Applicants for a Kansas Notary Public commission must take the following steps:
- Meet the state's eligibility requirements.
- Get a $12,000 four-year surety bond.
- Get your Notary seal and journal.
- Complete the application form and get it notarized.
- Submit the application with the oath, surety bond, impression of your Notary seal, and $25 filing fee to the Secretary of State.
- Receive your commission certificate in the mail.
About the Kansas Notary Process
The term of a Kansas Notary Public commission is four years. Learn how much it costs and how long it takes to become a KS Notary Public.
Cost to Become a KS Notary
The cost to become a Kansas Notary ranges between $135 and $160, depending on where you get your supplies and the Notary’s fee.
| Expense |
Cost |
| $12,000 surety bond |
$50 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Application filing fee |
$25 |
| Notarization fee |
Varies |
| Total Cost |
$135 - $160 |
Commission Processing Time
It can take two to four weeks to become commissioned as a Kansas Notary Public. This depends on your availability and the time the Secretary of State needs to process your application.
Kansas Notary Public Requirements
Information about qualifications and Notary supplies can be found below.
Eligibility
There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in Kansas. All applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a resident of Kansas or a bordering state and regularly employed or conduct business in Kansas
- Be able to read and write in English
- Have had no felony convictions nor a professional license revoked
Notary Supplies
Kansas Notaries must have a Notary seal and journal. Your Notary seal may be an inked stamp or an embosser, but it must contain the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "State of Kansas"
- The words "My commission expires _______ (date or blank line)" (optional)
Your commission expiration date on the seal is optional but strongly recommended, as this is required on all notarizations performed. Since the Secretary of State assigns the expiration date, it recommends leaving the date blank and filling it out by hand for each notarial act.
Your Notary journal may either be tangible or electronic. A physical journal must be a permanent, bound register with numbered pages and an electronic journal must be tamper-evident. If you choose to use a physical journal, you may only keep one at a time.
Surety Bond
A $12,000 four-year surety bond is required for Kansas Notaries. Additionally, you may want to consider getting an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy to protect yourself from legal expenses. E&O insurance is not a requirement in Kansas.
Application
Complete the application online or on paper. Take your application to a Kansas Notary Public. They will administer your oath of office, sign it and affix their Notary seal.
Submit the application with your oath, surety bond, impression of your Notary seal and payment for the $25 filing fee to the Secretary of State.
Certificate
Once processed, you’ll receive your commission certificate in the mail. You may not notarize documents until your status is active online and you’ve received your Notary appointment expiration date.
Kansas Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about Notaries? We've got you covered.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Kansas Secretary of State, located in Topeka, KS, issues Notary Public commissions.
Is there training or an exam required to become a KS Notary?
No training or exam is required for Kansas Notaries.
Where will I be able to notarize?
You will be able to notarize anywhere in the state of Kansas.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for everyone, excluding yourself and your spouse. You cannot notarize your own signature, nor can you notarize documents you or your spouse are named in or would benefit from. While Kansas law allows you to notarize for a spouse, children, parents or other relatives, the power is limited by the provisions of KSA 53-109.
If you perform notarizations as part of your employment, your employer may limit the notarizations you perform during your work hours.
What fees can Kansas Notaries charge for their services?
Kansas does not have a maximum fee Notaries may charge, but keep your notarial fees reasonable. As a best practice, inform signers of your fees in advance to avoid any confusion.
What happens if I move or change my name?
Any changes to your address or name must be reported to the Secretary of State within 30 days. To do so, complete the Notary Public Change of Status form and submit it to the Secretary.
For name changes, you must get a new seal with your new name and submit the Notary Public Change of Status form with an impression of the new seal. You'll also need to get a rider for the Notary bond.
What is the process to renew my commission as a Kansas Notary?
The process to renew your Kansas Notary Public commission is the same as applying for a new commission. The Kansas Secretary of State allows you to apply for renewal 90 days before your commission expires.
You may purchase a new Notary seal to reflect your updated commission expiration date and get a new journal if your old one is full.
How do I become an electronic Notary in Kansas?
To become an electronic Notary, you must complete a state-approved training course, pass an exam, get a digital certificate, and submit your application along with a $20 information and services fee.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Kansas?
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Last updated: Jun 27, 2025