This guide provides comprehensive information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in Connecticut as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, the application process, renewals, required tools, remote notarization rules, and answers common questions.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Application Process for New Notary Commission
- Surety Bond
- Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
- Oath of Office and Recording the Commission
- Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Official Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Connecticut notary commission, you must:
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Age and Residency/Business: Be at least 18 years old AND either reside in Connecticut OR have your principal place of business in Connecticut. (Non-residents must maintain a primary CT business address).
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Character: Be of good moral character. Felony convictions, prior notary commission revocation, or fraud may lead to denial. A character reference is required during application.
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Understand Laws: Be able to read and write English and be willing to learn and follow Connecticut’s notary laws. New applicants must pass an open-book notary exam (100% score required) included in the online application. Study the Connecticut Notary Public Manual beforehand.
Get a notary stamp that meets Connecticut’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.
Order Connecticut Notary Stamp
Application Process for New Notary Commission (Online via eLicense)
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Study the Manual: Thoroughly read the official Connecticut Notary Public Manual (available from the CT Secretary of State website) to prepare for the exam.
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Complete Jurat and Writing Sample Form: Download this form, complete it in your handwriting, and sign it before an official authorized to administer oaths (e.g., another notary, town clerk, attorney). They will complete the jurat section.
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Obtain Certificate of Character: Download this form. Have it completed and signed by a reputable business/professional person or public official (unrelated to you) who has known you for at least one year. Digital signatures are acceptable.
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Apply Online via eLicense: Create an account on the CT eLicense portal. Start an "Initial Application" for "Notary Public Commission." Fill in your details, complete the integrated notary exam (refer to the manual), and upload the completed Jurat/Writing Sample and Certificate of Character forms.
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Pay Fee: Pay the non-refundable $120 application fee online via credit/debit card or ACH.
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Await Approval: Processing typically takes 3-5 business days if all forms are correct. Approval and your Certificate of Appointment (showing commission details and expiration date) will be sent via email.
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Take Oath & Record Commission: Within 30 days of receiving your certificate, you MUST take an Oath of Office and record your commission with the appropriate town clerk (see "Oath of Office" section below). You cannot notarize until this is done.
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Lapsed Commission (>90 Days): If your previous CT commission expired more than 90 days ago, contact the Secretary of State’s Notary Public Unit (bsd@ct.gov) for reinstatement instructions, which mirror the new application process ($120 fee, forms, exam).
Surety Bond
Connecticut does not require notaries to obtain a surety bond. However, notaries are personally liable for errors. Optional Notary Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is recommended for personal protection but is not mandated by law.
Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
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Notary Seal (Stamp/Embosser): Optional. Connecticut law does not require a seal.
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If used: Must contain your commissioned name, "Notary Public," and "Connecticut." Including the expiration date ("My Commission Expires...") is optional but common.
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If NOT used: You MUST legibly print or type "Notary Public" and "My commission expires on [your expiration date]" near your signature on every notarization.
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Recommendation: Using a seal is standard practice and recommended for clarity and acceptance. Obtain seals from office supply vendors after commissioning.
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Notary Journal (Record Book): Optional. Connecticut law does not require a journal for traditional (in-person) notarizations.
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Recommendation: Strongly recommended by the Secretary of State as proof of proper notarial acts and protection against liability. Best practice includes logging date, document type, signer name, ID method, etc. Especially prudent for remote notarizations. Use a bound book or secure electronic journal.
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Oath of Office and Recording the Commission
This step is mandatory for both new and renewing notaries before performing any notarial acts.
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Administer Oath: Within 30 days of receiving your Certificate of Appointment, take the Oath of Office before an authorized official (e.g., town clerk, another notary, judge). Sign the oath section on your certificate in their presence.
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Record Certificate: Record the signed Certificate of Appointment with the town clerk:
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CT Residents: Town clerk of the town where you reside.
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Non-Residents (working in CT): Town clerk of the town where your principal CT place of business is located.
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Pay Recording Fee: Pay the $20 fee to the town clerk for recording.
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Deadline: Failure to take the oath and record within 30 days may void your commission.
Once recorded, you are officially authorized to notarize.
Commission Term and Expiration
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Term: 5 years.
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Expiration: Calculated to the last day of the month, 5 years after appointment (e.g., appointed June 15, 2025, expires June 30, 2030). Date is on your certificate.
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Authority ends precisely on expiration date; no grace period for notarizing.
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Resignation: Notify the Secretary of State in writing.
Commission Renewal Process
Renew online via eLicense, starting 90 days before expiration up to 90 days after.
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Renewal Notice: The Secretary of State emails/mails a renewal notice with a PIN ~90 days before expiration. If not received, contact bsd@ct.gov.
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Renew Online: Log into eLicense (using PIN or account), complete the renewal application, and confirm/update contact info. (No new character/writing forms usually needed for timely renewal).
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Pay Renewal Fee: Pay the $60 renewal fee online.
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Receive New Certificate: Upon approval, a new Certificate of Appointment for the next 5-year term will be emailed.
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Take Oath & Record Renewal: Repeat the Oath of Office and recording process (Steps 1-3 under "Oath of Office" section above) with your new certificate and pay the $20 town clerk fee within 30 days of renewal approval. This is mandatory for the renewed commission to be active.
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Renewal Window:
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Up to 90 days before expiration: Recommended for continuous authority.
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Up to 90 days after expiration (Grace Period): Renewal still possible at $60 fee, BUT you cannot notarize during the lapse period (between expiration and completing the renewal oath/recording).
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Expired more than 90 days: Must re-apply as a new notary ($120 fee, forms, exam).
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Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Connecticut
Effective October 1, 2023 (Public Act 23-28), CT notaries can perform remote notarizations under specific conditions. This functions more like "Remote Ink Notarization" (RIN) than fully electronic notarization.
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Requirements:
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Location: Notary MUST be physically located in Connecticut during the act. Signer can be anywhere.
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Technology: Simultaneous, live audio-video communication (e.g., Zoom, Teams).
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Identification: Notary identifies signer via personal knowledge or satisfactory ID presented on camera.
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Paper Document: Transaction must involve a physical paper document.
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Process: Signer signs the paper document on camera, then sends the original document to the notary. Notary receives the paper document, completes the notarial certificate (signing/sealing), and returns it. Notarial date is the date of the video session.
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Prohibited Documents: Remote notarization is NOT allowed for:
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Documents intended for recording in Connecticut land records (deeds, mortgages, etc.).
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Wills and codicils.
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(Consult PA 23-28 for any other specific exclusions). These require traditional in-person notarization.
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No Special Registration: No separate application, fee, or "e-notary" registration required for CT notaries to perform remote acts. It's optional.
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Record Keeping: While not mandated, keeping a detailed journal entry and potentially a recording of the session is highly recommended for RON acts.
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Note: This is a relatively new process. Stick to paper documents and follow Secretary of State guidance.
Official Resources
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CT Secretary of the State – Notary Public Licensing: Main info page, manual, forms. (Search on CT.gov)
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CT eLicense System: Portal for online applications/renewals (eLicense.ct.gov).
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Notary Public Manual (2023): Essential reading (PDF on SoS website).
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CT General Statutes: Chapter 3, Sections 3-94a et seq. & Public Act 23-28.
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Notary Public Unit Contact: bsd@ct.gov or (860) 509-6002 for questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What should I do if I lose my notary seal or stamp (or if it’s stolen)?
A: Report the loss or theft immediately to both your local police department and the Secretary of the State’s Notary Public Unit (bsd@ct.gov). This creates a record to protect you from fraudulent use. Obtain a replacement seal with your current commission information. Always keep your seal secure.
Q: How much can a Connecticut notary charge for notarizations?
A: Connecticut law sets a maximum fee of $5.00 per notarial act (e.g., acknowledgment, jurat). Notaries may charge less or nothing. An optional travel fee of $0.35 per mile is allowed if agreed upon with the signer beforehand. The $5.00 maximum fee also applies to remote notarizations.
Q: My notary commission expired! Can I renew it or do I have to start over?
A: It depends on how long ago it expired: Expired within the last 90 days: Yes, you can still renew online via eLicense. The fee is $60 (plus $20 for town clerk recording). However, you cannot legally notarize during the time between expiration and completing the renewal oath/recording. Contact bsd@ct.gov if you need your renewal PIN. Expired more than 90 days ago: No, you cannot renew. Your commission has fully lapsed. You must re-apply as a brand-new notary, which involves the full application process (forms, exam) and the $120 fee (plus $20 recording fee).
Q: Do I need to get a new seal or stamp when I renew my commission?
A: Not necessarily a new device, but if your seal includes an expiration date, it must reflect the new date after renewal. You can either:
- Order a new seal or stamp insert with the updated date, OR
- Continue using the old seal but legibly write or type the correct new expiration date near your signature on every notarization. If your seal never had a date, you must continue to write/type the current expiration date anyway.
Q: How do I update my name or address on my notary commission during my term?
A: You must notify the Secretary of State (bsd@ct.gov) within 30 days of the change:
- Address Change: Email bsd@ct.gov. They will provide instructions to update your address in the eLicense system yourself. There is no fee. If you move towns, notify the respective town clerks.
- Name Change: Complete the official Notary Public Change of Name form (from CT.gov) and email it to bsd@ct.gov. Pay the $15 fee when invoiced to receive an updated Certificate of Appointment. You must then obtain a new notary seal reflecting your new legal name and use that name for all subsequent notarizations.
Q: Is an official notary seal required in Connecticut, or can I notarize without one?
A: A physical notary seal (stamp or embosser) is not legally required in Connecticut. However, if you do not use a seal, you MUST legibly print or type your name, the title "Notary Public," and your commission expiration date ("My Commission Expires [date]") on every document you notarize near your signature. Using a seal is highly recommended for professionalism and acceptance.
Q: Is a notary journal required in Connecticut?
A: No, Connecticut law does not require notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts for traditional or remote notarizations. However, the Secretary of State strongly recommends keeping a detailed journal as a best practice for liability protection and proof of your actions.
Q: Can Connecticut notaries perform remote online notarizations for anyone, or are there limitations?
A: Connecticut notaries can perform remote notarizations (using live audio-video), but with key limitations: The notary must be physically located in Connecticut during the act. It is prohibited for documents affecting Connecticut real estate (deeds, mortgages) and for wills/codicils. These require in-person notarization. The process requires using physical paper documents that are signed on camera and then mailed between the signer and notary for completion (Remote Ink Notarization). No special state registration is needed for the notary to perform these acts.