How to become a notary in Arkansas
Notaries in Arkansas are commissioned by the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services Division. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in Arkansas?
- At least 18 years old
- Arkansas resident, or resident of a bordering state employed or doing business in Arkansas, or nonresident military spouse working in Arkansas
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
- Able to read and write English
- No felony conviction
- No notary commission revoked in the past 10 years
What are the Arkansas notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services Division |
|---|---|
| Training required | No. Not required for traditional notaries; free training is offered online. Required for eNotaries, with refresher training every two years. |
| Exam required | Yes. All new and renewing applicants must pass an online multiple-choice exam (80% to pass) before applying. |
| Surety bond | $7,500 |
| Application fee | $20 (online card payment; a convenience fee is added) |
| Commission term | 10 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes: under Act 1047 of 2021, Arkansas eNotaries in good standing may perform remote online notarization using an approved provider while physically in Arkansas; traditional notaries must notarize in person. |
Steps to become a notary in Arkansas
- Buy a $7,500 surety bond from an authorized surety
- Create an account on the BCS online portal
- Pass the online notary exam
- Complete the web application and upload your bond and exam certificate, then pay
- After approval, print two Oath of Commission certificates
- Take both oaths and your original bond to your county recorder of deeds (usually the circuit clerk) to be sworn and recorded; a county fee applies
- Mail or deliver one recorded oath to the Secretary of State; your commission is active only after it is processed
Apply on the official Arkansas site
How do you find a notary in Arkansas?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Arkansas notary lookup.