary commission revoked within the last 10 years
📝 Permanent residents must submit a Declaration of Domicile along with their application.
🛡️ Surety Bond
Arkansas law requires a $7,500 surety bond valid for the full 10-year commission term. This bond provides financial protection to the public in the event of Notary negligence or misconduct.
🎓 Exam & Application
Applicants must pass a 25-question online exam with a score of 80% or higher to access the Notary application form. The exam can be taken on the Arkansas Secretary of State website by creating a secure account.
After passing, submit your completed application, bond, and $20 filing fee.
📜 Commission & Oath
If approved, you'll receive two original oath certificates. Visit your county’s Recorder of Deeds to:
Take your Oath of Office
Have both certificates signed and completed
Return one to the Secretary of State’s Office
Once this is done, you’ll receive your Notary certificate and ID card.
🖋 Notary Supplies
Arkansas Notaries must use a seal that:
Is either an inked rubber stamp or embosser
Uses black or blue ink
Displays your commissioned name, county, “Notary Public”, “Arkansas”, commission number (if issued), and expiration date
❌ Important: The seal must NOT include the Arkansas state seal or state outline.
You’ll also need a Notary journal to record all acts in chronological order (highly recommended though not mandatory by all counties).
🏁 Launch Your Notary Career in Arkansas
Becoming a Notary in Arkansas is a rewarding step toward public service or building your own business. With a 10-year commission, the return on investment is high. Once your paperwork, bond, and supplies are ready—you’re ready to notarize!
