Georgia Notary FAQs

What are the requirements to become a Georgia notary?

Georgia notary applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Be a legal resident of the county in which they apply or live in a state bordering Georgia and work in the county of application
• Provide an operating telephone number
• Be able to read and write in English

How much does it cost to apply?

Becoming a notary includes charges for the application, a stamp and any necessary supplies. Appointment and reappointment fees range from $36 to $51. Effective July 1, 2024, the cost for a new notary appointment or reappointment will be between $40 and $55.

Our affordable supplies, like a custom stamp and notary journal, fit any budget!

How long is a commission term in GA?

Notary public commissions in Georgia are valid for four years.

Is any training necessary?

No training is required to acquire a notary commission. However, the Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority recommends completing this free online training course. It explains Georgia's notary law and reviews basic notary procedures.

Do I need to take an exam to get my commission?

It depends. Some counties require applicants to pass a notary public final exam. Contact your county’s Clerk of Superior Court to find out if you need to take one.

Are there any county-specific requirements?

Yes. Applicants in Fulton County, Clayton County and Cobb County must provide a certified criminal background check from a local law enforcement entity. The background check must be no older than 30 days.

Additionally, some counties make applicants pass a notary public final exam. Contact your county’s Clerk of Superior Court to determine if you need to take an exam.

What supplies will I need?

Common supplies that notaries need include a stamp with their official seal, extra ink for their stamp and a notary record-keeping journal.

Check out our supplies store if you need other supplies, such as gold foil labels or sworn affidavit stamps.

Are Georgia notaries required to keep a journal?

No. But the Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority highly recommends keeping one.

Do I need a surety bond or liability insurance?

Surety bonds are not required in Georgia. A surety bond is a promise by a notary to uphold notarial law. It protects individuals who may be financially or legally harmed by a notary's negligent act, whether intentional or accidental. Click here to learn how to protect yourself from liability with an errors and omissions insurance policy.

Can you become a notary if you live in another state but work in Georgia?

Yes. Residents of neighboring states can apply to become notaries. These out-of-state residents must own a business in Georgia or be regularly employed in Georgia and must apply with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where they own a business or are employed.

Note: Only out-of-state residents may apply in their county of employment; Georgia residents may only apply in their county of residence.

How much can I charge for notary services?

Notaries in Georgia may charge up to $2 per notarial act.

Can I be a remote online notary in GA?

Currently, remote online notarization is not allowed in Georgia.

How do I change the name or address on my license?

Every notary public shall notify the appointing clerk of superior court, with a copy to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority, in writing of any change to the notary's name. The notice shall contain both the old and new names, the new signature and any new address. The notice must be received by the clerk of superior court within 30 days of the change.