Arkansas Notary Bond$7,500 • 10-Year Term

According to A.C.A. §21-14-105, Arkansas requires a $7,500 notary bond. This one-time premium covers your entire commission period. Most applicants qualify for instant approval.

Arkansas requires all notaries to obtain a $7,500 surety bond before commissioning. The bond must be uploaded with your online application to the Arkansas Secretary of State and remain active for the entire 10-year commission period. This is one of the longest commission terms in the United States.

Yes, Arkansas requires all notary applicants to pass a free online exam before applying for commission. The exam has an 80% passing score requirement and tests knowledge of Arkansas notary laws and procedures. The exam is available at no cost through the Arkansas Secretary of State website.

To become an Arkansas notary: 1) Purchase a $7,500 surety bond, 2) Pass the free online exam (80% required), 3) Create an account on the Arkansas Secretary of State online portal at bcs.sos.arkansas.gov, 4) Upload bond and exam certificate, 5) Pay $20 application fee online, 6) Take oath of office before your county clerk, 7) Mail completed oath to Secretary of State.

Arkansas notary commissions are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance, one of the longest terms in the nation. You must maintain your $7,500 bond for the entire 10-year period. Plan to renew your commission and purchase a new bond before your expiration date.

Yes, Arkansas allows residents of bordering states (Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma) to become Arkansas notaries if they work or operate a business in Arkansas. You must still meet all other requirements including the exam, bond, and oath of office.

No formal training is required for traditional Arkansas notaries. However, you must pass the free online exam which tests Arkansas notary laws and procedures. If you wish to become an eNotary and perform electronic notarizations, additional training is required beyond the standard exam.

After your application is approved by the Arkansas Secretary of State, you must take your oath of office before your county clerk. The county clerk will administer the oath, complete the oath form, and return it to you. You must then mail the completed oath to the Arkansas Secretary of State to finalize your commission.

Yes, Arkansas allows remote online notarizations (RON) for notaries who complete additional eNotary requirements. eNotaries must complete specialized training beyond the standard exam and comply with Arkansas electronic notarization technology and security standards. The same $7,500 bond covers both traditional and electronic notarial acts.

If a valid claim is filed against your Arkansas notary bond, the surety company investigates the claim. If found valid, the surety pays the claimant up to $7,500. However, you are legally required to reimburse the surety for all amounts paid, plus investigation costs. This is why proper notarial procedures and accurate record-keeping are essential.

Arkansas notary commissions are valid for 10 years. To renew, you must purchase a new $7,500 bond, pass the current online exam (requirements may have changed), submit a new application through the Arkansas Secretary of State portal, pay the $20 fee, and take a new oath of office. Start the renewal process several months before your expiration date.