How to Become a Notary Public in Kentucky

Checked against Kentucky Secretary of State, Notary Commissions (Notary Branch) · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Not required
Training: Not required
Term: 4 years
State fee: $10
Bond: $1,000 surety bond, filed with the county clerk within 30 days of approval (KRS 423.390).
Commissioned by: Kentucky Secretary of State, Notary Commissions (Notary Branch)

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Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
Live in, or work or practice in, the Kentucky county where you apply. If you neither live nor work in Kentucky, you are not eligible.
Be able to read and write English.
A felony conviction disqualifies you unless the Governor has restored your civil right to hold office. Crimes of fraud, dishonesty or deceit can also lead to denial.

Step by step

Fill out the Notary Public Application for Appointment or Reappointment and sign it by hand.
Submit it online with the $10 fee, or mail it with a check payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
If you answer yes to any criminal or license question, mail the application with a written explanation, documents and a criminal background check. These cannot be filed online.
Watch for the approval email from the Secretary of State.
Within 30 days, go to the county clerk named on your application.
Post a $1,000 surety bond, take the oath of office and file your commission with the clerk, paying the clerk's fees.
Start notarizing only after the bond, oath and commission are on file.

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 Kentucky

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)$10
Criminal background check (only if you answer yes to a disqualification question)(optional)$
$1,000 surety bond premium$
County clerk fees for filing the bond and taking the oath$

Estimated total in Kentucky$10Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

$1,000 surety bond premium
County clerk fees for filing the bond and giving the oath (set by KRS 64.012; amount not stated on the Secretary of State pages)
Background check from the Administrative Office of the Courts or Kentucky State Police, only if you answer yes to a disqualification question

What other sites get wrong about Kentucky

Myth: A county official must complete a Certificate of Approval section on your Kentucky notary application.

Fact: The current application (rev. 12/23) goes straight to the Secretary of State with the $10 fee and has no county approval section; you visit the county clerk only after approval, to post the bond and take the oath. source

Myth: Kentucky notary bond requirements vary by county.

Fact: Every Kentucky notary posts the same $1,000 surety bond with the county clerk within 30 days of approval (KRS 423.390). source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Apply for reappointment no earlier than 60 days before your commission expires, then file a new bond and take a new oath at the county clerk.

Remote online notarization: Yes. A commissioned notary can register with the Secretary of State to perform electronic notarizations, in person or remote/online, using an approved technology provider and their own digital certificate.

Good to know in Kentucky

Renewal cost: Reappointment costs the same $10 application fee (KRS 423.430), plus a new bond and the county clerk's fees for the bond and oath.

What you can charge: Kentucky sets no dollar cap, but any fee must be clearly disclosed in advance (KRS 423.430). No fee may be charged for notarizing papers that support a federal benefits claim for a service member, veteran or their dependents (KRS 64.300).

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Kentucky Secretary of State, Notary Commissions (Notary Branch) before you apply.