How to become a notary in Arkansas: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Arkansas Secretary of State's own published requirements.
To become a notary public in Arkansas: Who can apply: At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; a legal resident of Arkansas, or of an adjoining state and employed or operating a business in Arkansas (or the nonresident spouse of a U.S. military service member who works or does business in Arkansas); able to read and write English; no felony conviction; no notary commission revoked in the past ten years. Exam: A multiple-choice exam for all applicants; 80% is passing. Bond: A $7,500 surety bond from a surety insurer authorized in Arkansas (or a surety contract from a registered Arkansas corporation). Commission term: Ten years. Commissions are issued by the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Notary requirements in Arkansas
| Requirement | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; a legal resident of Arkansas, or of an adjoining state and employed or operating a business in Arkansas (or the nonresident spouse of a U.S. military service member who works or does business in Arkansas); able to read and write English; no felony conviction; no notary commission revoked in the past ten years. |
| Training | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Arkansas Secretary of State. |
| Exam | A multiple-choice exam for all applicants; 80% is passing. |
| Bond | A $7,500 surety bond from a surety insurer authorized in Arkansas (or a surety contract from a registered Arkansas corporation). |
| Commission term | Ten years. |
| State fee | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Arkansas Secretary of State. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Arkansas Secretary of State. |
| Oath and filing | Sign both Oath of Commission Certificates before the recorder of deeds (usually the circuit clerk) in your county of commission and file them with your bond there, then return one to the Secretary of State; the commission is not valid until both filings are made. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in Arkansas
- Obtain a $7,500 surety bond.
- Create an online notary account with the Secretary of State.
- Pass the multiple-choice notary exam (80% passes).
- Complete and submit the online application, uploading your bond and exam certificate, and pay online.
- Take both Oath of Commission Certificates and your bond to the recorder of deeds in your county of commission and sign the oath before the clerk.
- Return one filed Oath of Commission Certificate to the Secretary of State; you then receive your Certificate of Commission.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the Arkansas Secretary of State's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- Arkansas Secretary of State, Notary Public and eNotary Handbook (Rev. 03-2024), official source, read Nov 5, 2026.