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How to Become a Notary Public in North Dakota

Checked against North Dakota Secretary of State ·

Exam
Not required
Training
Not required
Term
4 years
State fee
$36
Bond
$7,500 notary bond (SFN 19355) covering the full commission term, from an insurance company of your choice.
Commissioned by
North Dakota Secretary of State
Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
  • Be able to read and write English.
  • Live in North Dakota, have a place of employment or practice in North Dakota, or live in a bordering county of a state that gives reciprocity to North Dakota border-county notaries.

Step by step

  1. Buy a $7,500 notary bond (form SFN 19355) from an insurance company.
  2. Sign the Notary Oath of Office in front of a notary public.
  3. Complete the Notary Public Application in the FirstStop Portal, attach the bond and oath, and pay the $36 fee.
  4. After approval, use the Certificate of Authorization from the Secretary of State to buy a notary stamp from a vendor.
  5. Return a stamp impression on the Verification of Notary Public Stamping Device form by the date shown.
  6. Receive your commission certificate and start notarizing on the commencement date shown on it.

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 North Dakota

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

  • $
  • $
  • $36
  • $
  • $
Estimated total in North Dakota$36Plus 3 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.
Cost details from the state
  • Bond premium
  • Notary stamping device
  • Notarizing your oath of office
  • Optional errors and omissions insurance

Pay in North Dakota

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

What other sites get wrong about North Dakota

Myth: North Dakota notaries can charge up to $5 per signature.

Fact: The cap is $5 per notarial act, not per signature (N.D.C.C. 44-06.1-28). A notary may add a travel fee, and a technology fee for electronic or remote acts, only if agreed in advance and explained as separate from the notarial fee. source

Myth: Anyone who lives in a state bordering North Dakota can become a North Dakota notary.

Fact: Non-residents qualify only if they work or practice in North Dakota, or live in a bordering county of a state that gives reciprocity to North Dakota border-county notaries. source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: File a Notary Public Renewal in the FirstStop Portal with a new $7,500 bond, a notarized oath and the $36 fee, then get a new stamp.

Remote online notarization: Yes. File a Notary Public Amendment in the FirstStop Portal naming your technology provider before doing electronic, remote ink or remote online notarizations; recordings and journals must be kept 10 years.

Good to know in North Dakota

What you can charge: Up to $5 per notarial act (N.D.C.C. 44-06.1-28). A travel fee, and since August 1, 2025 a technology fee for electronic or remote acts, may be added only if agreed in advance and explained as separate from the notarial fee.

Sources

Other states

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