How to Become a Notary in Iowa

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

Yes

Exam Required

Yes

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

No

Commission Term

3 years

Journal Required

No

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in Iowa

Education:

Training is mandatory for all first-time notary applicants. Complete an approved course covering statutes, procedures, and ethics Pass a closed-book exam to demonstrate proficiency Certain officials (e.g., judges) may be exempt

Education Final:

Yes, must complete an approved training course.

Exam Final:

Yes, an exam is required

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

Obtain a $7,500 surety bond along with an official oath form. Submit the bond, oath, application, and fees together. Keep documentation for your records.

Bond Final:

Yes, a $7,500 bond is required

Applictation:

You may check the steps in this link: https://sos.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/notaryhandbook.pdf

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

File Oath And Commission Final:

No Oath is required

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Iowa Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

The Iowa Secretary of States receives applications for appointment and reappointment for notaries public, electronic notaries public, and remote online notaries public and administers the commissioning process for all these types of notaries public.

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