Eligibility Requirements
To become a notary public, applicants must meet basic eligibility criteria. These requirements help ensure that notaries are trustworthy and capable of handling legal responsibilities.
✓Common Requirements (most states)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of the state where you apply
- Have no serious criminal record
- Complete the required application process
✓Additional Requirements (state dependent)
- Training course (e.g., California)
- State exam (e.g., CA, NY)
- Background check
- Surety bond — a form of financial protection for the public
Eligibility requirements are not identical across states. Always verify the exact requirements for your state before applying.