How to Become a Notary in the State of Kentucky

Here's our step-by-step guide on how to become a Kentucky Notary Public State at Large.

To become a Kentucky notary, a notary applicant must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.
2. Be a resident or employed in the county in which he or she is applying.
3. Be of good moral character and capable of discharging the duties imposed upon the applicant by law.

If you meet the above qualifications you can apply to become a Kentucky notary by:

1. Printing out a notary application.
2. Completing questions 1-7 on the notary application.
3. Having the Certificate of Approval section of the notary application completed by an official of the county in which you are applying.
4. Signing the notary application.
5. Forwarding the completed notary application and $10.00 fee to the Secretary of State.
The notary application can be mailed with the $10.00 fee or you can upload the notary application to the Kentucky Secretary of State's website and pay the $10.00 fee online.
6. Waiting for a written notice from the Secretary of State indicating your application has been approved.
7. Purchasing a notary bond.
8. Visiting your County's Clerks Office to pay the recording fee, post your notary bond, take the oath of office, file and record your commission, and obtain your Certificate of Appointment.

How can I start the Kentucky notary application process to become a Kentucky notary?

To become a Kentucky notary, please follow the instructions listed in the previous section. Click here for more information on how to become a Kentucky notary and read our Kentucky law section. More information can be found at the Kentucky Secretary of State's website.

How do I renew my Kentucky notary commission?

Renewing your Kentucky notary commission requires you to take the same steps as applying for a Kentucky notary commission for the first time. A new application should be started before the notary's expiration date to ensure uninterrupted authority.

When can I renew my Kentucky notary commission?

You can renew your Kentucky notary commission up to four weeks before your commission expiration date.

How much does it cost to become a Kentucky notary?

To become a Kentucky notary you must pay a $10.00 fee to have your notary application processed. Once it's been approved you'll need to purchase a notary bond and pay a registration fee to the county clerk to post the notary bond, take the oath of office, file and record your commission, and obtain your certificate of appointment. Please contact your county clerk to verify the requirements for the notary bond and the amount of the recording fee. Kentucky notary statutes do not require the notary to use a notary seal but some states require a seal or stamp. Thus, if you're notarizing a deed or other document that is to be recorded or used out of state the seal or stamp might be required. Please visit https://www.notarypublicstamps.com/notary-stamps/kentucky/ for notary stamps and supplies options (prices vary depending on the notary items you select).

How long does it take to become a Kentucky notary public?

Properly completed notary applications are approved by the Kentucky Secretary of State in about two weeks. After this point it all depends on when the applicant can secure a notary bond and visit his or her county clerk's office to pay the recording fee, post the notary bond, take the oath of office, file and record his or her commission, and obtain the certificate of appointment.

How long is a Kentucky notary commission?

A Kentucky notary term is four years. To verify when your term begins and ends you'll have to take a look at the effective and expiration dates of the Kentucky Certificate of Appointment that was issued to you at your county clerk's office. To continue performing notarial acts as a Kentucky notary after your current expiration date, you'll have to renew your commission before your notary term expires. Please click here to renew your commission.

What are the requirements for the Kentucky notary bond?

The requirements for the Kentucky notary bonds vary from county to county. Please contact your county clerk for more information.

Do I need to purchase a Kentucky notary stamp? What notary supplies do I need when I become a Kentucky notary?

Kentucky notary laws don't require a notary to use a notary seal or record book (journal) but they're both recommended by the Kentucky Secretary of State. If a notary seal is used, it should include the following:

1. The notary's name.
2. The notary's title of "Notary Public-State at Large." The title "Notary Public-Special Commission" can only be used if the applicant has been commissioned with this title.

How do I order a Kentucky notary stamp and record book?

Please go to https://www.notarypublicstamps.com/notary-stamps/kentucky/ to order your Kentucky notary supplies. All of our notary stamps and notary supplies come with a life-time replacement guarantee, are made in house, and are shipped in one business day.

How can I train to become a Kentucky notary?

The Kentucky Secretary of State's website has a Kentucky Notary Public Handbook, notary guidelines, and statutes available at https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/businessrecords/notaries/Pages/default.aspx.

Click here to learn more about how to become a Kentucky notary.