Notary Public
Arkansas
Notary Public Commission Requirements
10 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
Yes
Exam Required
80
$7,500
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedStudy the Arkansas Notary Public and eNotary Handbook and FAQs.
Take and pass the free online notary exam via the SOS portal (25 questions, 80% passing score).
Create an account on the BCS online system (bcs.arkansas.gov) and complete the application.
Pay the $20 application fee online (plus convenience fee).
Obtain a $7,500 ten-year surety bond from a licensed bonding company.
Take both Oath of Office certificates and original notary bond to the county recorder of deeds (circuit clerk) in your commission county.
Sign each oath certificate before the clerk, swear oath, and the clerk files one Oath certificate and original bond (local filing fee applies).
Send one completed, file-marked Oath of Commission Certificate to the Arkansas SOS (mail or in person).
Purchase a notary stamp/seal meeting Arkansas requirements.
Commission is valid once filed with both county AND SOS.
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a legal resident of Arkansas, or a resident of a bordering state working in Arkansas, or a nonresident spouse of a U.S. military service member employed or operating a business in Arkansas.
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. Permanent resident aliens must file a recorded Declaration of Domicile with their application.
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo formal education course required. Applicants should study the Arkansas Notary Public and eNotary Handbook and FAQs provided by the Secretary of State to prepare for the online exam. Must be able to read and write English.
Exam
RequiredFree online exam administered via the Arkansas SOS portal. 25 multiple-choice questions with an 80% passing score required. Exam covers content from the Notary Handbook and FAQs.
Passing score: 80
Administered by: Arkansas Secretary of State
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$7,500
$7,500 ten-year surety bond required, county-specific. The bond must be filed with the county recorder of deeds.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is not required by the state.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial inked stamp or embosser required. Must use blue or black ink and contain: notary's name, county, 'Notary Public', 'Arkansas', expiration date, and commission number. Cannot include state seal or state outline.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $20 |
Bond Premium Cost varies by bonding company for the 10-year, $7,500 surety bond. Approximately $50 on average. | $40-$60 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors; approximately $30 on average | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Application ($20) + bond (~$50) + stamp (~$30) + county recorder fees (~$20). Exam is free. | $100-$140 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
10 years
Renewal Process
Create an account on the BCS online system (bcs.arkansas.gov), pass the exam, submit a new application, obtain a new bond, and file with the county and SOS.
Renewal Fee
$20
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Effective April 29, 2021, Arkansas notaries may register to perform remote online notarization (RON). Requires separate registration with the SOS.
Additional Requirements
Must hold an active Arkansas notary commission and register for RON authorization with the Secretary of State.
Important Notes
What Makes Arkansas Unique
Arkansas has one of the longest notary commission terms at 10 years, which is significantly longer than the typical 4-5 year term in most states. The application process also requires dual filing with both the county recorder and the Secretary of State.
Arkansas has one of the longest notary commission terms in the nation at 10 years.
The online exam is free and administered directly by the Secretary of State.
Nonresident spouses of U.S. military members stationed/employed in Arkansas are also eligible.
Permanent resident aliens must file a recorded Declaration of Domicile with their application.
Commission is not valid until filed with BOTH the county recorder AND the Secretary of State.
Must be able to read and write English.