Arkansas Notary Public BondInstant Approval • No Credit Check

Arkansas requires all notaries public to obtain a $7,500 surety bond to protect the public from financial losses caused by notarial errors or misconduct. Arkansas offers one of the longest notary commission terms in the United States at 10 years, making the upfront bond cost exceptionally economical over the life of the commission. Similar to contractor license bonds and probate bonds, notary bonds provide essential public protection. Visit our home page for all bond types.

The Arkansas notary bond must be uploaded with your online application submitted through the Arkansas Secretary of State's Business & Commercial Services portal. The bond remains in effect for the entire 10-year commission term and provides financial recourse for individuals harmed by improper notarial acts throughout Arkansas.

Arkansas requires all notary applicants to pass a free online examination with an 80% passing score before applying for commission. This exam ensures that Arkansas notaries possess comprehensive knowledge of state notary laws, proper identification procedures, certificate completion, and ethical obligations. The combination of exam requirement, substantial bond amount, and lengthy commission term reflects Arkansas's balanced approach to notary regulation.

Arkansas stands out among U.S. states by offering one of the longest notary commission terms available: 10 full years. While most states require notaries to renew their commissions every 4-5 years, Arkansas notaries enjoy an entire decade of continuous authority once commissioned.

Benefits of the 10-Year Term

The extended 10-year commission term provides significant advantages for Arkansas notaries. You avoid the frequent renewal processes, fees, and administrative requirements that notaries in other states face every few years. The long term also means your notary bond premium, typically $75-100 for the full 10 years, averages to just $7.50-$10.00 per year - making Arkansas notary bonds among the most cost-effective in the nation.

For businesses that employ notaries, the 10-year term reduces administrative overhead and ensures consistent notarial capacity without frequent interruptions for renewal. Real estate firms, legal offices, financial institutions, and government agencies particularly benefit from this stability, as their notary staff can operate with long-term certainty.

Bond Coverage for the Full Decade

Your $7,500 surety bond must remain in force for the entire 10-year commission period. Most surety providers issue Arkansas notary bonds as single-term policies that cover the full decade. This means you pay one premium upfront and maintain continuous bond coverage for all 10 years without annual renewals or additional payments.

It is essential to maintain your bond throughout the entire 10-year term. If your bond lapses for any reason - such as non-payment of renewal premiums if your provider requires them, or policy cancellation - your notary commission immediately becomes invalid. You cannot perform notarial acts without an active bond, and violating this requirement can result in penalties and potential liability for unauthorized notarizations.

Planning for Renewal After 10 Years

As your 10-year commission approaches expiration, begin the renewal process several months in advance. You will need to purchase a new $7,500 bond, pass the current version of the Arkansas notary exam (requirements and content may have changed over the decade), submit a new application through the Secretary of State portal, pay the $20 application fee, and take a new oath of office before your county clerk.

Starting early ensures continuous notary authority without gaps. Many Arkansas notaries set calendar reminders for 6 months before their expiration date to begin the renewal process, allowing ample time to complete all requirements before their current commission expires.

Becoming a notary in Arkansas typically takes 4-6 weeks and involves passing a free online exam, purchasing a bond, and completing an online application. According to the Arkansas Secretary of State, all applicants must pass a free online examination with an 80% passing score before applying for commission.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Confirm that you meet all Arkansas requirements: at least 18 years old, Arkansas resident OR live in a bordering state and work in Arkansas, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, able to read and write English, no felony convictions, and no revoked notary commissions in the past 10 years.

Step 2: Pass the Free Online Exam

Arkansas requires all notary applicants to pass a free online examination with an 80% passing score. The exam tests knowledge of Arkansas notary laws and procedures and is available through the Arkansas Secretary of State website at no cost. You can retake the exam if needed.

Step 3: Purchase Your $7,500 Notary Bond

Arkansas law requires a $7,500 surety bond for a 10-year commission term - one of the longest terms in the nation. You can obtain instant approval with no credit check required. The bond typically costs $75-100 for the entire 10-year period and must be uploaded with your online application to the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Step 4: Complete Online Application

Create an account on the Arkansas Secretary of State Business & Commercial Services portal at bcs.sos.arkansas.gov. Upload your exam certificate, bond certificate, and complete all required information. Pay the $20 application fee online.

Step 5: Take Oath and Begin Notarizing

After your application is approved, take your oath of office before your county clerk. Mail the completed oath to the Arkansas Secretary of State. Once your oath is filed, you'll receive your commission certificate. Purchase your notary seal and journal, and you're ready to begin performing notarial acts throughout Arkansas for your 10-year term.

Arkansas requires all notary applicants to pass a free online examination before submitting their commission application. This exam ensures that Arkansas notaries possess baseline knowledge of state notary laws, proper procedures, and ethical obligations before they are entrusted with notarial authority.

Exam Details and Format

The Arkansas notary examination is administered online through the Arkansas Secretary of State website at no cost to applicants. The exam tests knowledge of Arkansas notary statutes, proper identification procedures, certificate completion requirements, prohibited acts, and record-keeping obligations. A passing score of 80% is required to proceed with your notary application.

The exam is available online 24/7, allowing you to take it at your convenience from home or office. You can review Arkansas notary resources and reference materials before attempting the exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the exam after reviewing the material more thoroughly. There is no limit on the number of attempts, and the exam remains free regardless of how many times you take it.

Preparing for the Arkansas Notary Exam

The Arkansas Secretary of State provides study materials and resources to help applicants prepare for the exam. Review the Arkansas notary public handbook, which covers all topics tested on the examination. Pay particular attention to proper identification requirements, certificate completion procedures, prohibited acts (such as notarizing for family members or documents in which you have a beneficial interest), and journal record-keeping obligations.

Understanding the practical application of Arkansas notary law is more important than memorizing statutes. Focus on scenarios you will encounter as a notary: how to properly identify signers, what to do if a signer lacks proper identification, when you must refuse to notarize, and how to complete various notarial certificates correctly.

Exam Certificate for Your Application

Once you pass the exam, you will receive an exam completion certificate. You must upload this certificate along with your notary bond when submitting your online application through the Arkansas Secretary of State Business & Commercial Services portal. The certificate demonstrates to the state that you have met the knowledge requirement and are prepared to perform notarial acts competently.

Becoming an Arkansas notary public involves several steps that must be completed in proper sequence. The Arkansas Secretary of State has streamlined the process with an online application system, making it efficient and straightforward.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before beginning your application, confirm that you meet all Arkansas notary eligibility requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and either be a legal resident of Arkansas OR live in a bordering state (Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, or Oklahoma) and work or operate a business in Arkansas. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and able to read, write, and understand English.

Arkansas prohibits individuals with felony convictions from serving as notaries. You also cannot have had a notary commission revoked by any state within the past 10 years. These background requirements ensure that only qualified individuals with clean records are entrusted with notarial authority.

Step 2: Purchase Your $7,500 Notary Bond

Arkansas law requires you to purchase a $7,500 surety bond before applying for your notary commission. The bond must be for a 10-year term matching your commission length. Arkansas notary bonds typically cost between $75-100 for the entire 10-year period. Most notary bonds are available for instant approval with immediate electronic delivery.

After purchasing your bond, you will receive an electronic bond certificate. You will need to upload this bond certificate when submitting your online application to the Arkansas Secretary of State. Ensure the bond shows the correct bond amount ($7,500), your full legal name, and the 10-year term.

Step 3: Pass the Free Online Exam

Before you can submit your notary application, you must pass the Arkansas notary examination with a score of 80% or higher. Access the exam through the Arkansas Secretary of State website. Take time to review Arkansas notary materials and resources before attempting the exam. Once you pass, you will receive an exam completion certificate that must be uploaded with your application.

Step 4: Complete Online Application

Create an account on the Arkansas Secretary of State Business & Commercial Services portal at bcs.sos.arkansas.gov. Complete the online notary public application form with your personal information, contact details, and employment information if applicable. The online system guides you through each section and validates your entries to prevent errors.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Through the online portal, upload your notary bond certificate and exam completion certificate. The system accepts PDF and image file formats. Ensure your uploaded documents are clear and legible, as illegible submissions will delay processing. Double-check that the bond shows your exact legal name as it appears on your application.

Step 6: Pay the $20 Application Fee

The Arkansas Secretary of State charges a $20 fee for notary commission applications. Pay this fee online through the portal using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, so ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting payment. You will receive an electronic payment receipt for your records.

Step 7: Application Review and Approval

After submission, the Arkansas Secretary of State reviews your application, verifies your bond and exam certificate, and conducts a background check. Processing typically takes several business days to a few weeks depending on current volume. You can check your application status through the online portal. Once approved, the Secretary of State will notify you that you may proceed to take your oath of office.

Step 8: Take Oath of Office Before County Clerk

After your application is approved, you must take your oath of office before the county clerk in your county of residence. Contact your county clerk's office to schedule an appointment. Bring valid photo identification. The county clerk will administer the oath, which is your solemn promise to faithfully execute the duties of notary public according to Arkansas law. The clerk will complete the oath form and return it to you.

Step 9: Mail Completed Oath to Secretary of State

You must mail the completed and signed oath of office form to the Arkansas Secretary of State. You are not officially commissioned as an Arkansas notary until the Secretary of State receives and files your oath. Once filed, the Secretary of State will issue your official notary commission certificate. This certificate is proof of your authority to perform notarial acts throughout Arkansas for the next 10 years.

Step 10: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission certificate, purchase your official notary seal (stamp) and notary journal. Arkansas law specifies the required information for notary seals, including your name as commissioned, the words "Notary Public," "State of Arkansas," and your commission expiration date. You are now ready to begin performing notarial acts across Arkansas.

An Arkansas notary bond is a type of surety bond that provides financial protection to the public against losses caused by a notary's errors, omissions, or intentional misconduct. Understanding how these bonds function helps explain why Arkansas requires them and what obligations they create for notaries.

The Three-Party Bond Agreement

Arkansas notary bonds involve three parties: the principal (you, the notary), the obligee (the State of Arkansas and the general public), and the surety (the insurance company issuing the bond). When you purchase your notary bond, the surety company guarantees to the state and the public that you will perform your notarial duties properly and in accordance with Arkansas law.

Bond Claims and Financial Responsibility

If someone suffers financial loss due to your improper notarial act, they can file a claim against your $7,500 bond. The surety company investigates the claim and, if determined to be valid, pays the claimant up to the $7,500 bond limit. However, Arkansas law requires you to reimburse the surety company for all amounts paid, plus investigation costs, legal fees, and other expenses.

This means the bond protects the public, not you personally. You remain ultimately financially responsible for any valid claims. This structure creates a strong incentive for Arkansas notaries to follow proper procedures, maintain accurate records, and perform their duties with care and diligence. Claims against notary bonds can severely damage your credit rating and make it extremely difficult or impossible to obtain future notary bonds or professional licenses.

Common Reasons for Bond Claims in Arkansas

Most claims against Arkansas notary bonds arise from: improper identification of document signers, notarizing documents without the signer's personal appearance, failing to properly complete notarial certificates, notarizing documents in which the notary has a beneficial interest, notarizing for family members when prohibited, or performing notarial acts outside the scope of authority. Thorough knowledge of Arkansas notary law (gained through the exam), strict adherence to proper procedures, and complete documentation help prevent these costly errors.

Why Arkansas Chose a 10-Year Commission Term

Arkansas's decision to offer 10-year notary commissions reflects a deliberate policy choice balancing public protection with administrative efficiency. Longer commission terms reduce the bureaucratic burden on both notaries and the state, eliminating the need for frequent renewal processing that consumes resources without necessarily improving notary competency or public safety.

The combination of the mandatory exam requirement (ensuring initial competency) with the substantial $7,500 bond (providing ongoing financial protection) allows Arkansas to extend commission terms confidently. This approach recognizes that notarial competency doesn't diminish predictably over time - a well-trained notary who passes the exam and maintains proper procedures can perform reliably for a decade or more. The required bond remains in force throughout the entire term, ensuring continuous public protection even as the notary gains experience.