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United States · Licensing exam

How much does it cost to become a notary?

State fees run from about $40 to $130, but courses, bonds and supplies can add more. In New York you pay $15 for the exam and $60 for the commission. In California the exam and application fee is $40, but the required course, fingerprints and bond come on top. These are the official fees as of October 2026.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Official fees by state

StateExamApplication or commissionOther required costs
New York$15$60 (4-year term)None required by the state
California$40 exam and application processing ($20 to retake)Included in the $406-hour approved course, Live Scan fingerprints, $15,000 bond
North CarolinaSet by your course provider$506-hour course within 3 months before applying
Pennsylvania$65 per attempt$423-hour approved course
ConnecticutPart of the application$120 ($60 to renew)None listed by the state
HawaiiNo separate fee listed$20 application, $100 commissionOfficial bond and seal

Each state changes its fees from time to time. Check the official page on the day you pay.

New York in detail

The written exam is $15, paid at the exam site by check or money order to the Department of State, or by MasterCard or Visa. Cash isn’t accepted, and the fee isn’t refundable.

Once you pass, the commission application is $60, for a 4-year term. Renewal is also $60. New York doesn’t make you take a course or buy a bond, so you could become a notary for $75 in state fees.

California in detail

The $40 covers the exam and application processing. Pay by check or money order to the Secretary of State, since cash isn’t accepted at the exam site. If you failed your last exam, the retake fee is $20.

You also pay for an approved 6-hour course, Live Scan fingerprints and a $15,000 surety bond. Prices for these vary by provider, and the Secretary of State doesn’t set them.

What notaries can charge

Because people also search for what a notary costs: New York sets the fee at $2 for an oath or an acknowledgment, per person. Electronic notaries may charge up to $25 per act. California’s maximum is $15 per signature for an acknowledgment, and $15 for a jurat.

County clerks in New York must keep a notary on staff who notarizes for the public for free during business hours.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewNotary examHow many questionsHow many questions are on the notary exam?Exam scheduleHow to book the notary examOnline examCan you take the notary exam online?Study guideNotary study guides: the official books for each statePractice testNotary practice examWhere to learnWhere to study for the notary exam
Sources: NY Department of State, California Secretary of State, North Carolina Secretary of State and 8 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.