How to Become a Georgia Notary

Interested in becoming a notary in the Peach State? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from meeting the state's requirements to submitting your notary bond application through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority.

The Notary Application Process

Applying for a notary commission in Georgia is a detailed process. Follow these five steps to ensure your application is completed accurately and approved without delays.

1) Meet Georgia's Qualification Requirements

Notary laws in Georgia require applicants to:

  • 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 active telephone number
  • Be able to read and write in English

2) Enroll in a Mandatory Training Course

Effective January 1, 2025, under the Notary Public Educational Rules for the State of Georgia, all notary applicants — both new and renewing — must complete an educational training course as part of the application process.

This requirement was established with the passage of House Bill 1292 by the Georgia General Assembly in 2024. The Clerks' Authority offers a free online training course to help applicants meet notary training requirements.

3) Apply for Your Notary Commission

Most Georgia counties allow users to complete their applications online. View the list of participating counties here.

To complete the notary application process online, follow these steps:

  1. Start the online application.
  2. Select your county.
  3. Enter the three-digit code that displays on the screen (if no code appears, contact the Clerks' Authority customer support).
  4. Select the new application type.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete, print and sign the application.
  6. If your application requires character reference (endorser) signatures, have them sign the application.
  7. Bring your completed application to your county Clerk of Superior Court office to finish the process, pay the appointment fee and take the oath of office.

If you cannot complete your application online, no worries — the process is mostly the same:

  1. Contact your county Clerk of Superior Court to get an application.
  2. Follow the same process outlined above.

4) Complete a Background Check or Exam (Certain Counties)

Applicants in Fulton, Clayton and Cobb counties must include a certified criminal background check no older than 30 days from a local law enforcement entity.

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

5) Purchase a Notary Seal

Once you take the oath of office, your county's Clerk of Superior Court will issue your Georgia notary commission. With this commission, you can order essential supplies, including your official stamp. A notary stamp is a personalized seal used to authenticate the signing of documents, verifying both the identity of the signer and the legitimacy of the transaction.

Georgia law requires that the seal include the notary's name, the state name, the words "Notary Public" and the county of appointment.

Since the state does not manufacture notary stamps, you will need to purchase one from a trusted provider like Notaries.com. If you purchase our stamp, email a copy of your commission to info@notaries.com, so we can create it in accordance with state requirements.

Other Must-Have Supplies for Georgia Notaries

To perform notarial acts legally and efficiently in Georgia, you'll need more than just a stamp. Here are additional supplies available in our online store:

  • Notary journal: House Bill 1292 requires Notaries to keep a journal and track notarizations, providing legal protection and a record of completed work.
  • Embosser: An embosser adds a professional touch to notarized documents. This tool creates a raised impression, enhancing document authenticity.
  • Notary certificate forms: Having a supply of acknowledgment, oath and sworn affidavit stamps ensures you're prepared for various notarization scenarios.
  • Seal lock box: To secure your notary seal and prevent unauthorized use, consider using a seal lock box.

Having the right tools is essential, but protecting yourself as a notary is just as important. Along with securing your supplies, consider investing in Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance.

This added layer of protection covers legal fees and potential damages in the event that you make a mistake. Even the most diligent notaries can face claims, and E&O insurance ensures you're not left handling costly expenses on your own.

Notary Renewal Process

With your commission, seal and supplies, you can now notarize anywhere in the state of Georgia. Be sure to familiarize yourself with applicable laws, including renewal requirements, to avoid potential penalties and interruptions to your services.

In Georgia, notary commissions are only valid for four years. The process mirrors the initial application: confirm eligibility, submit a renewal through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) — or your county clerk — and pay the fee.

Once approved, take the oath of office and update your notary supplies if needed.