How to become a notary in Arkansas

Get everything you need with a full Arkansas Notary Package.

The term of an Arkansas Notary commission is 10 years. Here is some more information on applying for an AR Notary Public commission.

The cost to become an Arkansas Notary Public is $120, but the total cost may vary depending on where you get your Notary supplies and bring your documents to be completed.

It can take two to four weeks for the Secretary of State to process your Notary application.

Your oath of commission certificates will be delivered by the United States Postal Service, which can take seven to 10 business days. After that, you'll need to allow time to complete the rest of the application process.

Wondering if you qualify to become a Notary in the Land of Opportunity? Read on below.

A Notary Public applicant in Arkansas must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
• Be a legal resident of Arkansas, or a resident of a bordering state and working in Arkansas, or a nonresident spouse of a U.S. military service member employed or operating a business in Arkansas
• Be able to read and write English
• Not have had a Notary commission revoked in the past 10 years
• Never have been convicted of a felony

Permanent resident aliens must file a recorded Declaration of Domicile with their application.

Arkansas Notaries are required to purchase a $7,500 10-year surety bond for their county to protect signers against financial damages resulting from the Notary's negligence or misconduct.

Passing an exam is a requirement for all Notary applicants. To take the exam, create an account on the Arkansas Secretary of State's website.

The exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass the exam and access the Notary Public application.

The application form is immediately available after you pass the exam. To access the form at a later time, you'll have to retake the exam.

Submit the application, a copy of your bond and the $20 fee to the Secretary of State's office.

If your application is approved, the Secretary will issue two oath of commission certificates.

Take both to the Recorder of Deeds along with your surety bond. They will administer your oath of office and complete both certificates.

Return one copy to the Secretary of State so they can issue your certificate of commission and Notary Public identification card.

Arkansas Notaries must have an official seal of office, which may be in the form of an inked rubber stamp or embosser that is in either blue or black ink. Your seal must contain the following information:

• Your name as it appears on your commission
• The county in which your bond was filed
• The words "Notary Public"
• The word "Arkansas"
• Your commission expiration date
• Your commission number issued by the Secretary of State, if any

Notary seals must not include the Seal of the State of Arkansas or an outline of the state.

Below are answers to the most common questions about being a Notary in Arkansas.

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Last updated: Apr 21, 2025

Get everything you need with a full Arkansas Notary Package.