How to Become a Notary Public in Iowa

Checked against Iowa Secretary of State, Notary Division · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Not required
Training: Not required
Term: 3 years
State fee: $30
Bond: None stated
Commissioned by: Iowa Secretary of State, Notary Division

Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
Live in Iowa or have a place of work or practice in Iowa.
Be able to read and write English.
Not be disqualified under Iowa Code 9B.23.

Step by step

Check that you meet the requirements in the Iowa Notary Handbook.
Apply online through Fast Track Filing, or print the paper application.
Pay the $30 fee online, or mail the paper form with a $30 check payable to the Secretary of State.
Wait for your commission to be issued.
Buy a stamp or seal showing your name, the words "Notarial Seal" and "Iowa," your commission number, and your commission expiration date.

Official application →

No state exam here, but notaries are liable for mistakes. Check your notary knowledge with the free practice test →

What it costs in Iowa

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

Application fee (Secretary of State)$30
Notary stamp or seal$
Journal (strongly recommended)(optional)$
Remote notarization training course (third-party, only for remote)(optional)$

Estimated total in Iowa$30Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Notary stamp or seal
Journal (not required, but strongly recommended)

What other sites get wrong about Iowa

Myth: Iowa requires first-time notary applicants to complete a mandatory training course.

Fact: Iowa Code 9B.21 lists no training or exam for a regular commission; an approved course is required only to add remote notarization. source

Myth: The Iowa notary application fee is $34.

Fact: The application fee is $30, set by Iowa Code 9B.21. source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Renew online through Fast Track Filing or with the emailed renewal form ($30) before your commission expires; if it lapses you must file a new application.

Remote online notarization: Yes. A commissioned notary must complete a Secretary of State-approved remote notarization course, then file the free remote notarization approval form naming an approved technology vendor.

Good to know in Iowa

Nonresidents: If you live outside Iowa but work in Iowa, your commission term is only one year, so you renew every year.

What you can charge: Iowa's notary law (Iowa Code chapter 9B) sets no maximum fee; the Secretary of State says notaries may charge a reasonable fee but may not refuse service because someone is not a customer.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Iowa Secretary of State, Notary Division before you apply.