Applicants for a Kentucky Notary Public commission must take the following steps:
- Meet Kentucky's eligibility requirements.
- Get a $1,000 surety bond.
- Complete and submit your application to the Secretary of State.
- Take your oath of office, post your bond and file your commission.
About the Kentucky Notary Process
The term of a Notary Public commission is four years. Below is more information about applying for a KY Notary Public commission.
Cost to Become a KY Notary
The cost to become a Notary in Kentucky is approximately $64. However, the final cost depends on the specific county clerk you visit and additional Notary supplies you may choose to get.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Commissioning fee |
$10 |
| $1,000 surety bond |
$35 |
| County clerk fees |
$19 |
| Total Cost |
$64 |
Commission Processing Length
It can take two to six weeks to become a Notary State at Large. You'll need to allow the Secretary of State time to process your application. After receiving a written notice to visit the county clerk, you can complete the rest of the application process within a day.
Kentucky Notary Public Requirements
Wondering if you have what it takes to become a Notary in the Bluegrass State? Read on below.
Eligibility
There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in Kentucky. All applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
- Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in the county within Kentucky where the application is made
- Be able to read and write English
The SOS may deny an applicant for any act or omission that demonstrates the individual lacks honesty, integrity, competence or reliability as a Notary Public.
Application
Complete and submit your application to the Secretary of State.
Once processed, your Certificate of Appointment will be sent to the county clerk in the county you applied.
Surety Bond
A $1,000 surety bond is required for Kentucky Notaries. Additionally, many also choose to purchase optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies to protect themselves from legal expenses. E&O insurance is not a requirement in Kentucky.
Oath of Office
You’ll receive a written notice to visit the county clerk's office within 30 days to take your oath of office, post your bond and file your commission.
Kentucky Notary Public FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about Notaries Public in Kentucky.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Kentucky Secretary of State, located in Frankfort, KY, issues Notary Public commissions.
Is training or an exam required to be a Kentucky Notary?
No training or exam is required for Kentucky Notaries.
However, you may find the NNA’s Notary training courses helpful in jumpstarting your education.
What kind of supplies will I need?
Using a Notary seal and journal is optional in Kentucky. However, you may want to get a Notary seal, as it imprints information required for every notarization you perform.
Your Notary seal may be a stamp or an embosser and must be capable of being copied together with the record to which it is affixed or attached. The seal must contain:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- Your title
- Your jurisdiction
- Your commission number
- Your commission expiration date
While a Notary journal is not required by law for paper notarizations, Kentucky considers it a best practice for Notaries to use a Notary record book to record all notarizations.
Please note: A Notary journal is required for electronic online notarizations.
Learn more about the supplies you may need as a new Notary.
Where will I be able to notarize?
You will be able to notarize anywhere in the state of Kentucky.
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for everyone, excluding yourself, your spouse and/or your immediate family. You cannot notarize your own signature, nor can you notarize documents you are named in or would benefit from.
Kentucky law prohibits Notaries from notarizing for a spouse or relative or any documents in which either of them has a direct benefit. If you perform notarizations as part of your employment, your employer may limit the notarizations you perform during your work hours.
What fees can KY Notaries Public charge for notarizations?
In Kentucky, Notaries may set their own fees. As a best practice, make sure the fees you charge are reasonable and the signer is made aware of them prior to the notarization.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
If you make any changes to the following, you must notify the Secretary of State within 10 days after making the change:
- Name
- Mailing address
- Email address
- County of residence
- Signature
- Technology used (if any)
Complete the Notary Public State at Large Change of Information application and submit the form along with a $10 fee payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
What is the process to renew my commission as a Kentucky Notary?
The process to renew your Kentucky Notary Public commission is the same as it is to apply for a new Notary commission. Submit your renewal application no earlier than four weeks before your commission expires.
You may purchase a new Notary seal to reflect your updated commission expiration date.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Kentucky?
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Last updated: Jun 27, 2025