How to Become a Notary Public in Connecticut

Checked against Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Required
Training: Not required
Term: 5 years
State fee: $120
Bond: None stated
Commissioned by: Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division

Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old.
Live in Connecticut or have your principal place of business there.
The Secretary may deny you for a felony or other crime conviction, a past revoked commission, or notarial misconduct.

Step by step

Read the Connecticut Notary Public Manual.
Complete the Jurat and Writing Sample in your own handwriting and have it sworn before an official who can give oaths.
Have an unrelated public official or reputable business or professional person who has known you at least a year complete a Certificate of Character.
Create an account on eLicense.ct.gov and start an Initial Application for Notary Public Certification.
Answer the built-in exam, upload your documents, and pay the $120 fee.
Get your certificate of appointment by email, usually in 3 to 5 business days.
Within 30 days, take the oath and record your certificate and oath with the town clerk ($20).

Official application →

Training and exam

Exam: Exam built into the online application and taken under oath, based on the Notary Public Manual. You must answer every question correctly to be appointed.

Practice for the notary exam free — role & powers, prohibited acts, and procedures & recordkeeping →

What it costs in Connecticut

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Notarizing the Jurat and Writing Sample$
Application fee (Secretary of the State)$120
Town clerk fee to record commission and oath$20

Estimated total in Connecticut$140Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

$20 town clerk fee to record the commission and oath
Notarization of the Jurat and Writing Sample

Pay in Connecticut

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in Connecticut after taxes.

How long it takes

The Secretary of the State says an approved certificate of appointment is typically emailed in 3 to 5 business days.

What other sites get wrong about Connecticut

Myth: Connecticut notaries can charge up to $5 per notarial act.

Fact: Public Act 26-81 raised the maximum fee per notarial act from $5 to $10, effective July 1, 2026. source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Renew online for $60 during the 90 days before or after expiration using the PIN mailed or emailed to you, then take the oath again and record it with the town clerk.

Remote online notarization: Yes, but limited. Since October 1, 2023 (Public Act 23-28), notaries may perform remote notarizations by live audio-video. The signer signs the paper document during the call and delivers it to the notary, who signs it in wet ink; full electronic remote online notarization is not allowed. Remote notarization may not be used for wills or trusts, real estate closing documents, health care directives, standby guardianship papers, or powers of attorney.

Good to know in Connecticut

2026 law change: Public Act 26-81 raised the maximum fee per notarial act from $5 to $10, effective July 1, 2026. Former notaries whose commission lapsed must email the Secretary of the State to request reinstatement instead of filing a new application.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division before you apply.