Become a Notary Public

Step 1: Submit Application, Bond, and Fee

Application - Complete the Notary Public Application in the FirstStop Portal.

The name provided on the application must be exactly the same as you will sign when performing notarial acts. For example, if your middle name or initial is included, your signature must include your middle name or initial when notarizing documents. However, you are not required to include your middle name or initial.

Notary Bond – Obtain a Notary Bond (SFN 19355) from a surety company of your choice. The notary bond must be in the amount of $7,500 and must cover notarial acts performed during the term of your notary public commission.

Fee - $36

Submit the original application, bond, and fee to:

North Dakota Office of the Secretary of State
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108
Bismarck ND 58505-0500

Step 2: Obtain a Stamping Device

The Office of the Secretary of State will provide you with a Certificate of Authorization to Purchase Notary Stamping Device form once your application is approved. This form allows you to obtain a stamping device from a vendor of your choice (see Notary Public Stamp Requirements). The stamping device will be used when performing notarial acts.

Step 3: Return an Impression of the Stamp

After you receive your stamping device, return an impression of the notary stamping device on the Verification of Notary Public Stamping Device form.  It must be received by the Secretary of State on or before the date indicated on the Verification form.

Step 4: Receive Your Commission Certificate

The Secretary of State will issue a commission certificate to you after review and approval of the notary stamping device. You may begin performing notarial acts only on or after the commencement date listed on your commission certificate. 

A notary public commission term is 4 years and begins at 12:00 a.m. on the commencement date listed on the commission certificate and ends at midnight on the expiration date. Notarizing documents outside of that timeframe is a violation of state law.

Notary Commission Oath of Office

When applying to be commissioned as a notary public, you take the following oath of office:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of North Dakota; and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of notary public according to the best of my ability, so help me God (or under pains and penalties of perjury).

Notary Public Stamp Requirements

Prior to purchasing a notary stamp, you must receive a certificate of authorization from the Secretary of State and provide it to a vendor of your choice. Under state law, a vendor is not authorized to manufacture the notary stamp unless presented with the authorization. 

The notary stamp must meet these guidelines.

• Leave a clear impression
• Able to be photocopied
• Include the words "Notary Public" and "State of North Dakota"
• Contain the name of the notary public exactly as it appears on the authorization 
• Contain the commission expiration date
• Surrounded by a border
• Not contain any other words, numbers, symbols, or a reproduction of the Great Seal of North Dakota
• Size requirements:
  • Circular stamp: Up to or equal to 1 5/8 inch (41.28 millimeters) in diameter 
  • Rectangular stamp: Up to or equal to 7/8 inch (22.23 millimeters) in height and 2 5/8 inches (66.68 millimeters) in length

Upon resignation, revocation, or expiration of your commission, your stamp must be destroyed to prohibit its use by any other person.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Errors and omissions insurance provides added protection for you as a notary from any mistake that causes a financial or other type of loss to a client for whom you notarized a document and for which you are sued for recovery. This coverage is optional and is in addition to the required surety bond. Errors and omissions insurance protects you if you are liable to the surety company for amounts paid out on the bond. 

Since the errors and omissions insurance is optional and not required by state law, documents related to the insurance do not need to be filed with the Secretary of State.