How to Become a Notary Public

Qualifications to be Commissioned as a Notary Public

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • A citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
  • Residency/Employment:
    • Resident of North Dakota;
    • Have a place of employment or practice in North Dakota; or
    • Reside in a county that borders North Dakota and which is in a state that extends reciprocity to a notary public who resides in a border county of North Dakota.
  • Able to read and write in English.

 

Steps to Become a Notary Public

  • Step 1: Submit the following to the Secretary of State’s office:
    • Notary Public Application
      • Note: An applicant who is, or has previously been (regardless of the expiration date), commissioned as a notary public for the state of North Dakota must follow the instructions provided on the How to Renew a Notary Public Commission page.
      • The name provided on the application must be exactly the same as the applicant will sign when performing notarial acts.  E.g., if a middle name or initial is included, the applicant's signature must include the middle name or initial when notarizing documents.  An applicant is not required to include a middle name or initial.
    • Notary Bond (SFN 19355) – The notary bond must be in the amount of $7,500 and must cover notarial acts performed during the term of the notary public's commission.
    • Application fee of $36 payable to the Secretary of State. (Credit card payments made by mail must be accompanied by a completed Credit Card Payment Authorization (SFN 51478).)
  • Step 2: Obtain a notary stamping device with the Certificate of Authorization to Purchase Notary Stamping Device form (issued by the Secretary of State’s office after review and approval of the items listed in Step 1).

  • Step 3: Return to the Secretary of State’s office an impression of the notary stamping device on the Verification of Notary Public Stamping Device form on or before the date indicated on the Verification form.

  • Step 4: A commission certificate will be issued by the Secretary of State’s office after review and approval of the notary stamping device.  (Note: A notary public may begin performing notarial acts with the stamping device on or after the commencement date listed on the commission certificate.)