Notary Requirements for Georgia: 2025 Updated

This guide provides comprehensive, up to date information on becoming and renewing as a Notary Public in Georgia as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, application steps, mandatory training, seal and journal requirements, fees, restrictions, and answers common questions, reflecting new laws effective January 1, 2025. Notaries are commissioned by county Clerks of Superior Court, with statewide oversight by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA), under O.C.G.A. Title 45, Chapter 17.

• Georgia Notary Commission Quick Facts
• Eligibility Requirements
• Application Process for a Georgia Notary Commission
  • Commission Term and Expiration
  • Commission Renewal Process
• Required Notary Tools and Supplies
• Notary Bond and Insurance
• Remote Online Notarization (RON)
• Responsibilities, Prohibitions, and Limitations
• Fees Notaries Are Allowed to Charge
• Official References and Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Georgia Notary Commission Quick Facts (2025)

• Commissioning Authority: Clerk of Superior Court in applicant's county (GSCCCA provides state oversight).

• Term: 4 years.

• Eligibility: 18+; US citizen or legal resident; GA resident of county (or bordering-state resident working in GA); English literate; valid phone#; good character.

• Application Fee: ~$40–$55 (varies by county).

• Mandatory Training: Yes (required before initial & renewal appointments via GSCCCA).

• Oath of Office: Yes (taken at Clerk’s office).

• Notary Seal Required: Yes (stamp or embosser with specific info).

• Journal Required: Yes (for certain acts like self-filed property docs; recommended for all notarizations).

• Surety Bond Required: No (Optional E&O insurance recommended).

• Max Notarial Fee: $2 per notarial act.

• Jurisdiction: Statewide within Georgia.

• Remote Online Notarization (RON): Not Allowed (physical presence required).

Get a notary stamp that meets Georgia’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.

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Eligibility Requirements in Georgia

To qualify for a Georgia notary commission, you must meet these criteria:

1. Age: Be at least 18 years old.

2. Citizenship/Residency (US): Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the United States.

3. Residency (GA): Be a legal resident of the Georgia county where you apply.

   • Exception: Residents of bordering states (AL, FL, NC, SC, TN) who regularly work or own a business in Georgia may apply in the GA county of their employment/business. Proof is required.

4. English Proficiency: Be able to read and write English.

5. Contact: Provide a valid telephone number on the application.

6. Character: Be of good moral character. Two county residents must endorse your application. Criminal history (felony, dishonesty crimes) may lead to denial; disclosure is required, and background checks may be conducted by the county.

7. Mandatory Training: NEW (2025): Complete a GSCCCA-approved Notary Public training course and pass the exam (90% score) before applying or renewing. (Attorneys admitted to the GA Bar are exempt).

Application Process for a Georgia Notary Commission

Applications are processed by the Clerk of Superior Court in your county, often using the GSCCCA online portal.

1. Complete Mandatory Training: Register for and complete the official Georgia Notary Public Training Course via the GSCCCA eLearn website. Pass the final exam (90% required) and print your Certificate of Completion. (Attorneys submit GA Bar card instead).

2. Fill Out Notary Application Form: Use the GSCCCA Notary Application web portal (if your county participates) or obtain a paper form from the Clerk's office. Provide accurate personal information, answer disclosure questions honestly, and secure signatures from two endorsers (unrelated county residents, 18+, known you 30+ days) who attest to your character.

3. Submit Application In Person & Take Oath: Appear in person at the Clerk of Superior Court’s office in your county. Bring:

   • Completed application form.

   • Training Certificate of Completion (or Bar card).

   • Government-issued photo ID.

   • Proof of county residency (if not on ID) or proof of GA employment (for bordering state residents).

   • Criminal background check report (if required by your county – check locally).

   • Payment for the fee. At the office, you will sign the application and take the official Oath of Office administered by a clerk, formally accepting your duties.

4. Pay Commission Fee: Pay the county's fee ($40-$55 range) to the Clerk's office.

5. Receive Commission Certificate: If approved, the Clerk will issue your official paper Notary Commission Certificate, usually the same day. Keep this safe.

6. Obtain Notary Seal: Purchase an official notary seal (stamp or embosser) from a vendor before notarizing any documents.

• Note: Always check with your specific county Clerk's office for exact fees, background check rules, or other local procedural variations.

Commission Term and Expiration

• Term: 4 years from issuance date.

• Authority: Valid statewide within Georgia.

• Moving within GA: Notify your original commissioning Clerk and GSCCCA of your new address within 30 days. Your commission remains valid under the original county until expiration. Renew in your new county of residence.

• Moving Out of GA: Your commission becomes void (unless qualifying as a bordering state employee). Resign by notifying the Clerk/GSCCCA and destroy your seal.

• Name Change: Notify Clerk/GSCCCA within 30 days with old/new name and new signature. Obtain confirmation, then get a new seal with the new name before using it. Your term continues.

• Expiration: Commission ends on the expiration date. No grace period. Stop notarizing if expired.

Commission Renewal Process

Renewal requires reapplying and follows steps similar to the initial application.

1. When to Renew: Apply within the 30-day period immediately before your commission expires. Applying earlier is not permitted.

2. Mandatory Training: Complete the GSCCCA training course again within 30 days prior to submitting your renewal application. Attach the new certificate.

3. Application Form: Use the standard application form (select "Renewal") via GSCCCA portal or paper. Endorsers may still be required (check with your county). Renew in your current county of residence (if you moved, it's technically a new application in the new county).

4. Submit & Take Oath: Appear at the Clerk's office (unless mail-in is permitted by your county), pay the renewal fee ($40-$55 range), and take the Oath of Office again.

5. Seal: You may reuse your seal only if your name and county are unchanged. You must update the expiration date if it's on your seal (get a new stamp/insert or write the date). A new seal is required if your name or county changed.

6. Lapse: If expired, you must apply as a new notary (no retroactive renewal).

Required Notary Tools and Supplies

• Notary Seal (Mandatory): Must be used on every notarization.
  
  

  • Format: Rubber ink stamp or metal embosser.

  • Required Content: Your name (as commissioned), "Notary Public," "Georgia" (or "GA"), and your county of commission.

  • Recommended: Include commission expiration date.

  • Security: Keep secure; report loss/theft to Clerk/GSCCCA within 10 days. Destroy upon resignation/expiration.

• Notary Journal (Mandatory for some acts / Recommended for ALL):
  
  

  • NEW (2025 Requirement): Required for notarizations requested by "self-filers" of documents affecting property (deeds, liens, etc.).

  • Best Practice: Keep a journal for all notarial acts for compliance and protection.

  • Format: Secure bound paper book or tamper-evident electronic log.

  • Required Entries (per law for self-filers): Signer name/address/phone, date/time/location of act, ID type used (or personal knowledge), signer's signature in journal, type of act, type of document. Add fees charged, document date, etc., as good practice.

  • Security: Keep confidential and secure.

• Other Recommended Tools: Georgia Notary Handbook (from GSCCCA), loose notarial certificate forms (for documents lacking them), Notary Contact Information Change Form.
  
  

Notary Bond and Insurance

• Surety Bond: Not Required in Georgia.

• Notary Liability: You are personally liable for damages caused by your errors or misconduct.

• Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Optional but Highly Recommended. Protects you financially against claims/lawsuits resulting from unintentional mistakes. Purchase from insurance providers.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Georgia

• Status: NOT ALLOWED as of May 2025.

• Requirement: Signer MUST physically appear before the notary in Georgia.

• Invalid Acts: Notarizations via webcam, Zoom, etc., are invalid under current GA law.

• In-Person Electronic Notarization: Allowed (notary and signer physically together using electronic signatures/seals), but distinct from prohibited RON.

• Expired Orders: Temporary COVID-era allowances for remote acts have expired.

• Legislation: RON bills have been proposed but not enacted. Stay updated via GSCCCA.

Responsibilities, Prohibitions, and Limitations

• Authorized Acts: Witness signatures, take acknowledgments, administer oaths/affirmations, witness affidavits, take verifications, make certified copies (of non-public, original documents only).

• Identify Signer: Use personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence (current government-issued photo ID). Assess signer's competence and willingness.

• Impartiality: Avoid conflicts of interest. Cannot notarize own signature or documents where you are a party/beneficiary. Avoid notarizing for immediate family if possible.

• Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL): STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

  • Do not give legal advice.

  • Do not draft legal documents.

  • Do not choose certificate type for signer.

  • Do not use "Notario" misleadingly. Mandatory disclaimer ("I am not an attorney...") required if advertising notary services in non-English languages.

• Proper Practices: Complete certificates fully, use seal on every act, record journal entries (especially if required), never pre/post-date, don't notarize incomplete documents.

• Penalties: Misconduct can lead to commission revocation, civil liability, or criminal charges.

Fees Notaries Are Allowed to Charge

• Maximum Notarial Fee: $2.00 per act (signature notarized, oath administered, etc.).

• Inform Signer: Must inform signer of the fee before performing the act.

• Travel/Convenience Fees: Allowed, but are separate from the $2 notary fee. Must be agreed upon with the signer in advance. Not set by law.

• Fee Posting: Required if advertising services (especially non-English).

• Waiver: You may charge less than $2 or waive fees entirely.

• Overcharging: Prohibited and subject to penalties.

Official References and Resources

• Georgia Law: O.C.G.A. Title 45, Chapter 17 (available online).

• GSCCCA (gsccca.org): State oversight body. Provides online application portal, training course, county clerk directory, FAQs, forms, apostilles.

• County Clerk of Superior Court: Your commissioning authority. Handles applications, oaths, fees, local requirements, record updates, complaints.

• Georgia Notary Handbook: Official guide, order via GSCCCA.

• (Not the Secretary of State): GA SoS does not handle notary commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What should I do if I lose my notary seal or it’s stolen?

A: Notify your commissioning Clerk of Superior Court and the GSCCCA in writing within 10 days of discovery. Report the loss/theft and date. Obtain a new seal immediately. Secure your seals properly.

Q: I legally changed my name – how do I update my notary commission?

A: Notify your Clerk and GSCCCA in writing within 30 days using the Contact Information Change Form or a letter. Provide old/new names and new signature specimen. Once confirmed by the Clerk, get a new seal with the new name before using it for notarizations. Your commission term continues.

Q: My notary commission expired and I forgot to renew. Can I renew after expiration?

A: No. You must apply for a new commission (training, application, endorsers, fee, oath). Stop notarizing immediately upon expiration. There is no grace period for renewal in Georgia.

Q: Can I charge for travel or other extra services as a notary in Georgia?

A: Yes. The $2 fee cap applies only to the notarial act itself. You can charge separate, pre-agreed fees for travel, convenience, printing, etc. These fees are not regulated by notary law but require transparency and agreement with the client.

Q: I’ve moved to a different county in Georgia. Is my notary commission still valid?

A: Yes, it remains valid statewide until expiration. Notify the original Clerk and GSCCCA of your new address within 30 days. You will renew/reapply in your new county of residence when your current term expires.

Q: Can I notarize documents for my family members?

A: Georgia law doesn't explicitly forbid it, but it's strongly discouraged due to potential conflicts of interest or appearance of bias. Never notarize if you are a party or beneficiary. Use caution; refer family to another notary when possible.

Q: What if a document doesn’t have a notary section – can I still notarize it?

A: Yes, but you must attach or write a complete Georgia-compliant notarial certificate (acknowledgment or jurat, based on signer's need). Ask the signer which type is required. Never just stamp without the certificate wording.

Q: How do I get an apostille for a notarized document?

A: The document recipient requests it from the GSCCCA Notary Division in Atlanta. They verify your commission and attach the apostille certificate for international use. Your role is ensuring your notarization is correct.

Q: Where can I find the Georgia notary laws and rules?

A: Primary law is O.C.G.A. Title 45, Chapter 17. Rules and guidance are available on the GSCCCA website (gsccca.org) and in the Georgia Notary Handbook. Contact your county Clerk for local procedures.