How to Take the Notary Exam

Becoming a public notary is a process that typically takes three weeks to complete. Most states do not issue applications or provide the notary seals or stamps. That task has fallen to bond companies that provide "one-stop shopping." The bond companies issue the application, pay the state fees, write the notary bond and supply the seal. The notary exam is given after the applicant has paid the required fees, which as of November 2010, are less than $50. Typically the exam is given at one of several locations.

• 1

  Examine the list of bonding companies available to handle your notary application process. Open the your state's Division of Corporations Notary Commissions webpage. There will be a list of several different bonding companies offering a range of options for your application and seals. Some of these companies offer study materials for you to look through before actually taking the exam. It is advisable for you to look these over before you go in to take the exam. It is the state that administers this exam, the bonding companies facilitate the application process.

• 2

  Create a list of the companies with a comparison of the prices they charge. All of these companies are able to complete the process and are governed by your state. You may want to decide which kind of seal you want. A seal can be as simple as an ink stamp or an embossing seal that creates a raised surface on the document you are notarizing.

• 3

  Request the notary application. Choose the bond company you wish to use and request the notary application from them. Some of the companies make this available for download off their websites, others will mail it to you. If timing is more of an issue than price, you can choose to use a company that will allow you to download the application and overnight the forms back to them.

• 4

  Check your state's website for an online education course. Some states require new notaries to pass a three hour education course prior to taking the exam. Once you have completed the course, you will be given a confirmation number that you will need to put on the notary application.

• 5

  Fill out the Notary application with all the necessary information. Included in this application is the "Affidavit of Character" which needs to be completed and signed by someone who is not related to you and who has known you for more than one year. Also included in this application is the "Oath of Office", which essentially lists your obligations as a Notary Public and the "Bond of Notary Public" which must be signed but not dated as the bonding company will do that for you.

• 6

  Enclose the check for the bond company fees and mail the application to the bond company address provided on the forms you downloaded or received in the mail. Once this process has been approved, and depending on your state's process, you will be allowed to take the exam. Some states use a central location for the exam, others offer an online version. Check your state's website for details.