How to become a notary in Vermont
Notaries in Vermont are commissioned by the Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). 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 Vermont?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Vermont resident, or have a place of employment or practice in Vermont
- Report all criminal convictions (not an automatic bar)
What are the Vermont notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) |
|---|---|
| Training required | No. No initial course; OPR does not provide training. Renewing notaries need at least 1 hour of continuing education per two-year cycle (some employee and attorney categories are exempt). |
| Exam required | Yes. Applicants must pass a jurisprudence exam on notary statutes, rules and ethics, taken within the online application; certain exempt employment types may not need it. |
| Surety bond | None stated by the state |
| Application fee | $30 |
| Commission term | 2 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes, but only for notaries who hold the special remote notarization endorsement described in Parts 6-8 of the OPR notary rules. |
Steps to become a notary in Vermont
- Complete and sign the Oath of Office/Affirmation form and have it notarized
- Create or log in to your account in OPR's online services system
- Choose Apply for Individual License and complete the notary application
- Take the jurisprudence exam in the application, if it applies to you
- Upload the notarized oath and pay the $30 fee
- Answer any OPR requests by email, then print your commission once approved
Apply on the official Vermont site
How do you find a notary in Vermont?
- 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 Vermont notary lookup.