How to Get an Arkansas Notary Bond in 2026

What the Arkansas notary bond is

Arkansas requires every notary public to carry a $7,500 surety bond payable to the State of Arkansas. The commission lasts 10 years, and the bond covers that full term.

The bond protects the public. If a notary makes a mistake and someone loses money because of it, that person can claim against the bond. The surety pays a valid claim, then collects it back from the notary. The coverage that protects you is Errors and Omissions (E&O), a separate policy. Our guide on the notary bond versus E&O explains the difference.

One more Arkansas rule: an employer cannot cancel an employee's notary bond, even if the employer paid for it.

Who can become an Arkansas notary

• At least 18 years old, and able to read and write English
• A U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident alien with a recorded Declaration of Domicile
• A legal resident of Arkansas, or a resident of an adjoining state who works or runs a business in Arkansas, or a nonresident spouse of a U.S. military service member who works or runs a business in Arkansas
• No felony conviction
• No notary commission revoked in the past 10 years

The steps, in order

1. Buy your bond first. Through Natural State Notary Bond you pay $50 for the 10-year, $7,500 bond, and $5,000 of E&O is included at no additional cost. American Surety Company underwrites the bond. Put your name on the bond exactly as you want it on your seal, because the two must match.
2. Create a new account on the [Secretary of State portal](https://bcs.sos.arkansas.gov/). The state moved to a new online system on January 25, 2024, and you need a new account even if you had one before that date.
3. Pass the [online notary exam](https://www.classmarker.com/online-test/start/?quiz=ey664f0d6f1e2c38). It is a short multiple-choice exam, and you need 80% to pass. Our exam guide covers how it fits in.
4. Apply online. Sign electronically, upload your bond and your exam certificate, and pay the $20 state fee by card. A card convenience fee is added.
5. Receive two Oath of Commission certificates from the Secretary of State.
6. Take both certificates and your original bond to your circuit clerk. In Arkansas the circuit clerk acts as the county recorder of deeds. You are sworn in and pay the county filing fee.
7. Return one completed oath certificate to the Secretary of State as soon as possible. Your commission is not valid until both filings, county and state, are done.
8. Buy your seal. The Secretary of State does not issue stamps. Your seal shows your commission number and expiration date, so order it after your commission is issued.

What it costs

County fees are set locally. As one example, Boone and Pulaski counties charge $15 for the first page and $5 for each additional page. Call your circuit clerk for the amount in your county. You can see the full breakdown on our home page.

After you are commissioned

• Seal: a rubber stamp or embosser, in blue or black ink, that can be photocopied. It must show your name exactly as you sign, the county where your bond is filed, "Notary Public", "Arkansas", your commission expiration date and your commission number. It may not show the Arkansas state seal or an outline of the state.
• Journal: not required for traditional notarizations, but recommended. A journal is required for remote notarizations.
• Fees you charge: Arkansas sets no maximum. You may charge a reasonable fee that you disclose and the signer agrees to in advance. Overcharging carries a fine of at least $100 per offense.

Mistakes that slow people down

• A name that does not match. The name on your bond and the name on your seal must match, so decide how it reads before you buy.
• Using an old portal account. Accounts from before January 25, 2024 do not carry over. Create a new one.
• Stopping after the county visit. Your commission is not valid until one completed oath certificate is back with the Secretary of State.
• Ordering a seal too early. Your seal needs your commission number and expiration date.