Arkansas Notary Renewal in 2026

When you can renew

You can apply no earlier than 60 days before your commission expires. The Secretary of State rejects renewal applications that come in earlier than that.

What a renewal needs

• A new bond. Each 10-year commission needs its own $7,500 bond. Last term's bond does not carry over.
• A passed exam. The state exam is required for renewals too, and you need 80% to pass. See our exam guide.
• The $20 state fee, paid by card on the portal. A card convenience fee is added.
• A new seal. Your expiration date is on your seal, so the old one cannot be used for the new term.

Renewal steps

1. Get your new bond. Through Natural State Notary Bond it is $50 for the 10-year, $7,500 bond with $5,000 of E&O included. Keep the name on the bond the same as the name you want on your new seal.
2. Log in to the [Secretary of State portal](https://bcs.sos.arkansas.gov/). If your last account was created before January 25, 2024, you need a new account on the current system.
3. Pass the [online notary exam](https://www.classmarker.com/online-test/start/?quiz=ey664f0d6f1e2c38) with 80% or better.
4. Submit your renewal and pay the $20 fee, no earlier than 60 days before your expiration date.
5. Order your new seal once your new commission is issued, since it shows the new expiration date.

What a renewal costs

If you are past your expiration date

If it has been more than 60 days since your commission expired, you no longer file a renewal. You file a new application instead, the same way a first-time notary does. Our guide on how to get an Arkansas notary bond walks through every step.

Either way, start early so you are not left without a commission while the state processes your filing.