How to Become a Notary in Arkansas (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Arkansas notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Arkansas state sources.
A state-by-state reference covering notary fee caps, remote online notarization (RON) availability, and step-by-step instructions for getting documents notarized from home. Know your rights and the legal maximums before you pay a notary.
See exactly what you get- All 50 states — fee caps for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and RON
- RON status for every state — which states allow remote online notarization in 2026
- Step-by-step guide to getting documents notarized via video call
- Mobile notary tips — what to ask upfront, how to avoid overcharging
- Instant download — open in any browser, print to PDF
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How to Become a Notary in Arkansas — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Arkansas, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Arkansas or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Pass the notary exam
Arkansas requires all applicants to pass a written notary exam. Schedule your exam through the state or an approved testing provider. Study the Arkansas notary handbook — available free from the Secretary of State.
Obtain your $7,500 surety bond
Arkansas requires a $7,500 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company; the bond company sets the premium. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the Secretary of State
File your completed notary application with the Secretary of State and pay the $20 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Include your exam pass certificate. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — by the deadline in your commission letter.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Arkansas notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Secretary of State requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Arkansas. Traditional notary fees in Arkansas: market rate (no state cap). For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your Arkansas Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for Arkansas. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Arkansas Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $20 |
| Commission term | 10 years |
| Surety bond | $7,500 face value (premium set by the bond company) |
| Exam | Required |
| Education course | Not required |
| Filing office | Secretary of State |
| RON available | No |
| Fees charged by the state (application + exam) | $20 |
$20 online filing fee and a $7,500 bond (Arkansas SOS filing guide). Every new and renewing notary must pass an online exam first (30 questions, 24 to pass) and attach the exam completion certificate; training is required only for eNotaries (Arkansas SOS FAQ). Bond and oath are filed with the county Recorder of Deeds.
Source: Secretary of State — Official Arkansas Notary Page ↗
What Can an Arkansas Notary Charge?
Arkansas has no state-set maximum — notaries set their own fees. No state maximum. Notaries may charge reasonable fees with advance disclosure.
Source: Arkansas Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as an Arkansas Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Arkansas notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.