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Notary Requirements for Idaho: 2025 Updated

by Ben Camerota
Scenic view of Snake River Canyon in Idaho, with the river winding through steep, rugged cliffs and golden grassy slopes under a sky filled with dramatic clouds.

This guide provides comprehensive information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in Idaho as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, the application process, renewals, required tools, remote notarization rules, and answers common questions.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an Idaho Notary Public commission, you must:

  • Age: Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

  • Citizenship or Permanent Legal Residency: Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.

  • Residency or Employment/Practice in State: Be a resident of Idaho OR have a place of employment or practice in Idaho. Non-residents' commissions expire if Idaho employment/business ceases.

  • Language Proficiency: Be able to read and write English.

  • Disqualification Criteria: Not be disqualified per Idaho Code §51-123 (no felony convictions involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit; no prior denial, revocation, suspension, or resignation of a notarial commission in any jurisdiction).

 

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Application Process for New Notary Commission

The process involves online initiation and mail-in submission.

  1. Online Application Initiation: Create and log in to your SOSbiz account on the Idaho SOS website to access and complete the Notary Public Application form online.

  2. Print and Notarize Application: After completing the online form, print it, sign it (signature must match name on application), and have it notarized by another Idaho notary. The application includes an Oath of Office.

  3. Mail Submission: Mail the completed and notarized application form, original $10,000 surety bond, and $30 filing fee (check to Office of the Secretary of State) to the Idaho SOS within thirty days of printing the application.

    • Mailing Address: Office of the Secretary of State, 450 N. 4th Street, Boise, ID 83702 OR P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0080.

  4. Commission Issuance: SOS issues a new commission certificate. Processing is typically 1-2 weeks after submission.

    • Important: You are not authorized to perform notarial acts until you receive your commission certificate.

Fees Associated with Initial Commissioning

  • Application Filing Fee: $30.00 (online). Offline application fee may be $50.00. (City, county, state employees exempt if for employment).

  • Cost to Notarize Application: Separate cost paid to the notary who notarizes your application.

  • Surety Bond: Cost for a six-year, $10,000 bond varies (typically $50-$130).

  • Notary Supplies: Cost for official stamp and optional journal varies.

Surety Bond Requirements

All new and renewing notaries must obtain and maintain a $10,000 surety bond or its functional equivalent.

  • Provider: Issued by a licensed bonding or insurance company.

  • Purpose: Protects the public from notary errors or misconduct.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

A. Notary Seal (Stamp/Embosser): Mandatory. Use an official inked stamp on all notarized documents; must be copyable.

  • Content (within serrated/milled-edge border):

    1. Notary public's name (exactly as on commission).

    2. "Notary Public".

    3. "State of Idaho".

    4. State-issued commission number.

    5. "My commission expires" followed by expiration date (optional on stamp; if blank, manually print date on each document).

  • Format: Rectangular (max 2.25" x 1") or circular (max 1.75" dia.). No other info/graphics.

  • Security: Notary's responsibility. Do not allow others to use it. Report loss/theft promptly to SOS.

B. Notary Journal (Record Book): Not required by Idaho law for traditional or electronic notarizations, but strongly recommended by SOS as best practice.

  • Recommended Entries: Date/time, type of act, document description (date/type), signer's printed name/address, ID method (ID details), fee (if any), additional pertinent info.

  • Guidelines: Entries in ink, contemporaneous. Record refusals. Recommended retention: 10 years.

Oath of Office and Commission Recording

  • Oath: Included in application form, signed and notarized. Submitted with application.

  • Recording: SOS issues official commission certificate. Notaries cannot act until a certificate is received. No separate county recording of the commission itself is mentioned.

Commission Term and Expiration

  • Term: Six (6) years.

  • Expiration: Authority ends on this date. Stop notarizing immediately if expired.

Commission Renewal Process

  • Renewal Window: Up to 90 days before expiration (recommended at least 60 days).

  • Process: Same as initial application:

    1. New six-year, $10,000 surety bond.

    2. Complete Notary Public Application form online (print, sign, notarize).

    3. Mail notarized application, new bond, and $30 renewal fee to SOS.

  • Lapsed Commission: If expired, stop notarizing. Reapply as new (full process).

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Idaho

Legal since January 1, 2020.

A. Requirements for Becoming an Idaho Remote Online Notary:

  • Hold existing traditional ID Notary Public commission.

  • Create an SOSbiz account.

  • Contract with a RON software provider meeting state standards.

  • Complete Electronic or Remote Online Notarization form. Print, sign Statement of Compliance, have form notarized.

  • Mail notarized application, $20 filing fee, and sample RON provider's notarial certificate to SOS.

  • Receive authorization certificate from SOS.

B. Training and Examination: Mandatory RON training course (SOS-approved). Proof of completion with application. No exam for RON authorization itself.

C. Technology Requirements for RON Platforms: SOS-approved. Must provide: continuous, synchronous audio-visual feeds; ID proofing resolution; authentication; quality recording; tamper-evident records; e-seal affixation; compliant e-journal.

D. Electronic Notary Tools: Digital certificate (e-signature), e-seal. E-journal often provided by platform.

E. Identification Procedures for Remote Notarization: Personal knowledge, OR satisfactory evidence by oath/affirmation of credible witness, OR at least two different types of identity proofing (e.g., dynamic KBA + credential analysis of government ID).

F. Record Keeping for RON: While general Idaho law doesn't mandate journals for traditional/electronic acts, RON platforms typically provide and require an electronic journal. Technology requirements specify platform capability for "recording of the electronic notarial act in sufficient quality for verification" and an "electronic notary journal." Best practice: maintain thorough e-journal and A/V recordings.

G. Location Requirements for Notary and Principal during RON: Notary must be physically in Idaho. Principal can be anywhere globally (conditions for international: act not prohibited by foreign state, U.S. connection for matter).

H. Excluded Documents for RON: No specific exclusions listed in provided information; assume most documents eligible for traditional notarization can be done via RON if requirements met.

Official Resources and Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the basic eligibility requirements to become an Idaho Notary Public?

A: ≥18, U.S. citizen/permanent legal resident, ID resident or employed/practicing in ID, read/write English, no disqualifying convictions (e.g., fraud, dishonesty, deceit felonies).

Q: How do I apply for a new Idaho Notary Public commission?

A: Initiate online via SOSbiz, print/notarize application (includes oath), mail with original $10k surety bond and $30 fee to ID SOS.

Q: Is there a fee to apply for or renew an Idaho Notary Public commission?

A: Yes, $30.00 for new or renewal. RON authorization is an additional $20.

Q: How long does an Idaho Notary Public commission last, and how do I renew it?

A: Six (6) years. Renew by the same process as new application (new bond, notarized application, $30 fee). Start up to 90 days prior to expiration.

Q: Is a surety bond required for Idaho Notaries Public?

A: Yes, a six-year, $10,000 surety bond is mandatory.

Q: What are the requirements for an Idaho Notary Public seal?

A: Mandatory inked stamp. Rectangular/circular with serrated/milled-edge border. Includes: name, "Notary Public," "State of Idaho," commission number. Expiration date optional on stamp (if blank, print manually).

Q: Am I required to keep a notary journal in Idaho?

A: Not legally required for traditional/electronic notarizations, but strongly recommended by SOS. RON platforms usually require/provide an e-journal.

Q: What are the rules for Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Idaho?

A: Legal. Requires existing commission, SOSbiz account, contract with approved RON provider, notarized RON application form, $20 fee, and RON training. Notary in ID, signer anywhere.

Q: What are the maximum fees an Idaho Notary Public can charge for services?

A: Max $5.00 per notarial act. Reasonable travel expenses may be compensated separately.

Q: What activities are prohibited for an Idaho Notary Public?

A: Cannot draft legal records, give legal advice, act as immigration consultant, engage in false/deceptive advertising, or withhold original records.

Always consult official Idaho SOS resources for the most current information.

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