Notary Public
Idaho
Notary Public Commission Requirements
6 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
$10,000
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedCreate and log into a SOSbiz account on the Idaho SOS website.
Purchase an Idaho notary bond ($10,000) from a licensed bonding or insurance company.
Access and complete the Notary Public Application form online.
Print the application, sign it, and have it notarized by another Idaho notary.
Mail the completed/notarized application, original $10,000 surety bond, and $30 filing fee (check to Office of the Secretary of State) to the Idaho SOS.
Receive your Notary Certificate from the SOS.
Purchase a stamping device (the Notary Certificate grants you authority to purchase one).
Begin performing notarial acts.
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Idaho or employed or have a place of practice in the state of Idaho.
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo formal education requirements or training courses mandated for traditional notary commissions. RON authorization requires completion of a mandatory SOS-approved RON training course. Must be able to read and write.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam required for traditional notary commission.
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$10,000
$10,000 surety bond or its functional equivalent required for the 6-year commission term, issued by a licensed bonding or insurance company.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is not mentioned as a requirement in Idaho statutes or SOS documentation.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredInked stamp required. Must include: notary's name, 'Notary Public', 'State of Idaho', commission number, and expiration date. Purchased after receiving the Notary Certificate from the Secretary of State.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $30 |
Bond Premium Cost varies by bonding company for the 6-year, $10,000 surety bond | $50-$130 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors after receiving Notary Certificate | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Application ($30) + bond ($50-$130) + stamp ($20-$40). No education costs for traditional commission. | $100-$200 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
6 years
Renewal Process
Re-apply for another 6-year commission. Can apply for renewal up to 90 days before expiration (recommended at least 60 days). Same process as initial application.
Renewal Fee
$30
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Legal since January 1, 2020 (effective July 1, 2017 for electronic notarization). Commissioned notaries may become authorized to perform electronic notarial acts by registering with the Secretary of State.
Additional Requirements
Additional $20 fee for RON authorization. Must complete mandatory SOS-approved RON training course. Must select a tamper-evident technology for use in electronic notarization. Notary must be physically in Idaho; signer can be anywhere.
Important Notes
What Makes Idaho Unique
Idaho has one of the longest commission terms at 6 years and uniquely exempts government employees from notary filing fees. The application must be printed, signed, and notarized by another Idaho notary before mailing - a somewhat old-fashioned hybrid of online and paper processes.
Idaho has one of the longest notary commission terms at 6 years.
City, county, and state employees are exempt from all notary filing fees if the commission will be used in the course of their employment.
The application must be notarized by another Idaho notary before submission.
The maximum fee per notarial act is $5.00.
A journal is not legally required but is strongly recommended by the SOS.
Electronic notarization authorization has been available since July 1, 2017.
Must be able to read and write.