How to become a notary in Iowa: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Iowa Secretary of State's own published requirements and the state statute.
To become a notary public in Iowa: Who can apply: At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; a resident of Iowa, or with a place of employment or practice in Iowa; able to read and write English. Commission term: Three years for Iowa residents; one year for residents of a bordering state who work or do business in Iowa. Commissions are issued by the Iowa Secretary of State.
Notary requirements in Iowa
| Requirement | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; a resident of Iowa, or with a place of employment or practice in Iowa; able to read and write English. |
| Training | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Iowa Secretary of State. |
| Exam | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Iowa Secretary of State. |
| Bond | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Iowa Secretary of State. |
| Commission term | Three years for Iowa residents; one year for residents of a bordering state who work or do business in Iowa. |
| State fee | A $30 application fee to the Secretary of State. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Iowa Secretary of State. |
| Oath and filing | Execute an oath of office and submit it to the Secretary of State before the commission is issued; you may not notarize until you receive your commission. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in Iowa
- File the Application for Notary Commission online through Fast Track Filing, or on paper.
- Sign the affirmation on the application and pay the $30 fee to the Secretary of State.
- Once commissioned, use a stamp or seal with your name exactly as it appears on the 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 Iowa Secretary of State's own published material and the state statute (source named below), 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.
- Iowa Secretary of State, Notary Forms and Fees, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
- Iowa Secretary of State, Application for Commission as Notary Public and instructions (Rev. 7-21), official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
- Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 9B (Notarial Acts), Iowa Legislature, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.