This guide provides comprehensive information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in Kentucky as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, the application process, renewals, required tools, remote notarization rules, and answers common questions.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Application Process
- Oath, Bond, and Filing
- Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
- Commission Term and Expiration
- Renewing Notary Public Commission
- Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Changes to Commission Information
- Resources and Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Kentucky Notary Public State-at-Large commission, you must:
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Age: Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
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Citizenship/Legal Residency: Be a citizen or a permanent legal resident of the United States.
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Residency or Employment/Practice in County: Be a resident of, or have a place of employment or practice in, the Kentucky county where the application is submitted.
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Literacy: Be able to read and write English.
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Disqualification Factors: Not be disqualified under KRS 423.395 (e.g., no unpardoned felony convictions or other conduct rendering one unsuitable for public office). Good moral character is expected.
(Kentucky also offers a "Special Commission Notary" appointed by the Governor, allowing acts inside/outside KY for documents recorded only in KY. This guide focuses on the State-at-Large commission.)
Get a notary stamp that meets Kentucky’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.
Application Process for a New Kentucky Notary Public Commission
Kentucky’s process involves the Secretary of State (SOS) and your local County Clerk.
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Submit Application to SOS:
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Download and accurately complete the official application form from the SOS website.
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Mail the completed application with a $10.00 non-refundable filing fee (payable to Kentucky State Treasurer) to: Notary Commissions, P.O. Box 821, Frankfort, KY 40602-0821.
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Await SOS Approval:
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The SOS office will review your application.
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If approved, you will receive a written notice or email notification. This confirms your appointment and indicates your Certificate of Appointment has been sent to your County Clerk's office.
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Important: This approval triggers a time-sensitive next step at the County Clerk's office.
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Completing the Notary Commission: Oath, Bond, and Filing
Within a specific time frame after receiving SOS approval (typically 30 days, but confirmed with your County Clerk), you must finalize your commission at the County Clerk's Office in the county where your application was made.
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Obtain a $1,000 Surety Bond:
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All Kentucky notary applicants must obtain a four-year, $1,000 notary surety bond from an approved insurance company.
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Important: Since January 1, 2020, property owners cannot sign as surety; an insurance bond is mandatory. This bond protects the public.
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Appear at County Clerk's Office:
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Take the official oath of office before the County Clerk or an authorized deputy.
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Present your surety bond.
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The Certificate of Appointment (sent by SOS to the Clerk) and your original surety bond will be officially filed and recorded.
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Pay County Clerk Filing Fee:
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A $19.00 filing fee is required at the County Clerk's office. This covers:
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$10.00 for recording the bond.
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$4.00 for taking and preparing the bond.
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$5.00 for administering the oath.
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Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
Official Stamp/Seal Requirements:
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Traditional Notarial Acts (Paper): Optional. Since January 1, 2020, a physical seal/stamp is not strictly necessary.
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If used: Must be an inked embossed seal and include: Notary's Name, Title ("Notary Public"), Jurisdiction ("Commonwealth of Kentucky"), Commission Number, and Commission Expiration Date.
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Electronic/Online Notaries: Mandatory. A specific digital format of the seal is required.
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Recommendation: Using a seal for traditional acts is still widely considered best practice for clarity and acceptance, especially for documents going out of state.
Notary Journal/Record Book Requirements:
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Paper Notarial Acts: Not Required. A journal is not legally mandated for traditional paper notarizations but is highly recommended as a best practice for your protection.
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Electronic and Online Notaries: Mandatory. Must maintain one or more electronic journals for all electronic notarizations.
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For every Remote Online Notarization (RON), an audio-visual recording of the session must be created and retained for at least ten (10) years after the last electronic notarization chronicled in the journal.
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Commission Term and Expiration
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Term: A Kentucky Notary Public commission is valid for four (4) years.
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Expiration: You are forbidden from performing notarial acts after your commission expires without first renewing and receiving a new commission certificate.
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Responsibility: The Kentucky SOS does not send reminders when a commission is due to expire. Tracking your expiration date and initiating renewal is solely your responsibility.
Renewing a Kentucky Notary Public Commission
The renewal process generally mirrors the initial application.
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Timing: Reapply to the SOS within four weeks of your current commission expiration date.
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Application to SOS: Submit a new application form and the $10.00 fee to the Kentucky Secretary of State.
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County Clerk Finalization: Once the SOS approves the reapplication, you must again:
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Take a new oath of office at your County Clerk's office.
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Post a new $1,000 surety bond from an approved insurance company.
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Pay the $19.00 county filing fee.
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Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Kentucky
Kentucky permits RON, allowing notarizations for remotely located individuals via communication technology.
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Registration: Commissioned notaries must register with the SOS as an "Online Notary Public," identifying the specific technology they will use.
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Technology: Must allow simultaneous sight and sound communication.
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Identity Proofing: Notary must reasonably identify the individual by at least two (2) different types of identity-proofing processes or services (e.g., credential analysis of ID, knowledge-based authentication - KBA).
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Record-Keeping: Mandatory electronic journal and an audio-visual recording of each RON session (retained 10+ years).
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Notary & Signer Location:
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Notary must be physically located in Kentucky.
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Signer can be anywhere, provided the record is for filing/use with a U.S. court/governmental entity OR involves U.S. property/transaction, AND the act is not prohibited by the foreign state where the signer is.
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Certificate: Must indicate the act was performed by means of communication technology.
Changes to Commission Information (Name, Address, Status)
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Name Changes: Apply to SOS for a name change. A new notary certificate with the updated name will be issued (original expiration date remains). File this name change with your County Clerk's office ($19.00 fee).
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Address Changes: If changing county of residence or employment, notify SOS and likely the new County Clerk. Contact offices for specific procedures.
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Upgrading to Electronic/Remote Online Notary: Apply with SOS. Secure a $1,000 bond (if current one isn't sufficient or specifically for RON). File the upgrade with the County Clerk's office ($19.00 fee).
Official Kentucky Notary Public Resources and Contact Information
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Kentucky Secretary of State's Office:
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Website: www.sos.ky.gov (navigate to business services/notaries).
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Mailing Address (Notary Commissions): P.O. Box 821, Frankfort, KY 40602-0821.
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Phone: (502) 564-3490.
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Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS): KRS 423.300 to 423.455 (Kentucky Notary Public Act).
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County Clerk Offices: Local contact for oath, bond filing, and local procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the basic eligibility requirements to become a Kentucky Notary Public?
A: ≥18 years old, U.S. citizen/permanent legal resident, read/write English, KY resident or employed/practicing in KY county of application, and not disqualified by law (e.g., no unpardoned felony).
Q: How much does it cost to become a Kentucky Notary Public?
A: $10.00 SOS application fee, plus $19.00 County Clerk filing fee. The cost of the required $1,000 surety bond varies by provider (typically $40-$50).
Q: Is a notary bond required in Kentucky?
A: Yes, a four-year, $1,000 surety bond from an approved insurance company is mandatory.
Q: Do I need a notary seal or stamp in Kentucky?
A: Optional for traditional paper acts since Jan 1, 2020. If used, it must be an inked embossed seal with specific information (name, title, jurisdiction, commission #, expiration). Mandatory (digital format) for electronic/online notaries.
Q: Am I required to keep a notary journal or record book?
A: Not required for traditional paper acts (but highly recommended). Mandatory electronic journal (and 10-year audio-visual recording retention) for RON/electronic notarizations.
Q: How long is a Kentucky Notary Public commission valid?
A: Four (4) years.
Q: How do I renew my Kentucky Notary Public commission?
A: Reapply to SOS within 4 weeks of expiration ($10 fee). After SOS approval, take a new oath and file a new $1,000 bond at the County Clerk's office ($19 fee).
Q: Will the Secretary of State notify me when my commission is about to expire?
A: No, the Kentucky SOS does not send expiration reminders. Notaries are responsible for tracking their own expiration.
Q: Can I perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Kentucky?
A: Yes. Register with SOS, use approved technology, perform required ID proofing, and maintain an electronic journal and 10-year audio-visual recordings. Notary must be in KY.
Q: What should I do if I change my name after becoming a notary?
A: Apply to SOS for a name change (new certificate issued). Then, file the name change with your County Clerk's office ($19 fee).
Always rely on official Kentucky state and county resources for the most current information.