How to Become a Notary in Kentucky

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

No

Exam Required

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

Yes

Commission Term

4 years

Journal Required

No

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in Kentucky

Education:

Not required.

Education Final:

No training is required.

Exam:

Not required.

Exam Final:

No exam is required.

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

All Kentucky notary applicants are required to maintain a four-year, $1,000 notary bond for the duration of their notary term. The notary bond protects the public from a notary’s errors. If a member of the public files a claim against a notary’s bond, the bonding company is very likely to sue the notary to recoup the funds it paid on the notary’s behalf.

Bond Final:

Yes, a $1,000 bond is required

Applictation:

The process of becoming a notary public in Kentucky involves several steps, including application submission, approval, and obtaining the necessary supplies.

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

File Oath And Commission:

After obtaining the bond, the applicant takes an oath of office, administered by a county clerk, and files the bond and oath with the clerk’s office. The commission is valid for four years and must be renewed to continue serving as a notary.

File Oath And Commission Final:

Yes, an Oath is required

Take the Notary Fundamentals Course Today

Coming Soon

Get the clarity and tools you need to decide if notary work is right for you. This practical course explains what a notary does, the skills required, costs, and potential income — and guides you in building a personalized action plan to get commissioned and start finding work.

Kentucky Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

The Kentucky Secretary of States receives applications for appointment and reappointment as a notary public, administers the commissioning process, and maintains an electronic database of active notaries and online notaries.

Always Verify the Information with your State’s Official Notary Licensing Agency.