Utah Notary FAQs

What are the requirements to become a Utah notary?

In order to become a notary in Utah, you must:

• Be an 18+ year old United States citizen or legal permanent resident
• Be a legal Utah resident (or employed in Utah for at least 30 days before applying and maintain permanent residency or employment)
• Be able to read, write, and understand English
• Pay for and pass an online exam
• Take a background check and list any criminal convictions to be reviewed by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
• Upload an accurate copy of your notarial bond and Oath of Office to the Lieutenant Governor's office

Why was my Utah notary application rejected?

These are some common reasons why a notary application can be rejected:

• The name of the applicant on the application is not the exact same name that is on the bond
• The oath of office was not properly notarized by a current Utah notary in good standing
• The $95 application and testing fee was not enclosed
• A copy of the surety bond was not enclosed

Do I need to take an exam to become a Utah notary?

Utah requires new and renewing notaries to complete an online exam before they are allowed to access the notary application. The exam contains 30 questions, and 24 must be answered correctly to pass. Utah provides online study materials that cover everything on the exam.

Do I need a notary bond in Utah?

Yes. Utah requires a $5,000 surety bond for both new and renewing commissions. Our Utah notary package includes a bond as well as everything else you need to become a notary! Our bond also allows you to apply as a remote online notary by increasing your bond coverage to $10,000.

Can I submit a Utah notary application online?

Yes. As of May 2022, the Office of the Utah Lieutenant Governor no longer accepts mailed notary documents. The only way to become a notary or renew your commission is to apply through the utah.gov website.

Does Utah require a notary journal?

Not by law, but the state highly recommends that all notaries keep a journal. That's why we include a record-keeping journal in our complete notary package. Use the journal to record all notarial acts in case you ever need to testify in court.

Does Utah require a notary stamp?

Yes, every notary in Utah must have a seal of office. Seals can be either a rubber stamp or a metal embosser that must use either blue or black ink. A rubber stamp is included in our complete notary package.

Utah notaries renewing their commission must also order a new stamp that displays their latest expiration date.

How long is a Utah notary commission valid?

Utah notary commissions last for four years. A renewal application may be submitted no earlier than 60 days before the current commission's expiration date.

Expired commissions past the 60-day point require registering as a new notary again (instead of a renewal).

The commission renewal process is the same as becoming a new notary. Renewals will need a new bond to submit with their application and must take the test again.

Can I still become a notary with a criminal conviction?

It depends on the crime. If your conviction involved forgery, counterfeiting, or fraud, the state has the right to deny your notary application. When you apply for your commission, you must share information regarding criminal convictions and the state will determine your eligibility.

Can I notarize a document for someone outside of Utah?

Only as a remote notary, per Utah Notary Code Section 46-1-3.5. Remote notaries may notarize a document for someone living outside of Utah if the remote notary is still physically located in the state.